Coaches

Beirut, Lebanon

Ghina is a PHD candidate in educational technology at the University of Saint Joseph, with a Masters in education, TEFL, from the American University of Beirut. She worked as the Principal of Makassed Khalil Shehab Primary School for six years and is now the Principal of Makassed Ali Bin Ani Taleb College. She has also worked as an English coordinator for eight years and is a trainee at the British Council on integrating technology and teaching (ICT). Ghina has conducted several workshops in Lebanon, Arab countries, and USA related to TEFL and ICT.

Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Dr. Ginger L. Blackmon began her teaching career in 1993 at an intercity school in San Diego, California. Moving in 1999 from the classroom into school administration, Dr. Blackmon has served as a principal at all levels (Elementary, Middle and High School). Additionally, she has experience leading schools in rural, suburban and urban settings ranging from traditional education systems to magnet programs and charter schools. Dr. Blackmon began her tenure as principal at Highland Tech Charter School in Anchorage, Alaska in July 2009. Highland Tech was among the schools named in the 2011 class of Mentor Schools in Microsoft’s Partners in Learning program. In addition to her responsibilities as Principal at Highland Tech, Dr. Blackmon coaches and mentors other educational leaders as they lead second order change initiatives in their district and at their schools. Dr. Blackmon earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis in teaching from San Diego State University. When invited to participate in an administrative training program, she earned a Master’s in Education from San Diego State University and went on to pursue a Doctorate from the University of San Diego in Leadership Studies. Findings from her doctoral research fuel her passion to build strong educational systems through mentoring programs that support the success of adults and children in the life-long process of learning.

Kaupanger, Norway

Eva is the founder of Eva Bratvold Consultancy where she works with digital literacy, change management and the use of technology in schools. Her blog is focused on these topics and is visited by 300 to 500 visitors every day with a Twitter following of over 2,000 teachers. Eva has studied IT as information systems at Høgskolen i Sør-Trøndelag (Sør-Trøndelag University College) and Change Management at Høgskulen i Sogn og Fjordane (Sogn og Fjordane University College). Together with Drammen kommune (municipality) she has developed two portals; iktplan.no and digitaldommekraft.no – both portals are now part of the national strategy for Senter for IKT I utdanningen (The Norwegian Centre for ICT in Education).

Bloemfontein, South Africa

Paul Cassar has been the principal of one of South Africa’s top state boarding schools for the last 27 years. Very much a ‘hands on’ head, Paul’s passion is working with principals in facing his country’s major educational challenges. Eunice Girls’ High School, a World Tour School, was a Pathfinder School in 2009 and a Mentor School in 2011 and 2012.

Varsity Lakes, Australia

Jeff is currently the Executive Principal of Varsity College on the Gold Coast Australia, a highly complex public school from Prep to year 12. This school under Jeff’s leadership is now recognised as one of the leading schools in Queensland and Internationally, recently ranking 4th in Queensland in an article by the Courier Mail and continuing to improve in all areas with a growing enrolment approaching 3200 students. Varsity College is recognised as a World leader in digital education, via selection to the elite Microsoft World Showcase School status. The school’s results are consistently above State, National and Like School measures and are continuing to improve. Jeff has developed a complete Chinese Immersion program, including the establishment of Sister School relationships in China with regular biennial visits. Formerly Jeff has led the Elisabeth Murdoch College (EMC) in Victoria, a school that was transformed from an underperforming low socio economic school, to the school of choice in the Frankston corridor of Melbourne, managing the school as a “School of the Future”.

London, United Kingdom

Gavin is widely experienced in technology and learning, from classroom practice to developing and implementing national e-learning and technology policy. He has over 20 years' education experience, working in schools, colleges and universities, in government and with industry. As International Strategy Consultant to Becta, Gavin led the development of the Ministerial Programme for the Learning and Technology World Forum; as Associate Director of the Innovation Unit he led the contribution of technology to Next Practice projects; and as a Fellow of Education Impact he has provided advice to international corporations and organisations. He has also worked with the OECD to research and report on innovative use of digital learning resources in the Nordic countries. Recent products of Gavin's work include contributions to Azerbaijan's ICT in Education Conference, HP's review of social innovation in Education, the programme for the Education World Forum, a Becta report addressing the use of Networks and Communities of Practice, and Malta's e-learning strategy. He brings with him enthusiasm and passion for providing the benefits of learning and the potential of technology to all.

Seattle, Washington, United States

Mrs. Simmi Kher is a very inspiring educational leader with a vision and purpose and a person truly dedicated to her profession. She has a Bachelors degree in Engineering, Bachelors in Education and Masters in Computer Applications. She has experience in teaching, teacher training, teacher recruitment and curriculum development; program design and pedagogy. Having been a school Principal herself, as well having worked with schools around the world Mrs. Kher understands the school systems thoroughly. She is a multi-talented educator, who has great contribution in the field of Information Technology, International Understanding, Multicultural dialogues, Inter-faith and Peace education. She has been regularly writing columns for journals of international repute. During her career, she has received several prestigious awards to name a few, Vidyashree Excellence Award for excellence in Education, Digital Learning Power School Award, Mondilogo School Contest, Global Challenge Environmental award, etc. both at International and National levels. She has been associated with different projects with internationally reputed organizations such as Microsoft, NCERT (National Council of Education Research and Training), INTEL, UNESCO, Tony Blair Faith Foundation and British Council etc. Simmi has been part of the Consultation group for UNESCO ICT Competency framework for teachers 2011.

Derry, Northern Ireland

Since 1996 Lena has been Vice Principal of St Mary's College, Derry, Northern Ireland. In 1992 she was selected to appear on the BBC programme "8 of the Best teachers in UK". She was a founding member of Foyle Schools and Employer Connections and I am a member of the Board of the Foyle Learning community - a group of 16 Secondary schools working together collaboratively post 16. Lena has made numerous presentations to the Inspectorate, government officials and principals on the need to expand our digital environments for all pupils. Her school has won numerous awards for its curriculum, spirit of innovation and passion for innovation. These awards include the European Quality Award for Public Service.

Oulu, Finland

Sofia, Bulgaria

Desislava works as an elementary school teacher and as a manager of innovation in 137 secondary schools in Sofia, Bulgaria. She participated in the creation of electronic books in Bulgaria and trains teachers how to use technology in the classroom. Her professional interests are focused on using technology to engage all students in the classroom and works closely with Kinect, Kudu, software such as Mouse Mischief. Desislava consistently tests innovative technologies and what their impact is on students and teachers. She moderates several professional groups on Facebook, one of the leaders of primary school teachers in Bulgaria. She is a member in a community of 15 Bulgarian innovative teachers, formed by Bulgarian Ministry of Education.

Hobart, Australia

David Hamlett’s career spans over 40 years. Beginning as a teacher of Mathematics and Science in 1974 he has worked in rural and urban schools in both Australia and Canada, holding a variety of senior positions. As Principal of Taroona High School (a Mentor School 2010/11) he was awarded the prestigious “Australian Secondary Principal of the Year” in 2011. In his last four schools he has worked intensively with teachers and school communities to build their capacity to focus on the need for clear strategic intent if schools are to move beyond the rhetoric of continuous improvement to sustainable long term improvement in student learning outcomes. In 2007 he formed a ‘coalition’ of schools to develop a school improvement model, including the strategic implementation of a 1:1 program across all schools. His recent association with the Australian Institute for School Leadership and Teaching saw him undertake an extensive research project into the role of social capital in building school capacity. He currently moderates the Partners in Learning Hot Topics Blog focusing on professional learning communities and the importance of collaborative practice.

West Beach, Australia

Mark is currently the Associate Director, Professional Learning of Principals Australia Institute. Mark leads work on the design and delivery of contemporary leadership learning across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Mark’s expertise is around 21st century learning design supported by innovative use of technology. Mark is an experienced educator and school Principal. He was principal of Kadina Primary School, the largest regional school in York Peninsula, South Australia, Rapid Bay Primary and Victor Harbor R7 School. Mark’s leadership has resulted in his schools developing as high performing sites of recognised innovation. Mark has held numerous leadership positions within the education system in Australia including District eLeader, National Professional Development Coordinator, National Values Education lead, Principal, Deputy Principal, ICT specialist and active member of numerous leadership teams and initiatives.

Moscow, Russia

Elena has worked as an ICT teacher and department head since 1990, and is currently the Vice Principal and Head of the ICT Department of High School “Tsaritsyno” in Moscow, Russia. Tsaritsyno was previously a Mentor School and is now a World Showcase School. Elena is also Principal of the Institute of the Development of state, public management in Education. Elena holds diplomas in Mathematics and Psychology from Moscow State University, and Laureate of the RF President Award in the field of education. Elena has published over 60 articles on current issues of education, school management. She is the expert of international and Russian projects and programs.