Michele Smith

Compassionate and results-driven senior education professional with over two decades of proven success in teaching, leading teams, and raising academic standards. Recognised for motivating staff, driving strategic direction, and fostering inclusive, high-performing learning environments. Confident in challenging and inspiring both students and colleagues, with a strong commitment to equity, wellbeing, and continuous professional growth. Now seeking to empower and uplift teams through visionary leadership and a relentless focus on excellence in education.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS SCHOOL, SAUDI ARABIA

Department Chair History/IBDP History Teacher 

August 2021 - Current

IB Diploma Programme educator, TOK teacher, and Head of Humanities with extensive experience

leading a teams. Skilled in curriculum development, including culturally responsive planning for senior

History, and fostering critical thinking through TOK. Proven track record in raising academic standards,

mentoring staff, and driving departmental strategy through inclusive and effective leadership.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS SCHOOL, SAUDI ARABIA

Athletics and Activities Director/Head of PE 

August 2019 – August 2021

Versatile educator with experience teaching PE across K–12 and Middle School History. Led a full PE

curriculum overhaul, enhancing breadth and depth for all learners. Successfully managed school-wide

athletics and activities, coordinated remote learning programmes, and streamlined department

operations. Organised major events, staff training, and logistics for inter-school competitions and team

travel.

ST ANNE’S CATHOLIC GIRLS SCHOOL – UNITED KINGDOM

Head of PE Department 

January 2018 – August 2019

Led GCSE PE and BTEC Sports Diploma with outstanding results (76% grades 9–4 at GCSE, 98% A*

–C at BTEC). Managed a split-site PE department, overseeing curriculum planning, staff appraisals, budget, and facilities. Used data-driven strategies to track student progress and contributed to whole-school

self-evaluation. Secured funding through successful grant applications and organised international sports

tours. Spearheaded the England Rugby initiative promoting girls’ participation in sport and led CPD

collaborations with local schools to raise standards and share best practice.

HARRIS ST. JOHNS WOOD ACADEMY – UNITED KINGDOM

Assistant Head of PE Department 

September 2017 – December 2017

Taught PE and BTEC Sport (Levels 2–3) across KS3–KS5, with additional responsibility for intramural

sports. Mentored trainee teachers, NQTs, and School Direct participants, supporting their professional

development. Experienced in planning and delivering high-quality, engaging lessons across all key stages.

GSAAA LTD – UNITED KINGDOM

Director

September 2016 – August 2019

Consulted on inclusive practices, department improvements, and teacher training across a range of

schools, providing constructive feedback on PE departments from Y7 to A Level/BTEC. Volunteered as

SENCo, delivering workshops on Diversity and Inclusion, and coaching teachers on student-led learning

and behaviour management. Developed strategies for quality monitoring in BTEC programmes, created

differentiated teaching resources, and supported schools in effective classroom management

TOTTENHAM UNIVERSITY TECHNICAL COLLEGE – UNITED KINGDOM

Head of Subject & BTEC Quality Nominee. 

October 2015 – August 2016

Taught Health and Social Care Level 2 (83% A* -C) and Level 3 (90% A*-C), serving as Head of Subject andQuality Nominee. Led school-wide quality assurance for all BTEC courses, ensuring consistency across departments. Supported students with diverse additional needs, providing tailored intervention and after-school support. Initiated lunchtime sports clubs and enrichment activities, and generated curriculum resources. Mentored and coached an NQT, providing comprehensive guidance throughout their induction.

PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN FAHD UNIVERSITY – SAUDI ARABIA

Lecturer of Social Sciences 

October 2014 – October 2015

Lecturer of PE, Critical Thinking, Professional Development, Written Communication (Assessment Level 1 and 2) and Oral Communication.

EASTLEA COMMUNITY SCHOOL – UNITED KINGDOM

Subject Coordinator for the PE Department. 

January 2010 – August 2014

Mentored trainee and newly qualified teachers, while overseeing pastoral care and behaviour

management within the department. Taught GCSE PE (75% A* -C) and coordinated SEN sports. Led

curriculum mapping and developed programmes to boost attainment through parental engagement.

Implemented and trained staff on Assessment for Learning (AFL) strategies, and coordinated annual PE

awards and the school’s Academic Awards Evening of Excellence.

EASTLEA COMMUNITY SCHOOL – UNITED KINGDOM

Acting head of Department 

September 2009 – December 2009

Taught GCSE PE and BTEC Sports Level 2 Diploma, while managing the departmental budget and

conducting performance management for staff. Achieved a significant increase in KS4 GCSE PE

attainment, raising results from 8% to 98%. Oversaw curriculum planning, supported staff development,

and ensured the overall success of the department.

EASTLEA COMMUNITY SCHOOL – UNITED KINGDOM

School Sports Coordinator 

September 2007 – August 2009

Taught GCSE PE (98% A* -C) and BTEC Level 2 Diploma (100% A*-C), while serving as SENCo for Year 8, PE,

and the Arts. Coordinated sports for KS1–KS2 across Newham, developing a special educational needs

sports club for local schools. Led a self-development programme for Year 8 girls to improve behaviour

and raise attainment. Trained and supported primary teachers in delivering outstanding PE lessons

across three schools in the borough.

GLADESMORE COMMUNITY SCHOOL – UNITED KINGDOM

Teacher of PE 

September 2006 – August 2007

Assistant tutor for Year 7, acting as the IT staff link for the department. Taught BTEC and GCSE PE,

supporting students’ academic and personal development. Assisted primary schools in the Borough of

Haringey with extracurricular coaching in various sports, promoting active participation and skill

development.

EDITH DALTON JAMES HIGH SCHOOL – JAMAICA

Classroom Teacher 

September 2003 – August 2006

Taught Social Studies, Science, and PE, and served as Form Teacher for grades 7-9. Coached the inaugural

cheerleading squad and developed the cheerleading club. Organized the annual ‘Career Day’ event for

students at the University of the West Indies, connecting them with career opportunities.

PRE-UNIVERSITY SCHOOL UWI – JAMAICA

 September 2001 – June 2002

Classroom Teacher 

Taught A Level Psychology for grade 12.

DECARTERET COLLEGE HIGH – JAMAICA

September 1998 – August 1999

Classroom Teacher

Taught Physical Education, Social Studies, and RE for grades 7–9. Served as Officer of the Commanding

Cadet Unit, providing leadership and guidance. Coached a cultural drama piece, fostering students’

creativity and performance skills.

CHRISTIANA COMPREHENSIVE HIGH – UNITED KINGDOM

September 1997 – August 1998

Classroom Teacher 

Taught PE, Social Studies and Science (grades 7-9).

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES- JAMAICA

Resident Advisor in Charge of Sport 

August 2002 – August 2006

Provided student services and support as a Resident Advisor, managing the portfolio of Sport & Physical

Activity and overseeing outdoor sports facilities at the University Hall of Residence. Coordinated and

developed a new sports programme for 800 residents, motivating students to engage in hall and campus

activities. Created opportunities for discussions on managing interpersonal relationships, stress, and

academic support. Additionally, covered various duties as required by the Hall Manager, ensuring a

positive and supportive living environment for all residents.

CEDAR HILLS CAMPED, USA

Resident Intern June 1996 – August 1996

Team Leader for camp counsellors at a summer camp, responsible for planning, organizing, and

executing sports activities and excursions. Supervised campers, ensuring their safety, development, skill

achievement, and overall well-being. Led the team in fostering a positive and enriching camp

environment.

MA Education | 2014

University of East London – London, UK

Qualified Teacher Status (Physical Education) | 2009

London, UK

Diploma Sociology (Hons) | 2003

University of the West Indies – Kingston, Jamaica

BSc Psychology (Hons) | 2002

University of the West Indies – Kingston, Jamaica

Diploma in Secondary Education (PE, History, Literature) | 1997

Church Teachers’ College – Mandeville, Jamaica