Hiking
Nathaniel Hayes Potson
Shenzhen,Guangdong Province
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Secondary Social Studies educator with extensive expertise in curriculum development, student-centered instruction, and leadership within international school settings. Proven success in mentoring students through National History Day competitions, coordinating the IB CAS program, and spearheading professional development initiatives across diverse educational environments. Passionate about fostering academic excellence, collaboration, and a strong sense of global citizenship among students. Committed to creating engaging learning experiences that inspire critical thinking and empower future leaders.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
High School USA History and American Literature Teacher
QSI International School of Shenzhen (QSI)
Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
08.2020 - Current
- Taught High School U.S. History and American Literature in alignment with C3 and Common Core ELA Standards
- Oversaw CAS program and volunteer initiatives across all three QSI Shenzhen campuses, and within the larger Shenzhen Community
- Coordinated New Teacher Orientation, Fall Regional PD for East & Southeast Asia (China, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam), and local Spring PD sessions
- Contributed to school-wide improvement planning
- Assisted in the implementation of the school’s Diploma Programme and supported the IB school evaluation process
- Authored the Cultural Studies curriculum for 12-year-olds for 37 QSI campuses.
- Led National History Day & Model UN clubs; students qualified for national competitions
- Mentored students through research and writing aligned with IB standards
Geography and History Teacher (Grades 6-7)
American International School (AIS)
Sheikh Zayed
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Utilized AERO Standards and the IB MYP framework to enhance curriculum delivery and student learning outcomes
- Supported instructional growth for the 6th grade science teacher by implementing data-driven practices
- Led planning and goal setting for grades 6–12 to improve learning outcomes
- Mentored students in completing CAS experiences in alignment with IB requirements.
History Teacher (Grades 7–8)
Windsor Charter Academy Schools (WCA)
Windsor, CO
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Instruction 7th and 8th Grade history aligned with Common Core Standards and the Core Knowledge Sequence
- Delivered college-prep curriculum
- Represented History team on Building Leadership Team meetings
- Contributed to development and oversight of the School's Unified Improvement Plan
- Supported the adoption of school-wide AVID strategies.
Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Knowledge Quest Academy (KQA)
Milliken, CO
08.2009 - 05.2015
- Devised lesson plans reflecting student educational, cultural and language diversity in alignment with the Colorado Common Core Standards
- Used student data to prep students for the annual state assessment
- Aligned school curriculum for both Common Core Standards and Core Knowledge Sequence.
Education
Certificate in Student-Centered Instructional Coaching - undefined
University of Wisconsin-Madison
07.2018
Master of Arts Teaching - Curriculum
University of Northern Colorado
05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - History/Secondary Education
University of Northern Colorado
12.2008
Skills
- Literacy Instruction
- Curriculum and Unit Design
- Project-based Learning
- Instructional Technology
- Assessment and Data Use
- Program Coordination
- Teacher Mentorship
- Interactive classroom instruction and Management
- Parent and Guardian communication
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Instructional Leadership
- Differentiated Instruction
- Maintain Records
Certification
- Colorado Professional Teacher License, Secondary Social Studies, 2030-09-30
- IB Diploma CAS CAT. II Certification, 2022-08-01
- Advancement Via Individualistic Determination Elective Certified, 2016-01-01
Professional Development
- Using Speaker Progress with Teams and How to Build a Digital Learning Hub, QSI Shenzhen, 2025-09-01
- The Arc of Inquiry for Social Studies: Integrating Project-Based Learning into the Classroom (NHD-based), QSI East and Southeast Asia PD, 2022-09-01
- Year-Long PLC Facilitator on the book Hacking Literacy: 5 Ways to Turn Any Classroom Into a Culture of Readers, QSI Shenzhen, 2021-09-01
- Project-Based Learning: From Novice to Expert and Inquiry-based Learning, QSI Shenzhen, 2022-09-01
- CHAMPS Classroom Management, AIS Egypt New Teacher Training, 2019-09-01
- National History Day Teacher Preparation, University of Northern Colorado, 2017-09-01
- Understanding by Design Instruction Planning Framework, WCA, 2016-06-01
- Google Classroom and Drive Instructional Utilization and AVID Instructional Strategies, WCA, 2016-09-01
- Document Annotation, Library of Congress at the University of Northern Colorado, 2016-09-01
Professional Organizations
- University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association, 2008-Present
- Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, 2006-Present
Wechat Id
MrHistoryDay
Personal Information
Availability: Available on WhatsApp
Awards
- China Affiliate Nominee for the 2024 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award
- Golden Apple Award for Teacher Excellence at WCA, 2016-04-01
- National History Day Northeastern Colorado Teacher of the Year, 2017-01-01
- ETS Recognition of Excellence, 2007-01-01
Publications
Emerald Mountain, Ward Luthi, The Best Estes Park Hikes, Colorado Mountain Club, 2013, 30-33, Print, Colorado Mountain Club Pack Guide Ser
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- • University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association
- • Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society
Interests
Reading
Literature
Yoga
Model Painting
Accomplishments
China Affiliate Nominee for the 2024 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award
Timeline
High School USA History and American Literature Teacher
QSI International School of Shenzhen (QSI)
08.2020 - Current
Geography and History Teacher (Grades 6-7)
American International School (AIS)
08.2018 - 05.2020
History Teacher (Grades 7–8)
Windsor Charter Academy Schools (WCA)
08.2015 - 05.2018
Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Knowledge Quest Academy (KQA)
08.2009 - 05.2015
Certificate in Student-Centered Instructional Coaching - undefined
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Arts Teaching - Curriculum
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - History/Secondary Education
University of Northern Colorado
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