Publications

Curriculum Vitae

Experienced educational leader with a strong background in concept-based inquiry and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). A proven track record in various roles including class teacher, curriculum coordinator, and administrator, leading to extensive knowledge of IB standards and practices. Successfully navigated the initial implementation, authorization, and evaluation processes of the PYP while contributing to the development of school policies and curriculum.

International School of Busan, South Korea, 2022 - present

Elementary Assistant Principal & PYP Coordinator

In my role as PYP Coordinator and as a member of the Educational Leadership Team, I collaborate closely with fellow IB coordinators and school principals to ensure cohesive vertical articulation of the curriculum in alignment with our overarching school goals. As a pedagogical leader, I engage with Elementary School teachers to facilitate the development of our concept-based, inquiry-driven programme. Together, we co-create relevant and challenging units of inquiry that encourage students to make connections and take meaningful action.

Key Accomplishments:

Development of a collaborative planning process to enhance concept-based inquiry and strengthen our transdisciplinary approach
Creation of a unit planner to support teachers in the development of transdisciplinary PYP units of inquiry, using guiding questions to ensure all elements of the PYP are considered and evidenced
Facilitated an inquiry into our own practice, resulting in the publication of our Essential Learning and Teaching Agreements in the Elementary School
Initiated and led the pilot of a new mathematics curriculum, Concept-Based Inquiry in Mathematics
Led our school’s participation in the pilot of the IB Learning ProgressionsIn collaboration with the ELT, facilitated the self-study process for the synchronised CIS and IB Evaluation Process
Presented at the IB Global Conference in Daegu, South Korea, sharing how we leverage AI in our collaborative planning process
Designed and facilitated the development of a data visualisation dashboard to support data driven decision making

International School of Geneva, Campus des Nations, 2013 - 2022

Technology for Learning Coordinator

Facilitated the introduction of 1:1 programme in the Primary school, Years 2-6
In collaboration with teachers, facilitated the integration of appropriate technologies to to support and enhance learning and teaching from Reception -Year 6
Initiated and managed the shift from a traditional computer lab model to a makerspace with a flexible booking schedule
Creation of a website to support students, teachers and parents
Managed the shift to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in collaboration with the leadership team

Canadian International School of Hong Kong, 2010 - 2013

PYP Teacher and Grade Level Team Leader

Facilitated the implementation and development of the PYP in collaboration with the Elementary Leadership Team

Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, 2005 - 2010

Various roles: PYP Teacher, Deputy Head of Junior School, Dean of Studies

In collaboration with the school leadership team, prepared for a successful PYP authorization, and later the school’s first PYP Evaluation visit
As Dean of Studies, managed the professional development budget and introduced a policy to align PD with faculty’s profession goals and the school’s strategic plan
Oversaw the authorization process of the MYP
Facilitated the introduction of a Dual Language Programme for the Junior School, Kiswahili and English

St. John’s Ravenscourt, Winnipeg, Canada 2003-2005

Teacher and Team Leader

Introduced inquiry learning and teaching strategies to facilitate a shift from a traditional skills based approach to a more conceptual approach

Balmoral Hall School, Winnipeg, Canada 1990 - 2003

Teacher and Team Leader

As a member of the pedagogical leadership team, implemented the introduction of the PYP programme, collaboratively creating our first units of inquiry as we began our authoraization journey

Frontier School Division, Crane River, Canada 1986-1990

Teacher

Worked in a remote northern community in my first teaching position.
Responsible for the homeroom duties of a multi-grade classroom, Kindergarten - Grade 2

Education

Master of Arts of Education (International) with Distinction

Durham University, United Kingdom 2017-2020

Thesis: More Than international-mindedness: How does a PYP school nurture critical global citizens?

Bachelor of Education, Dean's Honour List

University of Manitoba, Canada

1982 - 1986

Additional Credentials

Certified Concept-Based Curriculum & Instruction Trainer, Erickson & Lanning Institute, 2024
PYP Programme Leader, 2024
CIS Accreditation Evaluator, 2023
Instructional Leadership Certificate, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2023
SENIA Level 1 Certificate, 2022
Google Certified Educator, 2018
Apple Distinguished Educator, 2012
PYP Workshop Leader, 2011

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Workshop Participant

IB Regional Workshops, Brussels

Building for the Future, 2019

…her inclusive approach…made me open to trying to learn as much as I could during the workshop.

Monique Conn
Former Academic Director,
Aga Khan Academies

...she had had a key role in establishing clear policies and effective processes for school improvement…

Pauline Doolette-Cox

Former PYP Coordinator,
Canadian Intl. School of Hong Kong

...I consider her to be an outstanding educator and leader and a highly committed professional.

Justin Harte

Assistant Principal

International School of Geneva

Jennifer is an exceptionally knowledgeable PYP teacher who has a passion for pedagogy.