Educational Consultant Administrative Assistant

Dalia Hesham

Dubai, UAE +*** (0-55-777-**** *****.******@*******-**.*** Nationality: USA

PERSONAL SUMMARY

Solutions-oriented global education professional committed to excellence in education and rigorous standard-based practices in school evaluation and continuous improvement, strategic planning, accreditation, quality assurance, educational equity, diversity, inclusion, early childhood, and distance learning. Dalia Hesham is a school improvement consultant and a certified school reviewer. She is licensed in special and general education, early childhood education, and intervention. She earned a dual Master’s of Science degree from New York State and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and National Professional Qualification for Principalship/Headship (NPQH) from the University College of London in the UK. In addition, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Pediatric Speech, Language Pathology, Audiology, Communication Sciences, and Child Psychology from the City University of Brooklyn College in New York. Dalia has 17+ years of experience in education and a proven record of accomplishments within a wide range of programs and curricula, including E-Safety, early childhood, K-12, speech, and inclusive education. She has worked with schools to analyze varying data and coached support staff, teachers, and middle and senior leaders to implement impact-driven professional development to improve the outcomes of all stakeholders. She has experience in leading and supporting a vast number of varying curricula, which are the National Curriculum of England and Wales, International Baccalaureate, as well as different state Common Core Curricula, such as New York, New Jersey, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Philadelphia, etc. In the local UAE context, she has coached, mentored, and led the following curricula: IGCSE, CBSE, IB, and Common Core. She was the Acting Director of Ignite School, which follows the New York Common Core curriculum. These experiences included six years of experience as a teacher, five years teaching all core subjects from birth to grade 6, and teaching life skills from birth to grade 12, in the least restrictive environment in the USA, UK, and UAE. She has six years of leadership experience in the US and the UAE. She possesses a solid working knowledge of the US, UK, and UAE curricula and school improvement frameworks, including the UAE Inspection Framework and Distance Learning Evaluation Tool. She has been a member of inspection teams for the Ministry of Education for the UAE.

Being guided by a strong sense of purpose and with a track record of success in building and empowering strong educational communities, Dalia has been pivotal in developing collaborative school improvement systems and processes. She has also been efficient in creating professional learning communities and leaders to ensure organizational effectiveness and sustainability and continued student academic and behavioral progress and wellbeing.

In her leadership role as a school improvement consultant, Dalia has been supporting schools’ senior and middle leadership in planning and implementing strategic and school improvement planning, developing improvement tools and diagnostics, school evaluation and program monitoring, and preparation for inspection and accreditation reviews. She has effectively supported and guided schools in strengthening their inclusive practices and policies and leading the adaptation and modification of general education curricula to optimize student achievement and ensure developmental appropriateness. She has also worked with schools to execute impact-driven professional development to improve student outcomes for all stakeholders through data-driven dialogue, data analysis, professional coaching, mentoring, and training support staff, teachers, and middle and senior leaders. SKILLS & ABILITIES

Inclusive Education, Students of Determination, Gifts and/or Talents, Speech and Cognitive Intervention, School Restorative Practice, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Audiological Identification & Rehabilitation, Hearing Impaired, Speech Therapy, Cognitive and Child Development, Feeding and Swallowing, Child Psychology, Whole Brain Approach, Sensory Integration, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Response to Intervention (RTI), Rational Emotional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RECBT), Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Advanced Learning Plan (ALP), Alternative Education, Assistive Technology, Anti Bullying, Visible Learning, Accommodations, Modifications, Differential Diagnosis Dalia Hesham

Dubai, UAE +971 (0-55-777-**** *****.******@*******-**.*** Nationality: USA

(DSM-5), Healthcare, Clinical Practice, Transitions, Least Restrictive Environment, Biofeedback, Communication Sciences, Hybrid/Distance Learning, School Governance, School Improvement, School Review/Evaluation/Inspection, Coaching, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, Personalized Education, Curriculum Design & Development, Program & Staff Development, Marketing, Data Analysis, Education Policy, Administration and Reform, Computer Literacy, Report Writing, Parent Partnerships LANGUAGES

English (native), Arabic (second language)

EDUCATION

Masters of Science, Touro College, Manhattan, NY, USA (2014) – Special & General Ed: Birth-Grade 2 Masters of Science, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA (2011-2013) – Special & General Ed: Grades 1-6 Bachelor of Arts, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA (2010) – SLT: Communication Sciences, Psychology &Audiology Kingsborough College, Brooklyn, NY, USA (2008) – Speech, Language and Communication Sciences CERTIFICATIONS & AWARDS

Child Protection Advanced (Tes: 2022)

National Professional Qualification for Principalship/Headship (University College of London: 2019-2020) Teaching Online for Global Competence (U.S. Department of State: 2020) Covid-19 Contact Tracing (Johns Hopkins University: 2020) Leading for Equity (Harvard Graduate School of Education: 2020) Leading Strategically (Harvard Graduate School of Education: 2021) Leaders of Learning (Harvard Graduate School of Education: 2020) Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market (Harvard Graduate School of Business: 2021) American Board Certified Advocate for Special Education (BCASE: 2020)—(AASEP) (NSAT) Omega Gamma Chi (OGC) (National Honor Society for Special Education Teachers: 2020) Kappa Delta Pi (Honor Society: 2010)

School Reviewer (Cognia: 2021)

School Visitor (NEASC:2022)

School Inspector (UAE—ADEK: 2020)

School Inspector (UK Department for Education: 2020) School Inspector (UAE – MoE: 2020)

School Inspector (TRIBAL: 2020)

Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavior Therapy Life Coach (REBT: 2020) USA Professional Teacher – General and Special Educator Birth – 6 (NYSED: 2014) UK National College for Teaching and Leadership – QTS and SEND (NYSED: 2014) Training in the Needs of Students with Autism (NYSED: 2013) Training in Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (NYSED: 2013) Training in School Violence Prevention and Intervention (NYSED: 2013) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ImprovED LLC—United Arab Emirates

Dubai based Educational Consultant 2019-Present

Established multiple growing professional learning communities with inclusive education at the forefront, with approximately 3,000 members and more than 100 school leaders, providing strategic operational guidance and support, with a focus on inclusive leadership for schools and nurseries, as well as inclusive education. Dalia Hesham

Dubai, UAE +971 (0-55-777-**** *****.******@*******-**.*** Nationality: USA

Improved the ratings of 25 schools, targeting areas of inclusive education, wellbeing, health and safety, inclusion, student achievement, personal and social development, innovation skills, teaching and assessment, curriculum modification and accommodation, protection and support of students, student guidance and leadership, as a school improvement consultant and a member of the governing board for inclusive education.

Online and in-person reviews/school inspections of Private and Public Schools for the MoE of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Education Knowledge (ADEK), and the Department for Education of the UK and Cognia specializing and overlooking English, learning skills, teaching and assessment, the protection, care, guidance and support of students.

Successfully implemented curriculum-led financial audits for Alkhabeer Capital, Learners World International Schools (LWIS), and Maaref Education to be more cost-efficient as a governing board member and consultant.

Spearheaded and designed webinars on a wide range of topics, including the best international inclusive education practices, school health and safety, and student and staff wellbeing with a focus on different groups of students and students within various categories of disabilities, gifts, and/or talents, transitioning to distance learning during Covid-19, differentiated learning for all, and effective student engagement strategies for parents and academic staff.

Conducted mock evaluations to demonstrate compliance with the standards of NYSED, NEASC, COGNIA, ADEK, BSO, MoE, and KHDA DSIB and identified gaps in meeting all indicators, resulting in improved school improvement judgments and accreditation, especially in the areas of inclusive education.

Provide leadership as a Board of Trustees Quality Assurance and Standards Governor for Dubai school investors and owners in startup operations, policy-making, and implementation of inclusive practices.

Developed and implemented measures to support clients in applying best practices in curriculum assessment and alignment, tracking of student attainment and progress and identification of students of determination, as well as those with gifts and/or talents, development of enrichment, intervention, and remedial plans and reporting school progress to all stakeholders based on verifiable audits.

Co-constructed a systematic and consistent approach to analyze and triangulate internal with external data, ensuring progress in action plans that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).

Supported the planning and implementation of Distance Learning Evaluation, which improved ratings of reviewed schools.

Worked with clients to conduct needs assessments, contracted external international and local partnerships and school evaluations, and prepared for accreditation and inspection reviews.

Led planning and design of Professional Learning Communities for all stakeholders and clients and deliver impact-driven training, focusing on parent partnerships, early intervention, and inclusive education.

Interviewed, hired, trained, and coached leaders in Dubai, resulting in customer satisfaction and improved school-community wellbeing and academic performance for all. Ignite School, Maaref Education—Mirdiff, Dubai

Vice-Principal & Acting Director 2018-2019

Successfully led and served as a Quality Assurance and Standards member of the Board of Trustees in start-up operations, policy-making, and implementation throughout the school and the school’s financial management in procurement, staffing, and day-to-day operations. Dalia Hesham

Dubai, UAE +971 (0-55-777-**** *****.******@*******-**.*** Nationality: USA

Spearheaded all six performance standards committees based on the UAE Inspection Framework and NEASC standards, ensuring school compliance with all NEASC standards and KHDA DSIB requirements via periodic verifiable audits.

Spearheaded and organized weekly marketing campaigns, which increased student enrollment from four to 500 students by the end of year one.

Oversaw and improved the Health and Safety provision of the school via daily walkthroughs and systematic risk assessments.

Improved the identification rate of students of special needs and those with gifts and/or talents by 100% and developed an effective tracking system and consistent monitoring and evaluation of interventions and enrichment programs by conducting workshops, creating new teams, leading committees, serving on reviews, staff evaluation, creating new tools and policies and circulating regular newsletters.

Organized and hosted events throughout the school year, including Dr. Abdullah Al Karam’s, Director of KHDA, the inauguration of Ignite School.

Al Maaref Private School—Al Qusais, Dubai Director of Inclusion 2017-2018

Improved the DSIB KHDA school rating from ‘Weak’ to ‘Acceptable’ and 34 performance indicator ratings, including in Inclusion and ‘Acceptable’ to ‘Good’ in The Protection, care, guidance, and support of students.

Improved the DSIB KHDA school rating from ‘Weak’ to ‘Good’ in Health and Safety.

Created the blueprint and systems for caring for and identifying Students of Determination with the school’s medical team and was recognized and publicly awarded by the Department of Health Authority as ‘Outstanding.’

Created an affordable sensory room in line with the action and budget plan.

Reduced costs without affecting the level of services and quality by assisting the Principal and financial management of the school in implementing new measures in procurement, staffing, enrolment, and admissions driving a curriculum-led budget.

Led and participated in KHDA and Dubai Inclusion Network (DIN) meetings and other leading educational conferences to ensure quality-based practices were implemented in policies and procedures. BEAM— Dubai, UAE Head of Inclusion 2016-2017

Led the development of all relevant Health and Safety and Inclusive Education policies, measures, and programs, which contributed to the rating of ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’(Health and Safety) and ‘Very Good’ (Care in Support) in The Protection, care, guidance, and support of students, at the first DSIB KHDA rating from Foundation Stage to Secondary.

Served in a primary role in establishing a sensory room and implementing targeted objectives in line with IEPs during the withdrawal of students.

Modeled, coached, and established professional learning communities for teachers, parents, and leaders and established online microteaching workshops to ensure accessibility to best practices, with particular focus on students of determination and students who were Gifted and/or Talented, promoting independence.

Established twenty partnerships within the community and neighboring schools. Dalia Hesham

Dubai, UAE +971 (0-55-777-**** *****.******@*******-**.*** Nationality: USA Protocol Education – Nottingham, UK Special and General Educator 2013-2015

Assisted in the school’s improved transition out of Special Measures during Ofsted inspection as a Lead Teacher.

Worked across various schools rated from ‘Special Measures’ to ‘Outstanding.’ Al-Noor School, Brooklyn Cultural Center of NY & Adelphi Academy – Brooklyn, NY 2010-2013 Director of Curriculum & Instruction, English, Social Studies and SAT Educator, Speech Therapist

Served in several schools across Brooklyn, New York, and contributed to the foundation and development of the best New York State practices in inclusion.

Ensured the deliverance of Common Core Curriculum, Systems Data Management, and Analysis.

Achieved recognition for state-of-the-art accessibility and Response to Intervention blueprint and School Violence and Prevention protocols by District officials from the New York State Department of Education.

Improved student attainment in SAT scores and supported high school students in transitioning into leading Universities, such as Columbia University, New York University, and Penn State University. Center for Cognition – New York, NY, USA 2002-2009 Administrative Assistant, Arabic Interpreter, Cognitive Therapy Provider

Improved patient cognitive abilities by providing cognitive treatment to those who have completed their treatment or were in the process of being treated, using the DSM IV. REFERENCES: References will be furnished upon request.

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