Paul Doolan
Paul Doolan is celebrated for his passion for history, his commitment to intellectual curiosity and independent thinking, and the profound influence he has had on students both inside and beyond the classroom
Through his passion for storytelling, intellectual curiosity, and genuine care for students, Paul inspired generations of learners to think deeply, question boldly, and engage meaningfully with the world.
Full Bio
Born and raised in Cork, Ireland, Paul left home at the age of 18 and spent five years traveling across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. He then studied History and Indian Philosophy at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, where he met his future wife, fellow ZIS teacher Esther de Vries. After gaining his master’s degree in History, Paul began his teaching career at the International Secondary School Eindhoven. Three years later, he and Esther moved to Japan, where he taught at the International School of the Sacred Heart. Ten years later, they moved to Zürich, where Paul taught History, Philosophy and Theory of Knowledge in the IB and European History and History of Art in the AP. Paul ran the school's Amnesty International youth club for two decades. Students from the club took part in the annual Global Issues Network conference in Luxembourg. Paul also led annual class trips to Paris for IB History students, Paris for AP Art History students, and Florence for AP European History students. Paul believes that curiosity and a hunger to learn can be stimulated both outside and inside the classroom.
In 2020, Paul was awarded a PhD in History at the University of Konstanz. A year later, his book Collective Memory and the Dutch East Indies: Unremembering Decolonization was published by Amsterdam University Press. He retired from ZIS in 2024. He now teaches Theory of Knowledge part-time but devotes most of his time to writing. Paul has three daughters who all graduated from ZIS.
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Once in a generation, a teacher comes into a school's orbit who transforms the community they inhabit. Paul Doolan is that teacher for ZIS. His impact on students, colleagues, and the learning environment has been profound. He's not just a teacher; he's a legend.
Paul always goes far beyond his duties as a teacher... He makes a human connection and sees all his students as wonderful, talented individuals. He is genuinely interested in their minds and what they want to achieve in life.
Mr. Doolan was an amazing teacher... He always came into class telling jokes and stories, making his classroom a safe and fun space to be in. He helped me realise my own interests... and allowed me to form my own critical opinions of the world.
He was able to get students interested in topics related to art and history, even if the students themselves were more focused on math and science. This takes an expert storyteller to capture attention. Paul has this skill in abundance.
His captivating storytelling transformed dry facts into vivid narratives... The IB History trip to Paris exemplified his commitment to experiential learning. That immersive approach instilled a deep understanding of history that remains with me today.