Leadership Message

I am pleased to welcome you to the American International School in Cyprus, located in the heart of the Cypriot capital, Nicosia. It is an honor for me to serve as the School Director. For the past 20 years I have worked as the Director of international schools in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Cairo. Prior to that, I served as Principal at 3 different schools in Toronto, Canada. From these experiences, I have acquired a deep understanding of what good schools look like.  

The research is clear about the characteristics of successful schools. One of the key aspects is that curriculum, instruction and assessment are all aligned with standards and that a pattern of frequent monitoring of teaching and learning has been established. We also know that successful schools have developed a clear and shared focus, impose high expectations on community members, and enjoy a strong sense of community. 

Our goal at AISC is to deliver an exemplary program that is characterized by its rigor, holistic approach and inspirational nature. We are committed to building a learning community where care and respect for one another is of paramount importance. Our academic program, rooted in American curriculum standards and best-practice international frameworks, challenges students and meets their diverse needs so that they are fully prepared for the university of their choice. 

Education is a sacred trust. I can think of no other occupation or profession which relies more on commitment, professionalism, and a spirit of caregiving from its faculty to assure the success of the institution. I assure you that we are up to the challenge of ensuring that AISC remains an exemplary school. 

I invite you to spend time on this website to learn more about our school. Please stay connected for updates regarding school and program developments. Please also feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns or if you want additional information regarding the school.  

Thank you for your interest in AISC! 

About John

John Jalsevac grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Geography from York University, a BEd from the University of Toronto, and an MSc in Education (Administration and Supervision) from Niagara University in New York State. John has over 40 years of experience in education, both as a teacher and administrator. He previously served as Director at the American International School in Egypt (West Campus), part of the ESOL Education network. Before that, John was the founding Director at American School Hong Kong, also an ESOL Education school, and the founding Head of School at Bromsgrove School Mission Hills.

About Amy

Amy Clerides, a U.S. citizen born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a middle school teacher in both public and private schools across Wisconsin, Connecticut, and at AISC for 22 years before becoming AISC’s Principal in 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1991), a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University (1998), and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania (2015).

Amy is a certified trainer in Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction and has led workshops, helping to implement a student-led conference model using portfolios in several schools. Additionally, she has served on multiple accreditation teams for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).