From the Head: Improving Recruitment Processes at Somersfield
By Riki Teteina
As the year rapidly passes by, I thought it would be useful to provide some progress reports from our strategic plan. I’d like to begin by giving you an update on our recruitment and retention processes over the past year.
In my journey as a Head of School, I remember an important piece of advice I received early in my career. It was that the most important role of an educational leader was to attract and retain world-class teachers. While we already have a strong team at Somersfield, there is always room for improvement. A few areas we strengthened early in my tenure were:
Implement a schoolwide teacher self-evaluation and reflection process;
Bring forward the notification period for teachers (international staff) whose contracts were up for renewal;
Join a world-renowned teacher recruitment agency (Search Associates) to advertise our vacancies globally to a cohort of outstanding teachers with a proven record of success;
Bring forward the recruitment season to early January.
These initiatives allowed us to gain clarity early on about who was planning to return and who would seek teaching opportunities elsewhere.
“The most important role of an educational leader was to attract and retain world-class teachers.
As in any large organisation, there will always be staff turnover, and our internationally recruited teachers are sought after across the globe. Some will inevitably move on to new experiences, and we are thankful to the following staff who have served Somersfield well over the past years.
Teachers Leaving at End of 2023-2024
Kate Sweeney – Chemistry – 6 years of service at Somersfield
Angus Shillitoe – Mathematics – 3 years of service at Somersfield
Chantal Garnett – Mathematics – 6 years of service at Somersfield
Anne-Laure Bazin – French and IB Diploma Coordinator – 10 years of service at Somersfield
Carolyn Amaral English – 5 years of service at Somersfield
Alison Davis – Lower Primary – 14 years of service at Somersfield
Melisa Judd – Primary Counsellor – 16 years of service at Somersfield
Each staff member has left an indelible mark on the Somersfield Community, and we wish them every success in their new pursuits. As we also look to improve our leadership structures next year, we promoted Tanisha Edwards to the role of Director of Student Life, beginning in September 2024. Of course, this triggered a few internal changes as staff expressed their desire to teach in other areas of the school. I’d like to formally announce these changes and notify you of our new additions to the community.
Appointment of MYP/DP Chemistry/Science – Alison Farrell
A UK national of West Indies descent, Alison has extensive experience and knowledge in skillsets both in MYP & Diploma Chemistry and Science. Over her 20+ years of experience in the UK, Brazil and the Bahamas, Alison has a strong reputation as being student-centred and caring. She is also developing her skills in pastoral care and will assume a lead join an advisory role at Somersfield team in the Secondary division. and We are delighted to have her join our faculty.
Appointment of MYP Mathematics – Anne Hieserich (Strong)
Anne Strong is currently known at Somersfield as our P6 teacher. Her experience has allowed her to become a strong, student-centred teacher, focusing on individual needs. With her foundational background, math educational credentials and passion for mathematics, she is the perfect choice to support students in mathematics for the lower levels of the MYP program next year.
Appointment of MYP & DP Mathematics – Cathrina Aguilar
A Canadian citizen of Taiwanese descent, Cathrina has had a successful teaching role as a Mathematics Teacher locally at MSA. Her passion for developing MYP and Diploma mathematics teaching skills is what has drawn her to Somersfield. Her demonstration lesson at Somersfield impressed both students and staff alike, and she too is known for being student-centred, shaping her lessons to the needs of her class and instilling a growth mindset. Cathrina is also fluent in Mandarin and has been actively providing a wide range of extra and co-curricular activities whilst at MSA.
Appointment of MYP & DP Mathematics – Kerry-Anne Stewart
Recently residing in Bermuda (her husband is employed by the Bermuda Government), Kerry-Anne was lecturing in mathematics at the University of Jamaica, mentoring graduate students to become mathematics teachers. With a Master of Arts in Education Management and Leadership from the University of Chichester (England), Kerry-Anne is highly skilled in higher-level mathematics. She also impressed teachers and students alike when she provided a demonstration lesson at the school. Kerry-Anne will assume the leadership role in mathematics in 2024-2025. She has begun the short-term coverage of Alan Potts’ classes this term, allowing her to assimilate into the school and ensure a smooth transition to a very new and vibrant mathematics department in 2024-2025.
Appointment of IB Curriculum Co-ordinator – Cathy Schlei
With our incumbent leaders resigning from their IB leadership roles, we opened the roles internally, but no successful applications were received. This has allowed us to re-evaluate our needs. Recognizing that both the MYP and DP re-authorising processes are coming up in early 2025-2026, we felt we needed someone with extensive international experience in leading this process, as well as developing a streamlined transition from MYP to Diploma Programme. Of particular need is a schoolwide approach to the IBO’s approaches to learning: thinking skills, social skills, communication skills, research skills and self-management skills.
We advertised locally and globally and consequently have offered the position to Cathy Schlei, who is currently providing maternity coverage for Julie Kulig. Cathy has extensive experience, knowledge and skills in the areas of expertise we need. Cathy also served as my IB Diploma Co-ordinator whilst at Phuket International Academy Day School (now UWC Thailand). Recently out of retirement, Cathy’s role will be project-based, and likely only 1-2 years with the following goals in place:
To ensure we receive re-authorisation of both the MYP and Diploma Programmes,
To mentor incumbent teachers to assume the roles of MYP and DP Coordinators after the evaluation process is completed.
To lead the staff in developing a cohesive curriculum programme based on the approaches to learning across the MYP and Diploma programme.
P5 Appointment – Ashley Phipps
A current lower primary teacher at Somersfield Academy these past two years, Ashley has demonstrated exceptional skills in building student relations and fostering collaborative and inclusive learning environments. Her enthusiasm for teaching shines through daily in her classroom, and her love of learning is evident by her recent award of a Master's degree in Education and her strong interest in the Primary Years Programme. Ashley's deep zest for learning and applying those newfound skills positions her extremely well for the Primary 5 teacher position.
P6 Appointment – Maajida Coleman
Maajida is the spouse of a Bermudian who currently resides in Atlanta. She holds Montessori certification for ages 3-6 and has a strong affinity for Somersfield, where she began her career and completed her Montessori practicum. With a degree in Elementary Education and currently teaching Grade 5 students, Maajida is well-suited to assume the role of P6 classroom teacher, alongside Heidi Franklin. Her deep commitment to Montessori principles assures us that her passion and expertise will significantly enhance the educational experience of our students.
English – MYP – Brice Pursell
With Brice Pursell stepping away from MYP coordination after 5 years of excellent leadership, he will return to teaching English as a part-time teacher in 2024-2025. Brice needs no introductions, as a long-term member of our teaching team for 12 years.
French – IB MYP & DP – Covered internally
Anne-Laure’s teaching responsibilities will be covered internally by our capable Language & Acquisitions department, joined by David Lunn, who will teach PE and the lower levels of the MYP program. We wish him and the team all the best in this new assignment.
Lower Primary Position - Shawnette Caines
Shawnette Caines is a familiar face to our primary students, having substituted in the department since February 2024. She has taught in both public and private schools in Bermuda and the UK. She has worked with students with diverse needs. She prioritises creating inclusive environments where students are encouraged to explore and develop their interests.
We are delighted to announce a strong team of teachers, and we trust that the community will welcome them with open arms as they join our student-centred team. We are currently interviewing for the primary counsellor role, and look forward to announcing the successful candidate in the coming weeks.
Finally, I’m proud of our team, as we’ve worked together to secure our staffing structures well ahead of the 2024-2025 academic year. I’m confident that we will continue to strengthen our retention processes in the years to come.