Michael Anthony Johnstone
Professional Summary
Experienced Canadian educator with 15 years of international teaching experience, including 7 years in middle leadership. Skilled in concept-based inquiry, PYP, instructional coaching, and curriculum development. Proven track record of leading teams, improving student outcomes through data-informed practice, and building collaborative, high-performing teaching cultures.
Qualifications
2015-Present Certified Teacher in Canada
Education
2015 Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Primary/Junior Branch
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Summa Cum Laude
2008 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) English Literature
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
2022-2026 Wellington College International Shanghai
Head of Year 5 & Classroom Teacher
Led Years 4 and 5 as Head of Year, strengthening team coherence and consistency across the phase. Oversaw the pastoral care of over 130 pupils annually, ensuring high standards of well-being, behavioral support. Designed and delivered CPD in concept-based inquiry in collaboration with Rachel French, alongside professional development on the effective use of technology and data to inform teaching. Built collective teacher efficacy through structured collaboration and data-informed analysis, contributing to improved student outcomes.
2017-2022 Shanghai United International School, Shangyin Campus
Grade Coordinator & Classroom Teacher
Led the Grade 2 teaching team in delivering a US Common Core–aligned curriculum, managing up to eleven teachers. Facilitated planning, delegated responsibilities, and supported staff through coaching and professional development. Collaborated with senior leadership to develop policies and key initiatives, including achieving International Primary Curriculum (IPC) accreditation. Completed the Fieldwork Education International Leadership and Management course in London (July 2019).
2015-2017 British Columbia Collegiate School
Homeroom Teacher
Taught the Canadian (British Columbia) curriculum to Grade 1 students at a BC-certified offshore school in Seoul, South Korea. Developed a full-time professional teaching practice grounded in constructivist principles and inquiry-based learning, aligned with BC educational philosophy and best practice. Led the planning of major school-wide events, including a K–12 Science Fair and K–3 Math Olympics. Contributed to the wider school community through extracurricular programmes such as floor hockey and table tennis clubs.
2015 Thomas D’arcy McGee Catholic School
Student Teacher
Completed a five-week practicum in a Grade 1/2 classroom with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, delivering lessons using differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and conducting student assessments to evaluate progress.
2014 Robert Bateman Public School
Student Teacher
Completed a four-week practicum in a Grade 6 classroom in Ottawa, teaching the Ontario Curriculum under OCT supervision, with a focus on classroom management, inclusive practice, and student assessment.
2011-2014 Myongji Elementary School
English & Social Studies Specialist Teacher
Taught English and Social Studies to elementary students at a private school in Seoul. Collaborated on curriculum development across grade levels and led the Grade 4 programme. Contributed to the wider school community through English language camps during winter and summer programmes.
2010-2011 SNK Academy
ESL Teacher
Taught English as a second language in Seoul to kindergarten and elementary students, including writing, journalism, and theatre. Developed and refined curriculum, and assessed reading, writing, speech, and comprehension for programme placement.
Professional Development Highlights
2025 – Making the PYP Happen, International Baccalaureate
2019 – International Leadership and Management Programme (ILMP), Fieldwork Education
2016 – Korea Council of Overseas Schools International Educators Conference
2015 – Teaching Choices Symposium (inclusion, ASD, poverty in education, and technology integration)
