GARY COPPIN
DURBAN
Summary
Dynamic Education Counsellor with strengths in student guidance and programme development. Cultivates collaborative relationships with stakeholders to enhance student outcomes and support. Delivers impactful presentations and workshops, promoting awareness of educational pathways and career options. Dedicated Education Counsellor skilled in fostering student confidence and self-esteem. Engages with students and families to create personalised support plans, addressing academic and emotional needs. Implements mentorship programmes, facilitating peer connections and shared experiences. Compassionate Student Counsellor with 8 years of experience in mental health improvement through face-to-face counselling. Enhancing student wellbeing at a crucial stage in life through sympathetic listening, collaborative evaluation and EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT and TRAUMA therapies to achieve desired outcome.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Counsellor
AdVtech Education
Johammesburg, South Africa
01.2012 - 12.2025
- Assisted students in identifying and applying for suitable educational programmes to meet their career aspirations.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create holistic support networks for students.
- Engaged with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and devise collaborative support plans.
- Encouraged students to discuss feelings and personal choices by establishing respectful relationships based on trust and respect.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to identify students in need of additional support and intervention.
- Delivered presentations at schools and educational fairs, promoting awareness of various career paths and study options.
- Coordinated with external agencies to refer students for additional support when necessary.
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams to address complex student issues, contributing valuable insights and recommendations.
- Provided face-to-face counselling sessions for academic intervention, jointly evaluating their needs and utilising reports to achieve desired outcome.
- Built confidence and self-esteem in students for life accomplishments, helping to further academic success as well as personal sense of achievement.
- Supported students in developing effective coping strategies to manage academic pressures.
- Established a mentorship programme pairing prospective students with current students or alumni to share experiences and advice.
Deputy Headmaster
Crawford International
Johammesburg, South Africa
01.1996 - 12.2025
- Managed school administration, timetables, registration and introductions.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behaviour and instructional strategies.
- Established effective communication channels with parents, providing regular updates on school initiatives and student progress.
- Cultivated strong relationships with pupils and parents to help resolve situations and positively affect behaviour, as well as academic performance.
- Conducted performance evaluations of teaching staff, offering constructive feedback and setting objectives for professional development.
- Managed the maintenance and improvement of school facilities, prioritising projects that enhance the learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions.
- Directed the planning and execution of school events, celebrations, and assemblies, promoting school spirit and community involvement.
- Oversaw staff training and development programmes, promoting continuous professional growth and improving teaching strategies.
- Implemented advanced technology solutions in the classroom, enhancing teaching methods and improving student engagement.
- Collaborated with other principals and educational leaders to share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions.
- Improved student educational plans by advising on course selection, progress plans and career decisions.
- Created behaviour management strategies conducive to productive learning environment.
- Conveyed policy changes and assessed employee thoughts through staff meetings.
- Reviewed student grade reports each semester to determine probation or suspension based on academic regulations.
- Developed a platform for instructional practices design through data-driven decision-making.
- Expanded programme outreach with community engagement strategies and talks to local groups.
- Strategised and implemented methods for streamlining processes, controlling costs and modernising operations.
Mathematics Teacher Secondary School
Government
Johammesburg, South Africa
01.1981 - 12.1995
- Mathematics, Acience and biology Teacher
- after 3 years i became Head of Department
- I was promoted to DEputy Headmaster
- Utilised educational technology tools effectively in teaching mathematics, making complex concepts more accessible to students.
- Delivered engaging mathematics lessons to secondary school students, enhancing their understanding and enthusiasm for the subject.
- Communicated student progress, improvements required and targets to parents.
- Created classroom environment conducive to learning for enhanced student outcomes.
- Prepared students for public examinations, significantly improving pass rates and academic achievement.
- Created inclusive and well-rounded lessons, accommodating to all student abilities.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills through challenging tasks and questions.
- Evaluated students' progress and possible barriers to learning.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their own learning and academic development.
- Prepared student behaviour and work reports for parent review.
- Organised after-school mathematics clubs and tutoring sessions for students needing extra support, leading to noticeable improvements in their performance.
- Provided pastoral care to students, addressing any personal or academic issues affecting their performance in mathematics.
- Supported students with special educational needs by developing tailored learning plans.
- Incorporated technology in teaching to foster student engagement for audio-visual learners.
- Implemented strategies to raise the profile of mathematics across the school, inspiring students to pursue further studies in the subject.
- Managed student classroom behaviour and administered discipline in line with board policies.
- Improved student grades through ongoing motivation and providing constructive feedback.
Education
Bachelor of Science - MATHEMATICS
WITS UNIVERSITY
JOHANNESBURG1981
Skills
- Academic guidance
- Student motivation
- Educational programme development
- Career counselling
- Case management
- Conflict resolution
- Communication strategies
- Data-driven decision making
- Performance evaluation
- Community engagement
- Instructional technology integration
- Academic guidance strategies
- Qualified test administrator
- Supportive counselling
- Positive-outcome driven
- Peer collaboration
- Professional networking
- Confidentiality focused
- Standardised testing techniques
- Holistic development understanding
- Online tutoring
- Fluency in additional languages
- Crisis Intervention
- Child protection policies knowledge
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures
- Compassionate care
- Effective time management
- Relationship-building
- Mental health awareness
- Student record maintenance
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Test preparation
- Critical thinking facilitation
Languages
Afrikaans
Advanced
C1
Interests
- SOCCER
- RUGBY
- SWIMMING
- CHESS
- TEN PIN BOWLING
- READING
- SOLVINH PUZZLES
Timeline
Education Counsellor
AdVtech Education
01.2012 - 12.2025
Deputy Headmaster
Crawford International
01.1996 - 12.2025
Mathematics Teacher Secondary School
Government
01.1981 - 12.1995
Bachelor of Science - MATHEMATICS
WITS UNIVERSITY