Lenske Casserley
Cape Town
Summary
I am a qualified homeroom teacher and an experienced digital innovation leader and trainer, with over 10 years of experience in the education sector. My professional journey began in the UAE, and for the past 17 months, I have been back in South Africa, continuing my work in education and digital transformation. My teaching philosophy is based on empowering young learners and supporting their holistic development across all domains—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. I am deeply passionate about nurturing young minds and helping them grow into well-rounded, responsible, and successful individuals. Throughout my career, I have contributed to the development of digital innovation curricula and have played a key role in helping schools achieve Apple Distinguished School accreditation. Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with numerous schools across South Africa, helping educators harness the power of digital tools, from introducing iPads as teaching aids to staying current with the latest technological advancements in education. My love for both children and technology inspired my decision to pursue a career in education. I am a dynamic, friendly, and approachable individual who is always eager to take on new challenges. I believe strongly in the power of differentiated instruction—tailoring teaching methods to each child's strengths while providing targeted support to meet their unique needs. Above all, I am committed to creating an engaging, inclusive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Digital Education Specialist
Digicape
06.2023 - Current
- Design, develop, and deliver customised training programs for faculty, staff, and students on the use of digital tools (predominantly iPads) and the use of various platforms that enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with over 190 schools across the country to ensure effective integration of technology through proper device selection, device management and training, and content creation.
- Stayed informed on emerging digital trends and educational technologies, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual classrooms, gamification, AI, and data analytics.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of digital innovation strategies to improve educational delivery, student engagement, and institutional efficiency.
- Collaborated with faculty, administrators, and IT teams to identify and integrate new digital tools that support teaching, learning, and administrative functions.
- Assist schools in the adoption of innovative technologies like cloud-based tools, online collaboration platforms, and mobile learning solutions across the institution
- Facilitate professional development workshops and webinars focused on digital pedagogy, online course design, and other relevant topics.
Digital Innovation Specialist
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Develop and maintain positive and supportive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents across both schools.
- Communicate regularly with teachers and collaborate to integrate technology across the curriculum.
- Establish, maintain, and evaluate programs that will enhance the appropriate use of technology for learning, collaboration, and productivity for students and faculty/staff.
- Maintain and coordinate the use of multimedia and innovation labs.
- Provide tech support to teachers and troubleshoot IT issues when necessary.
- Develop and support digital citizenship and computer science curriculum.
- Work with teachers to integrate the use of Smart Boards and other technology tools in the classroom.
- Train and support staff and students in technology platforms essential to teaching and learning (Apple Native Apps for Education etc.)
- Objectively evaluate current and new technologies to find and share the best tools to enhance student learning and augment faculty resources.
- Monitor the School’s Educational Technology software usage across grade levels.
- Support the production and technical aspects of school wide events and assist administration with the development of multimedia presentations for these events.
- Work with the Director of Teaching and Learning to develop faculty training programs and lead professional development.
Digital Innovation Trainer
Al Ain Educational Investments
02.2021 - 05.2023
- Working with other trainers to develop training plans
- Quality assure plans from other trainers
- Take part in professional development to stay up to date with the latest technologies
- Meeting regularly with the training coordinator to discuss training plans
- Create training reports for training coordinator
- Suggest training opportunities suitable for the company
Early Years Learning Support Teacher
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Supervise student of determination in a small group or one to one differentiated activities in class or common learning environment as directed
- Communicate effectively and sensitively with a student of determination to support their learning, promoting self-confidence and independence, being mindful of their well-being
- Assist in developing their social/emotional skills
- Contribute effectively to the lessons and assist in setting out learning materials appropriate to planned activity for the student of determination
- Work with teachers to monitor the progress of the student of determination
- Function within a framework set by the assigned teacher, to plan your role in lessons including how you will provide feedback to the student of determination and colleagues on their learning, behavior and well-being
- Monitor participation and progress, provide feedback to the teacher and parents and provide constructive support to the student of determination as they learn
- Administer assessments, invigilate exams and undertake routine marking of the student of determination's work as directed by teachers
Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys
08.2016 - 06.2020
- Assisting in the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the students
- Teaching English, Math, Science, and ESS under the American Curriculum
- Planning a range of activities, lesson/thematic/cross curricular planning
- Differentiating lessons to meet the specific needs of each level
- Providing a safe and creative environment
- Teach alphabet and numeracy along with personal, social and emotional skills
- Organize learning material and resources
- Use a variety of activities and instructional methods (songs, stories, media, structured games, art, outdoor activities etc.) to motivate and stimulate children's abilities
- Maintain an open line of communication with parents and provide appropriate information
- Assess students' performance and progress to ensure they are mastering the skills on regular basis
- Monitor children's interactions and nurture cooperation and sharing
Primary Classroom Teacher
Abu Dhabi International (Pvt) School
08.2014 - 07.2016
- Teaching English, Math, Science, and ESS under the American Curriculum.
- Planning a range of activities, lesson/thematic/cross curricular planning.
- Differentiating lessons to meet the specific needs of each level.
- Providing a safe and creative environment.
- Teach alphabet and numeracy along with personal, social and emotional skills
- Use a variety of activities and instructional methods (songs, stories, media, structured games, art, outdoor activities etc.) to motivate and stimulate children’s abilities
- Maintain an open line of communication with parents and provide appropriate information
- Assess students’ performance and progress to ensure they are mastering the skills on regular basis
- Monitor children’s interactions and nurture cooperation and sharing
Education
BEd (Hons) - Educational support
Stellenbosch University
Cape Town, South Africa 03.2018
BEd - General education - Foundation phase (KG - 2)
Stellenbosch University
Cape Town, South Africa 12.2012
Skills
- Apple in education knowledge and expertise
- Google classroom utilization
- Social emotional learning
- Pedagogical expertise
- Classroom management
- Knowledge in different learning management systems
- Special needs support
- Course material creation
- Educational software proficiency
Achievements
- Apple teacher learning specialist qualification
- Presented at World Teacher Day for Apple Education
- Trainer at an online GEMS conference - Using digital technology to support teaching and learning in Early Years
- Received GEMS Excellence award - in recognition of outstanding performance during the remote learning period
- Received employee excellence award for innovation at the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys.
Hobbies and Interests
- Using digital innovation to enhance learning experiences and engage teachers and students.
- Keen interest in gaining experience and continuously growing and learning as an educator.
- Enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, hockey and dancing.
References
- Ms. Gillian Deane
Assistant Principal for Early Years - Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys
gillian.deane@zayedacademyboys.ae
- Mr Michael Henderson
AAEI Training manager - Digital and Innovation - Al Ain Educational Investments
michael.henderson@alaineducational.ae
- Ms Honey Tondre
Head of Early Years - Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys - August 2016 - 2021
Honeyt@isb.ac.th
- Matthew De Ponte
Education Client Relations Manager - Digicape
matthew@digicape.co.za
Timeline
Digital Education Specialist
Digicape
06.2023 - Current
Digital Innovation Trainer
Al Ain Educational Investments
02.2021 - 05.2023
Early Years Learning Support Teacher
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys
08.2020 - 06.2022
Digital Innovation Specialist
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy
08.2019 - 06.2023
Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys
08.2016 - 06.2020
Primary Classroom Teacher
Abu Dhabi International (Pvt) School
08.2014 - 07.2016
BEd (Hons) - Educational support
Stellenbosch University
BEd - General education - Foundation phase (KG - 2)
Stellenbosch University
Similar Profiles
Marthinus OliphantMarthinus Oliphant
Procurement Assistant /Procurement Buyer at DigicapeProcurement Assistant /Procurement Buyer at Digicape
Wiedaad SamaaiWiedaad Samaai
Product Consultant at SamsungProduct Consultant at Samsung
Andre van den bergAndre van den berg
Regional Head of Asset Excellence Standardization at MaerskRegional Head of Asset Excellence Standardization at Maersk