Craig Adamson
Head Of Digital Transformation & Director Of Educational Technology
Johannesburg,Gauteng
Summary
I believe that the 21st Century has presented our students with an incredible opportunity of empowerment and access to knowledge. As educators, our role has shifted to redefine this access and place it firmly in the hands of our students. Innovation is an imperative and we should be leveraging education in South Africa with new pedagogy and entrepreneurial spirit.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Digital Transformation
South African Jewish Board of Education
Johannesburg
03.2022 - Current
- As the Digital Transformation Lead for all eleven schools, a collaborative methodology was required as it involved the Managing Director and heads of schools to create and implement a strategic vision for the digital transformation experience.
- As part the IT Strategy Team (composed of the MD, CTO, Project Managers and an external consultant) we coordinate with the heads of school to implement organization-wide training and adopt a curriculum that reflects 21st-century skills from grade R to matric.
- We oversee the procurement of STEAM equipment and upgrading our facilities and ensuring that our teachers and staff are equipped with modern facilities.
- Instituted laptop pilot programs to assess the validity of a 1-to-1 environment in 2021 with the second phase having been implemented in 2023. The process of monitoring and reporting is to get feedback from students and staff alike.
- Established school cohorts to promote collaboration and break down knowledge silos, leading to the development of proof-of-concept initiatives and the gathering of evidence and anecdotal experience to develop a clear pathway forward.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Remodeled the current professional development training series, adapting from an outside-in to a hybrid model of capacity building within our environment to promote our digital champions and increase the visibility of school cohort leaders.
- Implemented a Professional Learning Community initiative across all schools to provide a space and capacity for teachers to reflect on their training and curriculum revision procedures, leading to an improved appraisal and teacher evaluation system.
- Act as a technical advisor in the development of a new online appraisal model that is reflective of the ethos and vision of the organisation.
- Collaborated with the Head of Marketing to develop a narrative that aligns with our mission goals as part of the Digital Transformation rollout.
- Managed projects with third-party vendors, ensuring timely deliverables of procurement and policy. Worked with the CTO and Procurement Manager to ensure deadlines and installations were met.
- Oversaw the Linksfield High School campus, where I engaged with deputies and the Head of Academics about strategic development.
Director of Educational Technology
King David Linksfield, High School
Johannesburg
03.2020 - Current
- Led an internal team to successfully transition from in-person teaching to remote teaching through MS Teams, ensuring that all students continued to receive a high-quality education during the national lockdown. This included training of all staff, writing policy material, providing online training to students and parental stakeholder engagement.
- Instituted a proctoring software service in order to accommodate the examination period over 2020. This included training of all staff, writing policy material, providing online training to students and parental stakeholder engagement.
- As a member of the IT Steerco for all eleven schools within the SABJE group, provided strategic leadership and guidance to coordinate rollouts and special projects, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness. The IT Steerco oversees issues such as governance, policy development, data collation, and necessary areas of improvement in terms of infrastructure and embracing industry 4.0.
- Worked closely with the HOD of Electives for grade 8 and 9 to develop new curriculum and anticipate changes in education, demonstrating a forward-thinking and innovative approach to leadership.
- Created two new subject areas within the elective program that we have in the high school - the first was around artificial intelligence and the second around Robotics and Coding. The intent was to demonstrate that high order skill development knowledge building can be done at any level.
- Worked closely with the Deputy of Operations and members of SABJE in the development of the Yards and the Studios. These are two new educational teaching spaces within our school environment to reflect our commitment to innovation and future-readiness.
- Currently developing the process and adoption of a new professional learning community in order to take advantage of the changes happening within the environment - this includes leveraging capacity and ownership of projects that all staff can contribute meaningfully towards.
- Developing and curating workshop specific training to staff and students around 3D printing; laser cutting; wood work and robotics (micro:bits).
- Responsible for researching and acquiring educational products within ICT across various subjects, showing a keen ability to identify and assess new technologies and tools that could benefit the school.
- Curated Professional Development related to 21st Century Skills for both teachers and students, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and growth for all members of the school community.
- Involved in the hiring of new staff to help the school achieve its objective of becoming a space of innovation, displaying excellent judgement and decision-making skills in identifying and selecting top talent.
- Tasked with revising internal communication practices and frameworks to align with contemporary practices, demonstrating a strong ability to identify areas for improvement and implement change.
- Curated data related to teacher evaluations and managed the ADAM database, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and an ability to manage complex data systems effectively.
- Taught a Matric English class and co-taught Further Studies English during a challenging period of remote learning, displaying exceptional adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Created an interdisciplinary student-focused project that is adaptable for changes based on the sustainable and national development goals of South Africa, showcasing the ability to develop and lead complex projects with multiple stakeholders. This project has also included the development of a new awards system for students, demonstrating the ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
Senior Marker: Independant Examination Board
IEB
Johannesburg
12.2013 - 12.2022
- Started marking for the IEB in 2013 as a marker for the IEB national senior certificate.
- In 2020 I was selected to be a senior English marker. Our responsibilities were to moderate with the internal examiner, communicating with our group on the rigour of marking, monitoring their marking process and providing accurate feedback to ensure the marking process had integrity.
- Committed to being part of the panel of remarkers and a marker for the supplementary papers that are written in March of each year.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Senior English Teacher
King David Linksfield
Johannesburg
07.2016 - 12.2021
- Historically taught English to all grades with an emphasis on grade 10-12.
- Became the Head of Public Speaking and oversaw its growth, acting in a managerial capacity as a grade head to ensure that curriculum was delivered timely, assessments where moderated and of standard.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
- Co-developed with another staff member new learning material for Further Studies English with a focus on Modernist Poetry and South African plays.
- Adhered to the expectations placed upon teachers in a school environment: commitments relating to detention, school tours and after school professional development
Senior English Teacher
Felixton College
Richards Bay
03.2013 - 12.2015
- As part of a small school community, I worked in tandem with another english Teacher and we co-lead the English department where I taught grade 10-12.
Education
Certificate in Digital Transformation Strategy - Digital Transformation
GetSmarter - University of Cape Town GSB
Johannesburg, South Africa 03.2023 - Current
Certificate in Agile Project Management - Project Management
GetSmarter - University of Cape Town
Johannesburg, South Africa 03.2019 - 05.2021
Certificate in IT Management - IT Management
GetSmarter - University of Cape Town
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2021 - 06.2022
Certificate in Teaching With Technology - Technology Education
GetSmarter - Wits University
Johannesburg 03.2021 - 05.2021
PGCE - English FET & History FET
Rhodes University
Grahamstown 04.2012 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English Lit, Political Studies & Inter. Relations
Rhodes University
Grahamstown 01.2009 - 12.2011
Skills
Proficiency in digital management
Timeline
Certificate in Digital Transformation Strategy - Digital Transformation
GetSmarter - University of Cape Town GSB
03.2023 - Current
Head of Digital Transformation
South African Jewish Board of Education
03.2022 - Current
Certificate in IT Management - IT Management
GetSmarter - University of Cape Town
04.2021 - 06.2022
Certificate in Teaching With Technology - Technology Education
GetSmarter - Wits University
03.2021 - 05.2021
Director of Educational Technology
King David Linksfield, High School
03.2020 - Current
Certificate in Agile Project Management - Project Management
GetSmarter - University of Cape Town
03.2019 - 05.2021
Senior English Teacher
King David Linksfield
07.2016 - 12.2021
Senior Marker: Independant Examination Board
IEB
12.2013 - 12.2022
Senior English Teacher
Felixton College
03.2013 - 12.2015
PGCE - English FET & History FET
Rhodes University
04.2012 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English Lit, Political Studies & Inter. Relations
Rhodes University
01.2009 - 12.2011
References
Michelle Naidoo
Head of Department: Business Studies; Director
Naidoom@sabje.co.za
+27 84 702 9308
Heidi Morgan
South African Jewish Board of Education: External Consultant & Former Director of EdTech
heidijanemorgan@gmail.com
+32 470 52 60 47
Bev Bower
Head of Department: Accounting; Deputy Head
bowerb@sabje.co.za
+27 83 659 0126
Tracy Swartz
Database Administrator and Academic Admin Support
+27 73 388 2871
swartztr@sabje.co.za
Gabriella Tobias
Examination Coordinator for grades 8-11, Senior Mathematics Teacher
+27 83 301 0505
tobiasg@sabje.co.za
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