Julie Villers has been working in education since 1999, first as an Early Years educator, teaching students from Preschool to Kindergarten, then as an Elementary School leader.
Originally from France, she moved abroad in 2000 to work at a French school in California, USA, where she met her husband James, a California native, who was an English teacher and is now a school counselor. In 2003,they decided to go work in International Schools overseas to expand their horizons, learn from different cultures and perspectives, meet teachers from different countries, and give their children unique, enriching opportunities. This adventure has taken them to Shanghai, China; Singapore; Dubai, UAE; Sumatra Island, Indonesia; Moscow, Russia; Skopje, North Macedonia; and Sofia, Bulgaria.
After obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and then the certificate for International School Leadership from the Principals’ Training Center, Julie moved first into a position as an Associate Principal, and then became a Principal.

How did your journey in education begin? What initially sparked your interest in the field?

Both my parents were Middle School PE teachers so I have always been around the world of education. I also have a brother 13 years younger and while taking care of him and taking him to school I became interested in Elementary Education. I went to observe his class and really enjoyed what I saw, which lead me to pursue a teaching certificate.

Which international schools have you worked at before?

I started in a French International School in Palo Alto, California, USA teaching Kindergarten in French. After meeting James, we went to Shanghai, China where I taught Pre-K at SCIS (Shanghai Community International School). After two years, we moved to Singapore American School where I taught Pre-school and Pre-K for four years. James changed his career to counselor and we moved to Dubai American Academy for two years where I taught Kindergarten and started my leadership career as a team leader. After Dubai, we moved to Indonesia, on the Island of Sumatra to work in a Chevron oil camp school called Independent Schools Riau. After 5 years there, we moved to the CEESA school Anglo-American School of Moscow-Russia where we stayed 6 years until we had to move out of Russia. I had become a principal by that time. Then we arrived at NOVA, another CEESA school in Skopje-North Macedonia before coming to AAS Sofia.

If you weren’t in education, what other career could you see yourself pursuing, and why?

I studied History in university and would have loved to become a paleontologist.
I also could have seen myself selling hats in a shop!

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working with students?

I have learned that you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously because even if you make a mistake, there is always a tomorrow to try again. I also realized that you need to be honest with children, ask them questions and take the time to listen to their answers, if you want their respect.

What made you choose AAS Sofia for the next step in your career?

Since I first visited the campus in 2017 for the CEESA conference, I have been impressed by the school. I had spent a day in the Early Childhood center and loved their approach to teaching. Hosting Wolves’ teams in Moscow for tournaments, I could see how caring and supportive students were of each other. We were looking for the best fit for our entire family and AAS Sofia fit all the boxes for us: a great High School for our son Felix, a caring staff community for both James and I to work with, and an opportunity for me to continue my leadership career. We have loved being part of the CEESA schools and wanted to continue our journey in Europe.

How are you finding your experience in Bulgaria so far, both personally and professionally?

It has been really busy so far! Lots of newness! But everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, which makes the transition easier. We have not yet been out to explore Sofia but my parents are coming in two weeks and we will discover with them. Professionally, it has met all our expectations so far and more. The students are the best part of the experience without a doubt. It was my birthday this week and so many children gave me cards or wishes, which is so caring and thoughtful.

If you were to have to promote AAS and Sofia to a new family, what would be the things that you would emphasize most?

I would definitely say the caring and welcoming community. I would also say the campus.

A Principal’s job spans way beyond working hours. In the moments when you can relax, what brings you the most joy? Do you have any hobbies or interests?

I love going on walks as a family with our dog. I love cooking and hosting friends for dinner. I read. I like to exercise by taking fitness classes. I used to be a fencer and want to start again here in Sofia if I can.

Tell us three things about Ms. Villers that probably no one around would know.

I was a circus artist and teacher during most summers before starting my teaching career.

I was ranked in the top 40 fencers in France one year and competed against olympic champion Laura Flessel!

I am very clumsy.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Believe in yourself and do not put limits on what you can achieve, whatever people tell you. With hard work and dedication, you can do great things.