Research-to-Practice LabsPhD in Education | Certified Principal | Author | Conference Speaker | OCT Certified

About

I'm John, a practicing teacher with a PhD in education, published scholar, and certified principal. My book on research and writing is assigned reading at several universities. My doctoral research examined how to improve teacher morale, efficacy, commitment, and retention – the foundation of my approach to school culture diagnostics.As Department Head at a CAIS/CIS school for over a decade, I've led strategic planning, faculty development, and curriculum innovation. I've published peer-reviewed work in journals like Leadership and Policy in Schools and presented at international conferences on teaching practice and school improvement.I know what works in classrooms because I'm still in one. I know what the research says because I've contributed to it.I help schools bridge that gap.

Experience Highlights

- Developed department strategic plan with qualitative and quantitative success metrics to track progress and drive improvement
- Launched AP Capstone program, scaling from pilot to 40% school-wide participation
- Created peer observation protocols and student feedback systems for continuous instructional improvement
- Established regular faculty professional development focused on evidence-based pedagogy
- Founded The Young Researcher, a student scholarly journal with 250,000+ readers and Harvard University partnership
- Presented at NAIS, CAIS, AP, IBSC, and national AP conferences on curriculum innovation and teacher development
- Led faculty hiring, onboarding, and mentorship initiatives

What I Offer:
Evidence-Based School Improvement

Most schools make important decisions based on anecdotes and intuition. I help you see clearly through systematic research and data – understanding what's actually happening with your people, your programs, and your outcomes.

Understand Your People and Programs

School Culture Diagnostics

Teacher retention is your competitive advantage. Through systematic surveys and in-depth interviews, I help you understand what's actually happening in your school culture – not what you hope is happening. You receive a comprehensive diagnostic report with specific, actionable recommendations grounded in both data and research.Ideal for schools facing turnover, leadership transitions, or wanting to strengthen faculty morale and commitment.

Curriculum Coaching

Curriculum work requires both pedagogical expertise and implementation savvy. I work with schools and departments to refresh curriculum, strengthen instructional practice, and build capacity for ongoing improvement. This isn't generic professional development – it's targeted, evidence-based support for your specific challenges.Ideal for schools undergoing curriculum review, launching new programs, or strengthening assessment practices.

Graduate Outcomes Research

Most schools don't systematically track how well they're preparing students for what comes next. Through surveys and interviews with recent graduates (1-5 years out), I help you understand what's working, what gaps exist, and how your current curriculum and programming should evolve based on what students actually needed.
This research informs strategic planning, accreditation self-studies, curriculum development, and advancement messaging with evidence rather than assumption.Ideal for schools preparing for accreditation, strategic planning cycles, or wanting to close the feedback loop between your program and student outcomes.

Approach

I work with you as a colleague, not a distant consultant. I take on only a few projects per year, which means I'm selective about fit. I focus on schools that are serious about improvement and ready to act on findings.I believe in evidence-based practice, quick wins alongside longer-term change, and professional development that doesn't make teachers roll their eyes.