Russel Verster
Cape Town
Summary
Senior Operations, Project Management & L&D Professional with 13+ years of experience leading strategic growth and digital evolution. Blends robust operational oversight (managing logistics for 400+ individuals) with forward-thinking technical expertise, including AI enablement and comprehensive data system rollouts. A decisive problem-solver and certified project manager skilled in regulatory compliance, crisis management, and cultivating collaborative, high-performing teams.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Deputy Head - Information & Management Systems | Admissions
Cedar House Preparatory School
07.2023 - 03.2026
- Promoted a positive school climate by addressing behavioral issues proactively and implementing effective discipline policies.
- Implemented innovative instructional strategies to promote student engagement and facilitate meaningful learning experiences.
- Developed strategic plans to advance the school''s mission and promote academic excellence.
- Built strong relationships with parent groups to encourage active involvement in their child''s education process and foster a supportive community spirit.
- Spearheaded training initiatives for teachers by leading classes on topics such as FACTS SIS and adoption of AI as a tool for classroom instruction.
- Served as a positive role model and leader within the school community, fostering an environment of respect, trust, and support among all stakeholders.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive learning environment by addressing student needs, both academically and emotionally.
- Mentored teaching staff, fostering professional growth and improved instructional practices.
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance academic standards and student engagement.
HOD - Information & Management Systems - Grade 4 to 12 | Admissions - Grade 4 to 12 | Prep School
Cedar House School
01.2019 - 06.2023
- Maintained strong lines of communication with parents through regular interactions and updates on student progress, contributing to improved parent involvement in their child''s education.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary modules, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Implemented a brand new school management system. This involved the full identification, adoption, rollout and training life cycle
- Management the admissions and enrolment processes for the full school
Educator
Cedar House School
01.2012 - Current
- Subject Taught: Mathematics Grade 4 to 7; Afrikaans Grade 6 & 7; Business Studies, Accounting & History Grade 8 & 9; Mathematical Literacy Grade 11
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Facilitated student-led, inquiry-based activities in classroom to enhance learning experience.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Designed curriculum-aligned assessments to measure student progress and inform instructional decisions.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Professional Studies, Educational Themes
University of South Africa
Google Professional Certificate in Project Management - Project Management
Coursera
01.2026 - 06.2026
Skills
Leadership
Systems and Design Thinking
Time Management
Computer Literacy and Learning
Project Management
Problem Solving
Curriculum design
Student engagement
Classroom management
Innovation management
Staff development
Strategic leadership
Certification
Apple Certified Educator, 2020
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Accomplishments
- Achieved Successful system implementation of a Student Information Management System through effectively interrogating the available systems and negotiating implementation fees with the supplier.
- Oversaw the effective roll out of this System with a full adoption cycle of 3 Months.
- Researched, Designed, Refined and implemented the full Occupational Health and Safety ecosystem across 4 Campus'
- Collaborated with team of 3 in the implementation of a full Occupational Health and Safety outline.
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Google Professional Certificate in Project Management - Project Management
Coursera
01.2026 - 06.2026
Deputy Head - Information & Management Systems | Admissions
Cedar House Preparatory School
07.2023 - 03.2026
HOD - Information & Management Systems - Grade 4 to 12 | Admissions - Grade 4 to 12 | Prep School
Cedar House School
01.2019 - 06.2023
Educator
Cedar House School
01.2012 - Current
Bachelor of Education - Professional Studies, Educational Themes
University of South Africa