Aarifa Khan
Johannesburg
Summary
I am an educator committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments where students’ academic, emotional, social, and physical needs are holistically addressed. My practice centres on differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and equitable access for all learners. I aim to empower students with the skills and confidence to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher
American International School of Johannesburg
08.2024 - Current
- Delivering inquiry-based teaching aligned with international standards
- Designing differentiated learning engagements tailored to diverse student needs
- Collaborating within grade-level and whole-school teams to drive curriculum alignment
Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator
Northside Primary School
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Reviewed and enhanced the school-wide Social Studies curriculum
- Collaborated with PYP Coordinator and Curriculum Leadership Team to align learning goals
- Facilitated staff workshops on developing disciplinary and transdisciplinary skills
- Introduced field trips, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities
- Developed a Botswana Knowledge Continuum to enrich local relevance
- Managed budgets and learning resources
- Supported school website content development
Student Support Services Teacher
Northside Primary School
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Modified curriculum for students with special educational needs and EAL requirements
- Created and managed Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) and implemented targeted interventions
- Taught students with a range of neurodiverse learning profiles
- Collaborated with therapists to provide accommodations and modifications
- Developed behavioural intervention and self-regulation plans
- Designed personalised literacy engagement programmes
- Supported students and families through emotional and academic challenges
IB Standard 3 & 4 Classroom Teacher
Northside Primary School
01.2011 - 12.2018
- Developed Unit of Inquiry planners using backward-design principles
- Designed differentiated formative and summative assessments
- Participated in curriculum committees and contributed to school-wide development
- Regularly evaluated instructional materials
- Collaborated with Student Support Services to assist diverse learners
- Maintained strong parent–teacher communication
- Served on multiple committees including Safeguarding, CIS Logistics, Reporting, IQAA Evaluation
Education
Master of Education - Advanced Teaching Practices
University of The People
06-2024
Bachelor of Education - Special Education & English
University of Botswana
05-2010
Skills
- Inclusive learning strategies
- Individualised support and differentiation
- Curriculum development
- Leadership and collaboration
- Behaviour and intervention planning
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Creative learning resource design
Certification
IB PYP Training
International Mindedness – CAT 2 (2013)
Assessment in the PYP – CAT 2 (2013)
Transdisciplinary Teaching – CAT 3 (2016)
The Role of Mathematics – CAT 3 (2018)
Learning Diversity & Inclusion – CAT 3 (2019)
Role of Science & Social Studies – CAT 3 (2023)
Student Support Services Training
African Regional Autism Research Meeting & SACAPAP Congress (2017)
Prospero Teaching: Safeguarding Level 1 (2019)
Accessibility in Education Summit (2021)
Understanding by Design & Differentiated Instruction (2021)
Special Needs Association of Botswana Annual Conference (2010–2023)
General
Constructivist Theory & Practice (2012)
Adaptive School (2025)
Timeline
Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher
American International School of Johannesburg
08.2024 - Current
Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator
Northside Primary School
08.2022 - 07.2024
Student Support Services Teacher
Northside Primary School
01.2020 - 12.2023
IB Standard 3 & 4 Classroom Teacher
Northside Primary School
01.2011 - 12.2018
Master of Education - Advanced Teaching Practices
University of The People
Bachelor of Education - Special Education & English
University of Botswana
ADDITIONAL ROLES
- Safeguarding Team Member (2021–Present)
- Lead: School Website Review (2021–2023)
- Wellness Committee Member, Head in 2017 (2011–2022)
References
Provided upon request.
INTERESTS
- Human rights & social justice advocacy (Founder member, NIA), - Visual & performance arts (ARC Residency; poetry anthology project leader)
Additional Roles and Responsbilities
Safeguarding Team Member 2021–2024
Lead: School Website Review 2021–2023
Wellness Committee Member 2011–2022
Head of Wellness Committee 2017