Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Training
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Karina Smith

Karina Smith

Educator
Riyadh

Summary

I am a dedicated education professional with over 20 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and school leadership. Throughout my career, I have held key roles such as Principal, Academic Coordinator, and Governess, where I have demonstrated my ability to lead, inspire, and adapt to diverse educational environments. I specialize in customized lesson planning, creating tailored learning experiences to meet the unique needs of each student. In my recent role as a Governess in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I provided academic assistance across multiple subjects, organized creative and recreational activities, and maintained open communication with parents to ensure transparency and collaboration. With a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a genuine passion for education, I strive to make a positive impact on students and institutions. I am currently seeking opportunities to contribute my skills and experience to a dynamic educational environment.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Governess Tenure Position

Private Household
02.2025 - 03.2025
  • Taught and cared for children in a private household, ensuring a seamless continuation of their education during the regular teacher’s absence
  • Developed customized lesson plans tailored to the individual needs of each child, ensuring effective and engaging learning experiences
  • Provided academic assistance across various subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Science
  • Organized and supervised creative, athletic, and recreational activities to promote holistic development
  • Maintained open and regular communication with parents, providing updates on children’s progress and addressing any concerns
  • Demonstrated adaptability, professionalism, and a strong work ethic in a new cultural environment

Principal

King’s College (Mtsotso) Private School
08.2021 - 04.2024
  • Monitored all academic matters, overseeing curriculum development and implementation
  • Evaluated teachers and enforced school policies and procedures
  • Managed school operations, including SASSAMS administration and communication with staff and parents
  • Developed individualized learning plans for students requiring additional support
  • Coordinated extracurricular activities, including sports and cultural events
  • Maintained open communication with parents through regular meetings and progress reports

Principal

Michiefield College
02.2021 - 08.2021
  • Oversaw all academic matters, including curriculum development and teacher evaluations
  • Managed school operations and ensured compliance with educational policies
  • Communicated effectively with staff and parents to address academic and administrative concerns
  • Implemented tailored teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students

Academic Coordinator & Grade 8 English HL Educator

St Thomas Private School
01.2020 - 12.2020
  • Monitored academic activities of educators and HODs, providing support and training as needed
  • Coordinated the Umalusi evaluation process and SASAMS administration
  • Acted as the Covid-19 Coordinator, ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols
  • Organized and led staff meetings, fostering collaboration and professional development
  • Developed customized lesson plans for students with varying learning needs

Grade 6 Class Teacher

St Christopher’s Private School
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Taught Grade 6 Social Studies, Natural Sciences & Technology, and Afrikaans FAL
  • Served as the Head of Afrikaans, developing curriculum and assessment materials
  • Organized creative and recreational activities, including sports and cultural events
  • Maintained regular communication with parents regarding student progress

Grade 1 Educator

Highbury Primary School
01.2016 - 12.2017
  • Taught all subjects relevant to Grade 1, ensuring a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy
  • Organized school events and fundraisers, demonstrating strong organizational skills
  • Served as a First Aid provider and Netball coach, promoting student well-being and extracurricular engagement

Phase Head, Afrikaans Educator, Vice Principal, Acting Principal

Get Ahead Project
01.2008 - 12.2014
  • Taught Afrikaans, English, Natural Sciences & Technology, and Social Sciences to Grades 4–9
  • Managed staff and groundsmen, ensuring smooth school operations
  • Designed educational programs and coordinated fundraising activities
  • Submitted documents to Umalusi and the Department of Education, ensuring compliance with regulations

Education

Education

University of South Africa UNISA
Pretoria
01.1999 - 01.2002

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Foundation Phase - (B.Ed.)

Potchefstroom University
Potchefstroom
01.2003 - 12.2005

Skills

  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Organizational and planning skills
  • Project management and multi-tasking
  • Computer literate (Microsoft Office, Google Classroom, SASAMS)
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
  • Staff management and training & development
  • Curriculum development and implementation
  • Customized lesson planning tailored to individual student needs
  • Reporting & analysis
  • Report writing
  • Data entry
  • Creative and recreational activity coordination
  • Parent communication and relationship management
  • Petty cash management
  • Calendar management

Accomplishments

  • Successfully implemented customized lesson plans and tailored teaching strategies across multiple roles.
  • Organized and supervised creative, athletic, and recreational activities, promoting holistic student development.
  • Maintained open and effective communication with parents, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and professionalism in diverse educational settings, including international experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Languages

Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Xhosa
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Training

  • Attended several courses in OBE, CAPS, and Remedial Education.
  • Completed a Disciplinary Hearing course (2013).
  • Attended Principals Symposiums (2013, 2014, 2016).
  • Participated in Umalusi Seminars (2017, 2019, 2020).
  • Attended a SASAMS workshop (2017).

Personal Information

Driving License: Code 8

Timeline

Governess Tenure Position

Private Household
02.2025 - 03.2025

Principal

King’s College (Mtsotso) Private School
08.2021 - 04.2024

Principal

Michiefield College
02.2021 - 08.2021

Academic Coordinator & Grade 8 English HL Educator

St Thomas Private School
01.2020 - 12.2020

Grade 6 Class Teacher

St Christopher’s Private School
01.2018 - 12.2019

Grade 1 Educator

Highbury Primary School
01.2016 - 12.2017

Phase Head, Afrikaans Educator, Vice Principal, Acting Principal

Get Ahead Project
01.2008 - 12.2014

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Foundation Phase - (B.Ed.)

Potchefstroom University
01.2003 - 12.2005

Education

University of South Africa UNISA
01.1999 - 01.2002
Karina SmithEducator