Resume | Professional Portfol

About Me

My name is Dave Gates

I am a seasoned international educator and innovative leader with over 20 years of experience across diverse educational settings, with proven expertise in curriculum development, data-informed instruction, and fostering psychologically safe learning environments. I am skilled in designing and delivering high-impact professional development that bridges theory and practice, empowering educators to excel in multicultural, IB-accredited institutions.

About Me

Educational Leadership Experience

International School of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
MYP Coordinator, MAP Assessment Coordinator

2022 - Present

Successfully led the IB MYP self-study and documentation for the 2022 multiparty (CIS, NEASC, IB) reaccreditation visit, ensuring full compliance with international standards.
Increased community engagement through targeted guidance on IB assessment and school systems (ManageBac, Google Classroom, NWEA MAP) for staff, students, and parents.
Implemented data protocols with teaching teams, resulting in a 10% increase in students achieving academic honor roll.
Designed and led impactful professional development sessions, including a widely praised workshop on the importance of cultural sensitivity in a diverse school community (25+ nationalities).
Pioneered a community-centered leadership approach by modeling all teacher and student projects, enhancing understanding, and promoting psychological safety.
Oversee curriculum and unit programming for 40 classes across 8 subject areas, ensuring alignment with IB requirements and integration of ATL skills.
Collaborate with the Head of Secondary school to manage a Middle Years Program with 25+ educators and 100+ students, addressing teacher support, child safety, and disciplinary challenges.

Fukuoka International School, Fukuoka, Japan
Language Development Coordinator

2015 - 2022

Fukuoka International School

Pioneered a data-driven approach to English language instruction by integrating WIDA, MAP, and IB grade data, resulting in personalized learning pathways and improved outcomes for multi-language learners.
Spearheaded the implementation and management of NWEA MAP and WIDA assessments, enhancing the school's ability to make data-informed instructional decisions for 350+ students.
Revitalized the FIS summer school program, increasing enrollment by 40% through targeted improvements including parent feedback integration, enhanced marketing, and diversified course offerings.
Established the school's first Design program, crucial for achieving full IB accreditation, creatively overcoming resource limitations through BYO technology and upcycled materials.
Attained the first Mentor Master status at FIS, by creating a comprehensive portfolio that became the standard for professional development across the school.
Demonstrated exceptional versatility by teaching or co-teaching 5 of 8 MYP subjects (English Language Acquisition, English Language Literature, Design, Science, and Individuals and Societies) to a diverse student body of 350+.

Gateway High School, Aurora, Colorado, USA English Language Development Teacher Leader &
Department Chair

2010 - 2015

Led the English Language Development department, designing and delivering professional development for sheltered content teachers to enhance multi-language learner support.
Developed and implemented strategies that increased English language proficiency scores by 25% over three years.
Collaborated with district-level educators to share best practices and innovative teaching techniques for ELD students.
Mentored new ELD teachers, improving department cohesion and instructional consistency.

Additional Teaching Experience

Community College of Aurora, Aurora, Colorado, USA
Adjunct English Instructor

2012 - 2014

Taught college-level composition and reading strategies to diverse adult learners, focusing on below-entry-level students.
Developed a scaffolded curriculum that improved student retention rates by 15% in developmental English courses.

Colorado Heights University, Denver, Colorado, USA
English (ESL) Teacher

2007 - 2009

Instructed international students in all aspects of English language acquisition, including listening, speaking, grammar, reading, and writing.
Created and led cultural immersion programs for Japanese exchange students, enhancing their language skills and cultural understanding.

The Learning Source, Denver, Colorado, USA
English (ESL) Teacher

2005 - 2007

Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans for adult English language learners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Developed a community outreach program that increased adult ESL enrollment by 30%.

Laradon Hall, Denver, Colorado, USA
Assistant Learning Support Teacher

2005 - 2007

Provided specialized one-on-one support for students with autism and emotional challenges in both primary and secondary settings.
Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs.

Japan Exchange Teacher Program, Akita, Japan
Assitant Langauge Teacher

2002 - 2004

Created and implemented interactive English lessons for elementary, middle school, and adult students in rural Japan.
Organized cultural exchange events, fostering improved international understanding in the local community.

Education and Certification

Certificate of International Leadership
Principal Training Center
Rome, Italy and Lisbon, Portugal

2023 - 2024

Completing the Principal Training Center's Certificate in International Leadership has given me up-to-date practical training in Creating an Effective School, Instructional Supervision and Evaluation, Assessment Leadership, and Curriculum Leadership.

M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership,
Distinguished Graduate
American College of Education
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

2020 - 2021

My master's degree in Teacher Leadership helped me to hone my leadership skills. I focused largely on implementing practical professional development sessions, and utilizing protocols to analyze data.

Secondary Language Arts Teaching Licensure
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colorado, USA

2007 - 2009

My teaching licensure program through MSU Denver was very hands-on and practical. Although I have a BA in anthropology with a minor in French, in order to meet Colorado state education requirements, as part of my licensure I essentially had to get a second BA in English.

B.A. Anthropology, Minor French, Cum Laude
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colorado, USA

1999 - 2002

My undergrad work provides me with a strong base in cultural and linguistic understanding which in turn empowers me to make informed culturally responsive pedagogical decisions.