Andrew Nelson

Head of School | International Education Leader | IB & IGCSE Programmes | Apple Distinguished Educator | Google Certified Trainer | 30+ Years in Education Innovation

Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

About

I am an international school leader with 28+ years of experience in education, serving in leadership roles across India and Southeast Asia in residential, international, and technology-driven schools. My career journey spans roles as Principal, Head of School, curriculum leader, and education consultant, with a strong focus on school improvement, strategic leadership, and innovative teaching and learning practices. Currently serving as Principal, I lead the academic and operational development of a secondary school offering IGCSE, IB, and national curriculum pathways, with an emphasis on academic excellence, character formation, and future-ready learning. Over the years, I have led initiatives in: • School transformation and culture building • Curriculum leadership across Cambridge, IB, ICSE, and CBSE frameworks • Digital learning and educational innovation • Teacher development and instructional leadership • Building strong partnerships with parents and the wider school community I am proud to be an Apple Distinguished Educator (Class of 2015) and a Google Certified Trainer, and have worked extensively with schools to design and implement digital learning strategies, technology integration, and future-ready curriculum models. Earlier in my career, I served as Digital Studies & Robotics Curriculum Coordinator in Jakarta and Principal of an international school in Bali, experiences that strengthened my commitment to developing globally minded schools that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and character. My professional journey includes 13 years in residential schools and more than a decade in international schools, giving me a deep appreciation for diverse educational environments and student needs. At the heart of my work is a belief in relational learning — connecting knowledge with real-world experiences so that education becomes meaningful, engaging, and transformative for students. I remain passionate about building strong school communities, empowering teachers, and creating learning environments where students thrive academically, socially, and personally. I am open to conversations around international school leadership, Head of School, and Director-level opportunities globally.

Experience

  • Education & Edtech Consultant at Freelance
    2013 - Present · 13 yrs 7 mos

    International Schools | 2013 – Present Provide strategic consulting and digital learning transformation for leading international and private schools across Asia and the Middle East. Selected Institutions: > Birla World School, Oman > Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal > Ascend International School, Mumbai > Sancta Maria International School, Hyderabad > PVM School, Tirunelvelli > Campus K, Chennai > Billabong High, Jabalpur EdTech Consultant & Cambridge Advisor > SS Academy EdTech Consultant & Technology Coach Key Contributions • Designed school-wide digital learning strategies and technology integration plans • Led teacher professional development programs on innovative pedagogy and technology integration • Supported schools in becoming Google for Education campuses • Guided implementation of Apple ecosystems and 1:1 iPad learning environments • Advised leadership teams on future-ready learning and digital transformation • Prepared teachers to become Google Certified Educators

  • Founder and Leader at Google Educator Group Chennai
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 7 mos

    Founded and led a thriving Google Educator community, empowering educators to transform learning through technology. Impact • Built a network of educators focused on digital pedagogy and innovation • Organized workshops, meetups, and professional learning events • Promoted Google for Education tools and digital teaching practices

  • Principal at Cita Hati Christian School
    Jan 2024 - Jun 2026 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Provide strategic and operational leadership for CH Christian Secondary School, guiding the school’s academic vision and growth across IGCSE, IB, and national curriculum frameworks. Key Leadership Impact • Lead school strategy, academic excellence, and culture development aligned with the school’s Christian mission and values • Strengthen teaching and learning through improved curriculum design, instructional practice, and assessment systems • Foster a collaborative professional culture focused on student wellbeing, character formation, and global competencies • Develop strong partnerships with staff, parents, and community stakeholders to support student success • Champion teacher professional development and leadership capacity building • Ensure compliance with international accreditation and quality standards while positioning the school for future growth

  • Head of School at Cambridge School
    Mar 2023 - Nov 2023 · 9 mos

    Provided executive leadership for a K-12 Cambridge curriculum school, strengthening academic systems and school culture. Key Contributions • Led school-wide strategic planning and academic leadership • Strengthened curriculum alignment and teaching quality • Promoted a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student-centred learning

  • Principal Advisor at RKG School
    Feb 2021 - Mar 2023 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Strategic advisor to school leadership on school improvement and technology integration. Key Contributions • Guided leadership on school strategy and operational improvements • Led initiatives to transform the school into a Google for Education campus • Supported teacher recruitment, professional development, and technology adoption • Strengthened school visibility and branding within the community