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Under Construction
Under Construction
As a middle school principal at Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS), Chris oversaw the construction and transition to a new facility. As the director he oversaw the growth of a school from 600 to 1000 students including a new primary facility and performance spaces, shown left. While growth is exciting, it is also stressful. Planning, communication, and listening are key to managing expectations and transitions across the community. All stakeholders need to feel included and heard.
As a middle school principal at Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS), Chris oversaw the construction and transition to a new facility. As the director he oversaw the growth of a school from 600 to 1000 students including a new primary facility and performance spaces, shown left. While growth is exciting, it is also stressful. Planning, communication, and listening are key to managing expectations and transitions across the community. All stakeholders need to feel included and heard.
Financial Stewardship
Financial Stewardship
Chris has experience managing finances in times of crisis. As director he had to balance 70% income in local currency with 70% of expenses in foreign currency. Finding creative solutions to expenses, managing staffing and student ratios carefully, and finding ways to minimize the impact of fee increases helped him to stay on budget every year despite tremendous devaluation of the local currency.
Chris has experience managing finances in times of crisis. As director he had to balance 70% income in local currency with 70% of expenses in foreign currency. Finding creative solutions to expenses, managing staffing and student ratios carefully, and finding ways to minimize the impact of fee increases helped him to stay on budget every year despite tremendous devaluation of the local currency.
Professional Development
Professional Development
A good school is an interactive place that empowers all members to exchange ideas and information. Chris turned the professional development model on its head. Instead of sending only a few teachers out each year, Chris brought in experts to train all staff. This was a far more efficient use of limited funds and also fostered community. Each year faculty worked toward one clear goal. Depicted here, teachers are sharing what assessment looks like in their classrooms. Chris also brought an English as an Additional Language expert in for two days. In addition to classroom visits, teachers could sign up for one on one 15 minute meetings to ask specific questions and get practical feedback. Theory is only good if we can put it into practice.
A good school is an interactive place that empowers all members to exchange ideas and information. Chris turned the professional development model on its head. Instead of sending only a few teachers out each year, Chris brought in experts to train all staff. This was a far more efficient use of limited funds and also fostered community. Each year faculty worked toward one clear goal. Depicted here, teachers are sharing what assessment looks like in their classrooms. Chris also brought an English as an Additional Language expert in for two days. In addition to classroom visits, teachers could sign up for one on one 15 minute meetings to ask specific questions and get practical feedback. Theory is only good if we can put it into practice.
Faculty Meetings
Faculty Meetings
A good meeting is like a good dinner party, everyone should feel invited and heard. Chris often arranges groups to foster cross-divisional and interdisciplinary exchanges. At this meeting, faculty looked at how Theory of Knowledge concepts begin at Kindergarten and are nurtured throughout all divisions. If the IB Core is valued and integrated by all faculty, it becomes a foundation for learning across the school. Otherwise students will see it as an add on. At one table is a French teacher, a music teacher, a science teacher and a counselor. Getting people outside of their silos fosters learning and growth, both professionally and in the community as a whole.
A good meeting is like a good dinner party, everyone should feel invited and heard. Chris often arranges groups to foster cross-divisional and interdisciplinary exchanges. At this meeting, faculty looked at how Theory of Knowledge concepts begin at Kindergarten and are nurtured throughout all divisions. If the IB Core is valued and integrated by all faculty, it becomes a foundation for learning across the school. Otherwise students will see it as an add on. At one table is a French teacher, a music teacher, a science teacher and a counselor. Getting people outside of their silos fosters learning and growth, both professionally and in the community as a whole.
Trained as a Critical Friends Group (CFG) facilitator, Chris facilitates CFG protocols to support reflective and collaborative practice.
Making Connections
Making Connections
Under Chris' leadership BLIS applied for and was accepted to be a partner with Cambridge University's School of Education and a professional development center (PDQ). Not only did the school benefit financially from hosting trainings and conferences for IGCSE, the Leadership for Learning program was opened to staff as well. BLIS was one of 6 selected worldwide. It was another creative solution to maximize growth opportunities for the school and faculty on a limited budget.
Commitment to Experiential Learning
Commitment to Experiential Learning
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a program of experiential learning for adolescents and young adults. Young people must complete activities in various categories and can receive bronze, silver or gold awards. BLIS encouraged and supported students who participated in the DofE Award Program. In 2015, Chris received a commendation from the Earl of Wessex for his leadership and support of the outstanding work of student participants in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a program of experiential learning for adolescents and young adults. Young people must complete activities in various categories and can receive bronze, silver or gold awards. BLIS encouraged and supported students who participated in the DofE Award Program. In 2015, Chris received a commendation from the Earl of Wessex for his leadership and support of the outstanding work of student participants in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program.
Working with Chris
Working with Chris
“The fact that the Strategic Plan states clear goals, realistic timelines, and defined indicators of progress lends conviction to this conclusion and bodes well for the future of BLIS. It is evident that your leadership has brought a great deal of positive energy, vision, and momentum to the school. ”
“The fact that the Strategic Plan states clear goals, realistic timelines, and defined indicators of progress lends conviction to this conclusion and bodes well for the future of BLIS. It is evident that your leadership has brought a great deal of positive energy, vision, and momentum to the school. ”
- Peter Mott, former Director New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Peter Mott, former Director New England Association of Schools and Colleges
“I loved working for Chris because he is a leader who nurtures teaching and learning not only with students but teachers. He asked us to reflect on our practice and invested in the development of everyone from kindergarten to DP, both local and international.”
“I loved working for Chris because he is a leader who nurtures teaching and learning not only with students but teachers. He asked us to reflect on our practice and invested in the development of everyone from kindergarten to DP, both local and international.”
- Selale Atalar, Chemistry Teacher, Head of Science
- Selale Atalar, Chemistry Teacher, Head of Science
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