The Puzzle: Blog

When Senior Consultant Art Charles connected with Ken Fernandez over Zoom, the conversation was more than just an interview—it was a full-circle story of dedication, global experiences, and the kind of leadership that grows from humility and service. Ken, recently appointed as the Director of Rabat American School in Morocco, is no stranger to change. In fact, his past year alone included two major leadership appointments, including the founding headship of a new school in Singapore. When that institution was absorbed by its larger parent organization, Ken once again partnered with CS&A—this time returning to a school that helped shape his early international career.

As he reflected on his journey, Ken spoke candidly about the moments that shaped him, the mentors who believed in him, and the lessons he carries into every new role. Ken’s path into education began with family and gratitude. As the grandson of Cuban immigrants, he knew the value of language and access.

“I started as a literacy volunteer teaching ESOL to adults in the Rochester, NY area,” he shared. “It was my way of giving back because my grandparents had benefited from that same program.”

That initial step turned into a nine-year commitment, during which Ken earned a master's degree from the University of Rochester and joined the Rochester public school system. There, he taught Kindergarten and ESL in a team setting, working with 54 students from diverse backgrounds—an early preview of the global path ahead.

Inspired by Mentors, Guided by Compassion

Leadership wasn’t a career goal Ken pursued immediately. Instead, it was something that found him through the examples set by others.

“I worked with some remarkable leaders who not only modeled compassion and community but also gave me opportunities to step up,” he said.

Those opportunities ranged from accreditation team work to serving as a faculty representative on a superintendent search committee. They planted the seeds of leadership, and Ken credits those mentors with inspiring his shift in focus.

A Global Journey of Growth

Ken’s first international post was at Graded School of São Paulo, where he worked under David Tully and later Page Geiger. Though his time there was brief, it left a lasting impact. He returned to the U.S. for two years, then took a position at Rabat American School in 2002, working under the leadership of Dave Randall—a role that deepened both his international experience and his leadership aspirations. But how does someone move from classroom teacher to head of school? According to Ken, it starts by simply raising your hand.

“At the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, I took on mid-level responsibilities—budget planning, faculty liaison work, note-taking at meetings,” he said. “That eventually led me to the Principals Training Center and a second master’s degree from Lehigh.”

Through those connections, and his involvement with the NESA network, Ken transitioned to an assistant principal role—one step at a time, each grounded in service and collaboration.

Adaptability in Times of Crisis

Ken’s calm demeanor under pressure has been tested more than once. While serving as elementary principal at Colegio Maya, the interim director stepped down mid-pandemic—and Ken was asked to step into the top job until year’s end.

“It was a challenging time,” he recalled. “People were scared, uncertain. I had to be both adaptable and empathetic.”

A few years earlier, as principal at Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Ken was once again thrust into crisis leadership when an earthquake struck Nepal.

“In moments of trauma, you have to understand where people are emotionally. It’s about presence more than solutions.”

Lessons in Leadership and Self-Awareness

When asked what leadership has taught him about himself, Ken paused thoughtfully.

“I’ve learned I need to take a beat—reflect, consider all sides—before making a decision. That’s something I’ve had to learn the hard way.”

Despite the intensity of school leadership, Ken makes time to recharge. Cycling is his favorite way to clear his head, and he finds peace in gardening. Travel is also a shared passion with his wife—but even a staycation, he says, can be just as restorative.

Mottos to Lead By

Ken signs his emails with a three-word philosophy: Learn. Connect. Engage. It’s more than a tagline—it’s the lens through which he leads.

“I believe that in order to learn, you have to make connections. To connect, you have to engage. And to engage, you have to be willing to learn. It’s all part of the same loop.”

He also keeps Mandela’s words close: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

For those considering their own journey into leadership, Ken offers simple but powerful advice:

“Connect. Don’t be shy. Reach out to other leaders. Seek mentorship. And most of all—believe in yourself.”

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