Meet Rae Lang, the forward-thinking Elementary School Principal of Stamford American School Hong Kong. Earlier in her career, Lang broke barriers, becoming the first female principal at a school in New Zealand. This pioneering achievement launched her trajectory as a senior leader in education. Lang brings extensive international education experience, having spent time refining her inclusive approach across schools worldwide before arriving in Hong Kong. At Stamford, Lang champions diversity, empathy, and global citizenship. She is preparing students to become compassionate changemakers by integrating multicultural perspectives into the curriculum. Lang continues to lead with an innovative spirit and commitment to shaping worldly, open-minded youth.

"One of my key learnings was the importance of voicing out, especially in male-dominated spaces. Be courageous, let your voice be heard, and remember, it's okay to lean in and speak up."

Making history

Rae Lang's journey from New Zealand to the international education arena is not just a tale of geographical movement but a narrative of breaking barriers and setting new precedents. After gaining valuable experience in London, Lang returned to her roots in New Zealand, where she embarked on a path that would redefine her career and impact the community deeply. She took on a principalship role at a school in New Zealand, making history as the first female and first Asian principal at that institution.

"Embrace courage and bravery because we are capable. Good leadership isn't gender-based; it's about going the extra mile, nurturing your team, being bold, taking risks, and making difficult decisions. These qualities are universal."

This pioneering achievement began her senior leadership career, setting a precedent for herself and future generations. Her tenure was characterized by an inclusive approach, focusing on academic excellence and the well-being of students and the broader community.

"I've observed a significant shift in leadership roles for women in education. Initially, women in principal or deputy roles were temporary. Now, there's a growing presence of women in these positions, reflecting a positive change in middle leadership."

Building a Global Classroom

At Stamford, Lang fosters an environment where cultural diversity is acknowledged and celebrated. She integrates global perspectives into the curriculum, ensuring students understand the world better. Her innovative methods include multicultural events, encouraging language diversity, and preparing students to become global citizens.

"There's a lovely balance that one must find," Lang says. "One of the most important aspects is being culturally responsive, which I see as distinct from being culturally tolerant. Being culturally tolerant means coexisting side by side, but being culturally responsive is about actively engaging with and representing the various cultures within our society."

She continues, "We value academics, but it's also about so much more. Embracing internationalism is about adopting a mindset that embraces diverse perspectives and considers the feelings of others. It's recognizing that our actions have an impact, not just within our immediate community but also globally."

Championing Diversity

Lang's leadership extends beyond academics. She propels inclusivity and empathy, creating a school culture where every child feels valued and understood. Her efforts in promoting diversity extend to staff recruitment, ensuring a rich tapestry of experiences and backgrounds to enrich the student's learning environment.

"I've definitely faced challenges and barriers," she reflects. "In my first role as head of school—a principal—I was the first female principal for that particular school. There was a bit of extra work, though I'm not sure it was 'extra,' as nurturing the team and the community is something I believe I would have done anyway."

Lang continues, "Through our curriculum, we aim to instill empathy in our students, helping them grow into empathetic people and global citizens. One aspect I'm particularly passionate about is the well-being of the children or students. With my background in elementary and early years education, I firmly believe that nurturing well-being should start from birth."

Connect, Inspire, Empower

Rae Lang's journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity in education. Her work at Stamford American School Hong Kong is shaping the minds of young learners, preparing them for a world that values cultural understanding and global connectedness. Her story is an inspiration to educators and leaders worldwide, proving that leading with heart and diversity can create a profound impact on future generations. "Lead with heart in everything you do. Whether delivering difficult news or making visionary decisions, how you convey your message matters. Approach each situation with empathy and understanding."