MICHELLE JACOBSON
Educational Leader
Algoma
Summary
Strategic and equity-driven educational leader with over 20 years of experience across domestic and international schools. Known for transforming school culture, driving academic achievement, and leading through complexity. Successfully directed mergers, accreditations, and curriculum innovation while cultivating staff leadership and data-informed practices. Recognized for mentoring emerging leaders, spearheading large-scale change, and championing high expectations in diverse communities.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Secondary
Nord Anglia Beijing
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Led strategic merger of two distinct campuses, unifying vision and operational frameworks.
- Designed and implemented an ESL program aligned to IGCSE/A-Level benchmarks, improving academic readiness.
- Established data-driven behavior systems to increase student engagement and school-wide consistency.
- Directed recruitment strategy in competitive market, increasing enrollment through targeted outreach.
- Mentored faculty toward a shared vision of bilingual excellence and accountability.
Principal / Head of Secondary
Westwood International School
09.2023 - 07.2024
- Redesigned teacher evaluation model, resulting in strengthened teaching and leadership development.
- Used MAP and IB data to guide curriculum improvements and instructional adjustments.
- Revitalized student leadership through council relaunch, increasing student agency and participation.
- Led school through IB/CIS/NEASC accreditation processes, aligning practices to global standards.
- Acted as Head of School during transition, ensuring operational continuity and stakeholder trust.
Head of School / Principal
Green Bay West High School
07.2017 - 06.2023
- Elevated school performance score on state report card from 42.5 to 62.5 by aligning data and instruction.
- Reduced school-wide discipline incidents by 50% through restorative practices and proactive systems.
- Mentored associate principals into leadership roles; promoted culture of shared leadership.
- Secured $84M district bond funding for infrastructure improvement and athletic facilities upgrade.
- Initiated district-recognized scholarship program to broaden impact and equity in post-secondary access.
- Led professional development for 500+ educators, building instructional coherence across K–12.
- Guided school through two successful IB re-accreditations with 15+ commendations received.
Deputy Director
Taihu International School
08.2015 - 06.2017
- Oversaw daily operations and supervised K–12 staff to uphold instructional quality.
- Led DP self-study and MYP coordination, advancing IB readiness.
- Strengthened instructional strategies through targeted professional development and coaching.
- Built community and educational partnerships across sectors to enrich school offerings.
DP Coordinator / Curriculum Leader
Xiamen International School
08.2012 - 06.2015
- Rebuilt DP program, increasing student pass rate to 90%.
- Developed school-wide ELA curriculum for grades 8–12 with MAP alignment.
- Served as IB examiner and committee chair, ensuring program fidelity and excellence.
Behavioral Science Specialist
U.S. Military
07.1987 - 07.1991
Education
M.A. - Education
Chapman University
Orange, CAB.A. - English
University of California
High School Diploma - undefined
Winona High School
Winona, MNSkills
Teamwork and collaboration
Systems Thinker
Servant Leader
Growth Mindset
Innovative
Fiscally responsible
Timeline
Head of Secondary
Nord Anglia Beijing
08.2024 - 07.2025
Principal / Head of Secondary
Westwood International School
09.2023 - 07.2024
Head of School / Principal
Green Bay West High School
07.2017 - 06.2023
Deputy Director
Taihu International School
08.2015 - 06.2017
DP Coordinator / Curriculum Leader
Xiamen International School
08.2012 - 06.2015
Behavioral Science Specialist
U.S. Military
07.1987 - 07.1991
B.A. - English
University of California
High School Diploma - undefined
Winona High School
M.A. - Education
Chapman University
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