CV

Reggio inspired PYP teacher with over twenty years experience in international schools in Europe, Middle East and Asia. Using technology to support children’s inquiry. Involving parents in children’s learning. Early Childhood Coordinator. PYP coordinator. Literacy Coordinator. Student Council. ES school Camping Club. International Award.

TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE:
Yokohama International School, Japan                                    Aug 2009 – Present
Kindergarten teacher, Literacy coordinator

The International School of Azerbaijan                                       Aug 2007 – June 2009
ELC coordinator

Pechersk School International, Ukraine                                     Aug 2004 – June 2007
PYP coordinator, Grade 4 teacher

United Nations International School Hanoi, Vietnam                 Aug 2002 – June 2004
ECE coordinator

British International School Cairo, Egypt                                    Aug 1998 – June 2002
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 coordinator

Berlin Brandenburg International School, Germany                   Aug 1994 – June 1998
Grade 2 teacher, Language coordinator

St John’s Primary School, England                                            Sep 1993 – June 1994
Head of Nursery

Kuwait English School, Kuwait                                                   Aug 1991 – June 1993 Reception Teacher

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Student Council:
I believe that a Student Council contributes towards a positive school climate by giving students a voice and involving them in decision making at an appropriate level. Student Council is a powerful way of developing a sense of citizenship, community and responsibility. I have set up and run Elementary School Student Councils in two schools. You can see more about our student council here.

ES Camping Club and MS/HS International Award:
Children seem to have fewer and fewer opportunities to get outdoors and interact with nature. I have initiated and run Elementary School Camping Clubs at three schools in an effort to give children opportunities to experience the wonder of living in nature even if just for a night or two.  You can see more about the Elementary School Camping Club here.

Literacy Coordinator:
I have held the role of literacy or language coordinator in three schools. Working closely with EAL departments I have introduced the First Steps writing resources, conducted teacher training and supported teachers in their use of the resourcs. I have chaired language committees to write and review whole school language policies, and have led curriculum development with particular regard to reading, writing and spelling.  You can find our literacy wiki here.

PYP Workshop Leader:
As a PYP workshop leader and in my role as PYP coordinator I have contributed to curriculum development and staff training in each school I have been at.  I have run information sessions and workshops for parents and have chaired committees for IB and ECIS self study and evaluation visits.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Integrating Technology and Web 2.0 Tools:
  • Weekend workshops with visiting presenters including Alan November,  Julie Lindsay, Chris Betcher, Kim Cofino,  Andrew Churches on Networked Educators, Flat Classrooms,Web 2.0 Tools, Digital Citizenship, Blooms Digital Taxonomy
  • In-school peer coaching and regional Job-Alikes
  • Ongoing on-line PLN through Twitter,  PYP Threads,  global chats and forums
Language and Literacy:
  • Weekend workshops with visiting presenters including Kathy Short, Kath Murdoch, Kerry Handly, and Maggie Moon on Reading and Writing Through Inquiry,  Writers’ Workshop,  Digital Story telling,  First Steps,  ESL in the Mainstream
  • Regional Job-Alikes as Literacy Coordinator, ongoing in-school professional development as co-chair of literacy committee.
Early Childhood:
  • Weekend workshops on a Reggio Emilia perspective with visiting presenters including Tina Bruce, Jan Millikan and Lella Gandini
  • Regional Job-Alikes, on-going in-school peer coaching and discussion on implementation of the principals of practice at the schools in Reggio Emilia.
  • Strong on-line PLN through #Kinderchat and #ECEchat
Other:
  • Mathematics and inquiry weekend workshops with visiting presenters Michael Ymer  and Ellen Asquith 
  • Assessment for Learning,  Multiple Intelligences and Assessment,  Authentic Assessment and Digital Media
  • Nine level 2 and 3 PYP workshops over the last ten years

You can find a more detailed list of the workshops here.
For more information contact Search Associates.