Monica Visser
Teacher
Kunshan
Summary
South African secondary science educator with over 20 years of experience across four countries. Dedicated Head of Science and Curriculum Coordinator with a proven record of improving student outcomes, leading curriculum development, and fostering student engagement through inquiry-based learning.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Head of Science Department | Whole School Curriculum Coordinator
Kang Chiao International School
Kunshan, Jiangsu
02.2023 - Current
- Lead the Science Department, overseeing curriculum development and instructional quality for Grades 10-12.
- Coordinate whole-school curriculum alignment and assessment practices as part of WASC accreditation.
- Teach AP Biology (Grades 10-12), Biology Honors (Grade 10), Biology Regular (Grade 10), and Anatomy & Physiology (Grades 11-12).
- Achieved a 93% pass rate with 82% of students scoring 4 or higher on the AP Biology exam in the first year of teaching the course.
- Recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award for the 2023/2024 school year (first year at the school).
- Lead monthly department and school improvement meetings focused on curriculum development and WASC accreditation.
- Deliver yearly professional development sessions on curriculum development and updates for teaching staff.
- Developed and delivered professional development sessions on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the school environment.
- Attend regular professional development on assessment criteria, data-driven assessment, instructional practices, teaching strategies, safeguarding, and student welfare.
- Completed full AP Biology training in 2024.
- Developed comprehensive science curricula, resulting in higher student achievement.
- Mentor junior teachers, enhancing their instructional skills and classroom management through regular feedback and classroom observations.
- Assist in the development and implementation of faculty development plans.
- Facilitate professional development workshops to keep staff current with educational best practices.
- Organise curricular events (workshops, conferences) to foster collaboration among faculty.
- Design, implement, and manage training programmes to meet department and school needs.
- Conduct curriculum audits to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and educational regulations.
- Evaluate curriculum effectiveness by analysing student performance data and identifying areas for improvement.
Secondary Science Teacher
British International School
Kiev, Ukraine
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Taught KS3 General Science (Grades 7-9) and IGCSE Chemistry (Grades 10-11).
- Developed and delivered engaging lesson plans aligned with the British National Curriculum.
- Supported students in preparation for IGCSE external examinations, providing individual support to meet learning needs.
- Planned, prepared, and taught lessons, ensuring differentiated instruction and individual student support throughout.
Owner and Director
Wings Fitness Studio
Mossel Bay
01.2016 - 2021
- - Designed and delivered sport-specific training programmes for individuals and groups.
- - Developed customised nutrition and weight loss plans, monitoring client progress through biometrics.
- - Led group classes including spinning, HIIT, and Pilates.
- - Created age-appropriate fitness programmes for children.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
Secondary Science Teacher
Hartswater High School
Hartswater, South Africa
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Taught Biology (Grades 10-12), Natural Science (Grades 8-9), and Social Science (Grades 8-9).
- Served as Head of Student Council Committee.
- Managed textbook and stationary ordering for the school.
- Organised Grade 12 farewell events.
- Coached athletics and hockey; served as athletics team manager and hockey umpire.
- Organised annual educational tours for the Nature Club.
- Assisted in development of extracurricular activities and special events.
Secondary Science Teacher
Point High School
Mossel Bay, South Africa
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Taught Biology (Grades 10-12) and Natural Science (Grades 8-9).
- Set up test and examination timetables.
- Served as Grade 12 Senior Certificate Examiner.
- Provided after-school Biology tutoring for local students.
- Organised athletics events and served as Netball coach and umpire.
- Head of Nature Club, organising educational tours that involved hiking and river rafting.
- Coached hockey at both school and provincial level.
Head of Department: Science | Assessment Coordinator
Primrose High School
Germiston, South Africa
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Led the Science Department, overseeing Physical Science, Biology, and Natural Science.
- Conducted class visits, book controls, moderation of assessments, and curriculum supervision.
- Taught Physical Science (Grades 10-12), Biology (Grades 10-12), Natural Science (Grades 8-9), and Social Science (Grades 8-9).
- Managed discipline, parent correspondence, and examination paper moderation.
- Set up test and examination timetables and organised parent evenings.
- Coordinated assessment workshops for all learning area educators (Grades 8-12).
- Wrote the school's assessment policy and supervised assessment coverage each semester.
- Organised meetings with district schools for assessment standardisation.
English Teacher
Georgia American School
Taichung , Taiwan
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Taught English to students aged 2 to 18 in an American curriculum school.
- Developed age-appropriate language learning materials and activities.
Education
Honors Bachelor of Education - Natural Sciences
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Pretoria01.2009
Higher Education Diploma (HED) - Secondary Teaching
North-West University
Potchefstroom01.2001
Bachelor of Science - Human Movement Science And Nutrition
North-West University
Potchefstroom01.2000
Skills
- Teaching: AP Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Natural Science, Anatomy & Physiology, IGCSE Chemistry, KS3 Science
- Leadership: Curriculum Coordination, Department Leadership, Assessment Policy Development, Staff Mentoring, WASC Accreditation
- Technology: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, AI Integration in Education, Data Analysis, PowerSchool, ManageBac
Teaching expertise
Accomplishments
- -
- Outstanding Teacher Award
- – Kang Chiao International School (2023/2024)
- AP Biology Excellence
- – 93% pass rate, 82% scoring 4+ in first year of teaching AP (2024)
- Leadership
- – Head of Science Department and Whole School Curriculum Coordinator
- Curriculum Development
- – Led curriculum alignment for WASC accreditation; authored school-wide assessment policy
- Professional Development
- – Facilitator for PD sessions on AI in Education and Curriculum Development
- Mentoring
- – Mentor early-career teachers and conduct classroom observations
Certification
SACE Registered– South African Council for Educators
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- | AP Biology Training | College Board / Kang Chiao International School | 2024 |
- | Assessment Criteria and Data-Driven Assessment (PD) | Kang Chiao International School | 2023–Present |
- | Instructional Practices and Teaching Strategies (PD) | Kang Chiao International School | 2023–Present |
- | Safeguarding and Student Welfare (PD) | Kang Chiao International School | 2023–Present |
- | AI in Education (Facilitator) | Kang Chiao International School | 2023–Present |
- | Curriculum Development (Facilitator) | Kang Chiao International School | 2023–Present |
- | WASC Accreditation – Curriculum Development (Lead) | Kang Chiao International School | 2023–Present |
- | Curriculum Design and Evaluation for Science Education | UNISA (Honors B.Ed) | 2010 |
- | Current Issues in Science Education | UNISA (Honors B.Ed) | 2010 |
- | Teaching and Learning Methodologies | UNISA (Honors B.Ed) | 2009 |
- | Assessment Policy Development | Primrose High School | 2006 |
Timeline
Head of Science Department | Whole School Curriculum Coordinator
Kang Chiao International School
02.2023 - Current
Secondary Science Teacher
British International School
01.2022 - 12.2022
Owner and Director
Wings Fitness Studio
01.2016 - 2021
Secondary Science Teacher
Hartswater High School
01.2012 - 01.2014
Secondary Science Teacher
Point High School
01.2009 - 01.2011
Head of Department: Science | Assessment Coordinator
Primrose High School
01.2004 - 01.2009
English Teacher
Georgia American School
01.2002 - 01.2004
Honors Bachelor of Education - Natural Sciences
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Higher Education Diploma (HED) - Secondary Teaching
North-West University
Bachelor of Science - Human Movement Science And Nutrition
North-West University