Anika Deas
Morgan Hill,CA
Summary
Experienced Early Childhood Educator with a strong international background and 18 years of industry experience, including 10 years in middle leadership roles. Holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Brings a comprehensive understanding of best practices and a deep commitment to fostering the development and growth of young learners. Demonstrates a proven track record of creating engaging and inclusive learning environments. Dedicated to providing high-quality education that meets the unique needs of each child.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction
Abdulla Bin Otaiba School
Abu Dhabi, UAE
08.2023 - Current
- Support the Vice Principal and Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction and administration team with the implementation of planning initiatives and policies
- Assist with the development and implementation of plans for staff professional development within the areas of Curriculum and Instruction
- Support teachers with using the NWEA Learning Continuum in planning
- Deliver Professional Development on Curriculum and Instruction to support homeroom teachers.
Lower Elementary Department Head
Abdulla Bin Otaiba School
Abu Dhabi, UAE
01.2021 - Current
- Lead a team of 16 teachers and 16 classroom assistants
- Plan and develop curriculum
- Coach and support teachers with teaching and learning goals
- Assist in managing and leading Kindergarten and First Grade as part of the school's Middle Leadership Team
- Monitor standards and progress to ensure teaching and learning policies are implemented
- Lead teaching, learning and assessment in Kindergarten and First Grade
- Lead performance management meetings with teachers and grade leaders in Kindergarten and First Grade
- Lead playgroups and informal pre-enrollment assessment for prospective students
- Create department (Kindergarten and First Grade) action plans to ensure that School Improvement Plan goals are met
- Recruit and interview teachers for Kindergarten and First Grade.
Kindergarten Grade Lead and Homeroom Teacher
Abdulla Bin Otaiba School
Abu Dhabi, UAE
09.2019 - 01.2021
- Supported a team of 8 teachers
- Implemented and modified Kindergarten curriculum
- Monitored standards of teaching and learning
- Created assessment tools
- Wrote weekly plans and long-term plans
- Led Kindergarten teacher performance management
- Attended relevant training to grow as a leader
- Managed Classroom Assistant.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher
ADNOC School, Madinat Zayed Campus
Abu Dhabi, UAE
09.2015 - 07.2019
- Taught and assessed learning in English, Math and Science
- Conducted admissions screenings for prospective students
- Wrote weekly and termly lesson plans.
Kindergarten Teacher
Al Sahab School
Abu Dhabi, UAE
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Taught and assessed learning in English, Math and Science
- Collaborated with Arabic co-teacher
- Wrote weekly lesson plans.
Pre-K Teacher
San Jose Unified School District
San Jose, California, USA
01.2013 - 06.2014
- Provided daily instruction to 3- and 4-year-old children
- Conducted yearly developmental assessments
- Supervised teaching assistants.
Kindergarten Teacher
Hillbrook School
Los Gatos, California, USA
08.2007 - 12.2013
- Designed and executed lessons in English, Math, Social Studies and Science
- Delivered differentiated lessons to students
- Created phonics program
- Developed kindergarten math program
- Created Rain Forest thematic unit
- Documented social/emotional and academic growth of students
- Developed and co-taught kindergarten after school Spanish language program
- Conducted admissions screenings of prospective students
- Mentored new kindergarten teachers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
Howard University
Washington, DCMA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education - Focus on Birth to age 8
Columbia University
New York, NYSkills
- Instructional Leadership
- Parent Engagement and Communication
- Student achievement
- Data-Driven Instruction
References
Available upon request
Professional Development
- Aldar Training Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Tier 3 Leadership Coaching Program, 2024
- Aldar Training Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Middle Leadership Training Program, 2022
- Play First Summit, A week-long course focused on incorporating play-based learning in distance-learning classrooms during the pandemic, 2020
Courses Taught
- Unpacking Common Core Curriculum
- Implementing Talk for Writing
- Embedding Challenge and Rigor into the Classroom, Led a series of 3 workshops training teachers how to implement Depth of Knowledge Levels 1-4 into their teaching and assessment.
- Implementing UFLI Phonics Program
Timeline
Associate Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction
Abdulla Bin Otaiba School
08.2023 - Current
Lower Elementary Department Head
Abdulla Bin Otaiba School
01.2021 - Current
Kindergarten Grade Lead and Homeroom Teacher
Abdulla Bin Otaiba School
09.2019 - 01.2021
Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher
ADNOC School, Madinat Zayed Campus
09.2015 - 07.2019
Kindergarten Teacher
Al Sahab School
08.2014 - 07.2015
Pre-K Teacher
San Jose Unified School District
01.2013 - 06.2014
Kindergarten Teacher
Hillbrook School
08.2007 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
Howard University
MA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education - Focus on Birth to age 8
Columbia University