In the fourth instalment of this regular series by Singapore American School (SAS) on how to design a school, Superintendent TOM BOASBERG highlights the impact of the school’s teachers on creating a nurturing learning environment. While SAS is currently undergoing a major upgrade of its facilities, the school continues to invest 100 percent of tuition dollars into its teachers as well as its student experience. Good teachers in Singapore choose SAS because they want to work with highly talented educators who can help them with leadership development and other skills.
Here are some ways we support our SAS educators and teachers in Singapore:
- A teacher coaching programme where a coach provides educators with personalised feedback on their work in the classroom.
- A University of Southern California (USC) doctoral programme that we host in partnership with the USC graduate school of education. Two cohorts of educators have now graduated from this.
- Our instructional assistants receive tailored professional development.
- Lucky 8s is a fund made up of donations from our educators that directly supports extended university and certification courses for our support staff.
- We host a leadership development programme for educators interested in pursuing school leadership opportunities.
Hear from SAS educators
Simon Gustafson, Elementary School Music teacher:
“My involvement in PLC coaching has helped me grow as a teacher, leader and coach more than any other experience in my career. I no longer feel alone when faced with the challenges that come with teaching, coaching and leading.
Through leadership development training, various coaching models, the unwavering guidance I’ve received from my leadership and coaching mentors as well as the support provided by my colleagues throughout the experience, my team and I have navigated this new role at the school that leverages teacher leadership, feedback and reflection. This ultimately leads to a better experience for each of our students.”
Dr Sarah Farris, Dean of Student Life:
“In the USC doctoral programme, I was able to learn alongside a group of curious and engaged SAS employees for three years.
My doctoral focus was on implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) within international schools. We’ve implemented and grown Responsive Classroom and SEL within the elementary school.
The programme has enabled me to step into a new role at SAS. I’ve been asked to teach a graduate-level counselling course. I’m beyond grateful for the many ways SAS invests in their students, employees and community.”
Shruthi Ramesh, Learning and Development Manager:
“The generosity of more than 60 percent of our faculty and staff for Lucky 8s has helped me obtain my leadership certification in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.
I received a warm and welcoming space to put my learning into practice in my new role as the learning and development manager, by designing and delivering school-wide learning opportunities, which in turn creates a more inclusive environment for our students.
Being a part of the diversity, equity and inclusion team has been a dream. I’m grateful to our wonderful SAS community for making this a reality!”
Singapore American School is at 40 Woodlands Street 51.
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the March 2023 edition of Expat Living. Purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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