Kailua, Hawaii, United States
The core focus of my work in schools is the holistic development of young people, both as maturing human beings and in their academic studies. I have had more than 20 years of experience as school leader and teacher, including roles as a Head of English, followed by positions in senior leadership. My most important roles as a leader, and my areas of greatest skill, are in curriculum planning and in staff development, as well as socio-emotional support of students. I take a collaborative approach to leadership, and have proven myself able to lead teams to effectively develop and complete long-term projects that support the school's mission. Some of my successes as a school leader have included developing the foundations for the written and taught curriculum in my last school, including the embedding of the International Baccalaureate's "approaches to teaching and learning" across the high school. In addition to this, I developed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program from the second year of that school's existence, leading the visiting inspection team from the International Baccalaureate during the five-year evaluation visit to credit the school with a large number of commendations in its final report. I have led a number of training sessions for smaller teams as well as for whole school professional development. The most important objective for me in all that I do professionally, however, is to impact on the well being, development and learning for the young people for whom I am responsible. They are always my most important stakeholders, and the motivation for everything that I do.
Leading all aspects of academic program across 9th to 12th grade, including coordination and development of the IB Diploma Program, supervising, observing and coaching teachers and leading professional development sessions. Working collaboratively with other Deans and fellow members of the Educational Leadership Team to deliver a continuously improving, high-quality academic program aligned with the school’s mission and philosophy.
Leading student-centered lessons for 9th and 12th grade students in a highly successful and well-established college preparatory school. Creating compelling lesson plans that challenge the students and drive positive and successful academic and socio-emotional learning experiences. Building strong relationships with students, parents, and other faculty to ensure the best possible results. Supporting the work of student-led community service sub-committee.
Spearheaded daily logistics and long-term development for all aspects of curriculum and assessment for high school division for students aged 11 to 18. Created and implemented effective curricula through collaborative approaches in order to deliver the best experience possible for students, while helping to drive exceptional overall school results. Led a team of 10 Heads of Department, providing hands on coaching to develop their collaborative team practices and leadership skills. Organized and facilitated training and induction sessions for teachers using interactive approaches for long-term impact on classroom practices. Improved the efficacy of student-led conferences to guide impactful metacognitive learning for students and involve parents more directly in that learning. Led school's self-evaluation project over a period of 18 months, liaising across numerous stakeholders in the school in preparation for its first five-year evaluation by the International Baccalaureate Organization, leading to multiple accolades for the school in the final report from the IBO. Continued as IBDP Coordinator in this new role to lead successful development of the IB Diploma Program. Partnered with the elementary school to prepare a cohesive Teaching and Learning policy that supported the school's mission and values. Initiated plan for training opportunities for the Leader of Teaching and Learning and teachers in inquiry-based and concept-based approaches, ensuring focuses in curriculum development could be matched by teachers' pedagogical skills.
Successfully developed and led International Baccalaureate Diploma Program from second year of school's operation. Arranged and orchestrated training on best practices for teaching and learning and Theory of Knowledge across the school. Facilitated opportunities for teachers to share best practice, through leading training sessions in their areas of expertise for high school faculty. Oversaw a team of advisors, managing initiatives to ensure effective pastoral support for and welfare of students in Years 12 and 13. Created and delivered assemblies that supported and embedded the school’s ethos and mission. Supervised the Creativity Activity Service (CAS) Coordinator, enabling successful and impactful opportunities for students’ character development. Improved the efficacy of the Extended Essay curriculum, ensuring IBDP students developed research skills and self-directed learning skills. Coordinated and contributed to the development and delivery of Theory of Knowledge, a critical thinking skills course. Designed and executed examination procedures that ensured consistent practice and protected security of outcomes. Organized and managed the first three graduation ceremonies for the school, establishing unique traditions that drove pride and school spirit. Served as the line manager for a college counseling program that enabled students to gain places in top universities around the world. Held the role of the University and Careers Counsellor for six months during staff absence.
Partnered with the IBDP Coordinator to lead and develop the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Oversaw team of 16 advisors to deliver high-level pastoral care for junior and senior students, building positive relationships with the students to better understand how to support their needs and goals. Coordinated the arrangements for internal examinations and maintained consistent practices across all tests. Guided the analysis of IBDP examination results and planning for improvements based on those results with Heads of Department, alongside the Assistant Deputy Head of International Curriculum. Collaborated with other staff to manage admissions decisions, interviewing students and preparing and evaluating admissions tests to determine the best students for the school.
Led a team of 10 English teachers in international curricula at the highest performing school in India. Oversaw and led the planning, teaching and assessment of three International Baccalaureate Diploma Program English subjects (Literature, Language and Literature and Literature and Performance), as well as that of IGCSE English Language and English Literature. Guided the professional development of teachers in the department, facilitating collaboration, giving feedback on observations and learning walks, and sourcing opportunities for external training. Directed the Part B vertical English committee as part of school achieving Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation. Collaborated with the Academic Director to evaluate and improve the teacher appraisal policy, placing a clear focus on staff development.
Implemented effective strategies to improve the consistency of curriculum provision and assessment practices across the English department. Supervised six English teachers, providing coaching where needed to ensure best practices were deployed in each classroom. Introduced and coordinated the first three years of IB Diploma Program English in the school. Led a peer training group on inquiry-based learning, sourcing and participating in a course with Harvard Wide World on Leading for Understanding with the school's senior management team. Pioneered teaching of mindfulness in the school's Enhanced Learning Programme. Led working party to write gifted and talented policy as well as co-wrote the teaching and learning policy, to drive consistency and cohesion across the school.