Zaakirah Mahomed
Dean Of Instruction
Summary
I am a Dean of Instruction with 14 years of experience in teaching and educational management. I am a graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, who excels in delivering high-quality instruction aligned with both the CAPS and Cambridge curriculums whilst incorporating inquiry-based learning. I am passionate about teacher coaching and development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Instruction
Nova Pioneer
1 2021 - Current
- Design and facilitate professional development sessions for educators.
- Offer personalized coaching and support to teachers through classroom observations and individual consultations.
- Guided teachers in effectively utilizing data to shape instructional strategies.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to inform curricular revisions and instructional improvements continually.
- Ensured consistent improvement in student performance by regularly evaluating and revising academic programs.
- Developed coherent and differentiated professional development schedule for school aligned to instructional focus areas and student data.
- Worked collaboratively and cross-functionally with school and school community.
- Led the implementation of innovative teaching strategies to boost student engagement and achievement levels.
- Increased teacher retention rates by fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged growth and collegiality among staff members.
- Promoted collaborative relationships between teachers throughout different grade levels or departments to ensure seamless progression of content knowledge.
- Supported struggling learners proactively through targeted interventions designed specifically around individualized needs.
- Recruited, hired and trained academic faculty and staff members.
Associate Dean of Instruction
Nova Pioneer
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Design and facilitate professional development sessions for educators.
- Offer personalized coaching and support to teachers through classroom observations and individual consultations.
- Guided teachers in effectively utilizing data to shape instructional strategies.
- Coordinated and supervised academic activities.
- Developed a comprehensive assessment plan to measure student learning outcomes across all programs within the department.
- Spearheaded technology initiatives to support student learning and academic excellence.
- Guided and supported faculty and staff in development of new programs.
- Implemented initiatives to drive curriculum quality and target learning outcomes.
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Foundation Phase Teacher
Nova Pioneer
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Developed lessons and implemented the Cambridge Curriculum in accord with school guidelines
- Assisted students with classwork and held daily lesson plans.
- Tracked students' progress and gave individual feedback.
- Led Inquiry based lessons.
- Completed student progress reports termly to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside the classroom setting.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Evaluated students' understanding of content through examinations and checks for understanding.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
Foundation Phase Teacher
Robertsham Primary School
1 2011 - 12.2015
- Created and integrated the CAPS curriculum according to school standards.
- Supported students with coursework and prepared daily lesson plans.
- Monitored student performance and offered personalized feedback.
- Served as Grade Head, overseeing grade-specific activities and initiatives.
- Produced the school magazine, contributing to its content and design.
- Managed and supervised the school reporting system efficiently.
- Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Foundation Phase And Early Childhood Development
University of The Witwatersrand (WITS)
04.2001 -
Skills
Pedagogical Expertise: Knowledge of different teaching methods and strategies
Familiarity with inquiry-based learning, CAPS, and Cambridge Curriculum
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with students, staff, and parents
Clear and concise presentation skills for delivering information and training
Data-Driven Decision Making: Competence in analyzing data to guide instructional planning and student interventions
Experience with assessment and evaluation techniques
Professional Development: Ability to design and implement professional development programs for teachers
Experience in mentoring and coaching educators
Organizational and Planning Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
Effective at prioritizing and organizing work efficiently
Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with other educators, administrators, and staff
Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Aptitude for identifying and resolving challenges in instructional and administrative processes
Innovative approach to improving teaching methods and school programs
Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adjust teaching strategies and administrative approaches as needed
Openness to new ideas and approaches in education
Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with educational technology and its application in teaching and administration
Ability to integrate technology into lessons and manage online learning platforms
References
- Adilla Okkers, Former HOD, Robertsham Primary, 079 511 2726, okkers.adilla@gmail.com
- Gavin Esterhuizen, Former Executive Head, Nova Pioneer, 084 528 7606
Timeline
Associate Dean of Instruction
Nova Pioneer
01.2017 - 12.2020
Foundation Phase Teacher
Nova Pioneer
01.2016 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Education - Foundation Phase And Early Childhood Development
University of The Witwatersrand (WITS)
04.2001 -
Dean of Instruction
Nova Pioneer
1 2021 - Current
Foundation Phase Teacher
Robertsham Primary School
1 2011 - 12.2015