Dawn R.
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better- Maya Angelou
About Dawn
I am originally from South Africa and currently live on the island of Mauritius with my husband, two dogs, and son. I have taught IB at an international school for six years, specializing in Biology and Environmental Sciences. For the last three years of my employment at the school, I was the youngest Head of Science faculty appointed. During that time, I created a more cohesive, efficient, adaptable, open, and accountable faculty than in the past. I am also an author of a book for teachers that focus on transformative self-leadership as a vehicle for changing the educational environment (Ripple Effects: Teaching in a New Era), which was published in October 2021 on Amazon, having made the top 5 in its category at the time of release. During this time, I was also featured on educational podcasts that focused on transformation and leadership in education. I am passionate about Sciences and education and the role and responsibility teachers and schools have as agents of social change. My areas of expertise are: Biology, Psychology, and Environmental Systems and Societies. I am further skilled at guidance for IAs and EEs in my areas of expertise, as well as study/learning methods and examination preparation.
Video Introduction
Watch this video to learn more about Dawn's teaching approach and experience.
Teaching Experience
Head of Science Faculty
- Development and continuous management and evaluation of policies and processes underpinned by values of risk-taking, care, communication, and accountability within the department, including but not limited to: differentiation, intervention, faculty meetings and relationships, conflict management, faculty handbook and guide, mentorship policy and expectations, laboratory policy, laboratory safety guide, virtual laboratory policy communication policy, extended essay policy, internal investigations policy, classroom management, and expectations policy, as well as a faculty 5-year plan to ensure continuous stability.
Educator
- Integrated Sciences (KS2 and 3), MYP (years 1-3), PSHE, Biology
- (IGCSE and IB), Environmental Management (IGCSE) and Environmental Systems and Societies (IB) educator.
Special Education Educator
- History, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Religious Studies, and Life Orientation educator.
Life Sciences Educator
- Taught Integrated Sciences for grades 8 and 9, Life Sciences for grades 10 and 11, and Life Orientation to my form class (grade 8).
Mathematics and Science Teacher
- Teaching Mathematics to Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners. Preparing and presenting lessons. Creating a space for learning which is mutually respectful, engaging, and interactive, and which is a “safe space” for Conflict management and skills.
Education
Academic qualifications and achievements
BSc (Hons) in Psychology
University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
BSc Human Life Sciences with Psychology
University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Teaching Skills & Expertise
Subjects, levels, and qualifications
Subject | Programme | Level | Assignments | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Project | IB MYP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| TOK: Essay and Exhibition | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| Psychology | IB DP | HLSL | Extended EssayInternal Assessment | Qualified Tutor |
| Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| Physics | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| Chemistry | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| Integrated Sciences | IB MYP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| Biology | IB DP | SLHL | Extended EssayInternal Assessment | Qualified Tutor |
Personal Project
TOK: Essay and Exhibition
Psychology
Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS)
Physics
Chemistry
Integrated Sciences
Biology
Teaching Style
My methodology and approach to tutoring
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teachers are the creators of environments of authentic connection, where students can show up as fully themselves. It is only within this environment where a student feels seen, heard, and supported - where a meaningful connection is made - that they can wholly lean into and experience a significant learning experience. Learning is about relationships; the teacher's role is to foster the connection before content. In this way, students generate connections surrounding the content that is more easily accessible neurologically, and students can learn by their learning style within an environment that has been optimized and curated for them.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Scenario: Student wishes to review a specific topic (e.g., menstrual cycle in IB Biology). Find out where the student is. This can be done through an online questionnaire before the session (what do you know / where are you confident / what specific areas are you struggling with / what do you find difficulty with in terms of revision/study style/learning style). This can also be done at the beginning of the session. Starter: keywords (matching) / quick-fire Q&A / labelling of diagrams / multiple choice exam questions / video and student explanation of key concepts / other Presentation/content: ppt/video/whiteboard explanations: going over the topic in a step-wise manner, with student engagement (conversational/relational and problem-solving oriented approach instead of didactic) Review: Re-do of starter questions/keywords; exam-style questions. Follow up: setting optional additional examination questions (multiple choice, short answer, and structured). Students to send answers back for review (optional).
What to Expect
Personalized Approach
Tailored to your learning style
Practical Strategies
Easy-to-remember techniques
Exam Preparation
Focused on IB assessments
Student Reviews
What students say about their experience (1 review)
Tala A.
January 2023
Dawn is an amazing tutor , very knowledgeable in her subject . My boys are thriving. She provides solid preparation for any type of assessment. We have received emails from school of the exceptional achievements in biology assessments. It doesn’t take long to notice the improvement and confidence in the students .