Dr. Carla Caviness
Dubai
Summary
Strategic and Impact-Driven Educational Leader with over 12 years of experience across international and culturally diverse school settings. I have successfully founded and led two schools in the Gulf region, establishing strong systems, high standards, and a culture of excellence from the ground up. My leadership approach is rooted in collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and a deep commitment to student success.
With expertise in school improvement, monitoring and evaluation, curriculum design, and team development, I empower staff, engage families, and build strong community partnerships. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that reflect high expectations and equitable outcomes for all learners. My work is driven by the core values of collaboration, inclusion, continuous learning, and shared accountability.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Faculty Member
SEA-Sharjah Education Academy
09.2022 - Current
- Designed and delivered postgraduate Leadership and Management courses aligned to national UAE frameworks, supporting over 70 Emirati and international educators annually.
- Achieved a 94% course satisfaction rate among PGCE and Master's candidates through interactive, research-based instruction and contextualized case studies.
- Led action research supervision for over 60 postgraduate students, with 90% demonstrating measurable school-based leadership impact in final assessments.
- Integrated UAE Education Vision 2031 priorities and data-driven school improvement models into curriculum, enhancing relevance for aspiring school leaders in the Emirati context.
Founding Principal
Dubai Schools-Nad Al Sheba
07.2022 - Current
- Successfully led the school through its first KHDA inspection, achieving a Good rating in Well-being, Inclusion, and Leadership (Section 6)—a reflection of strong student support systems, inclusive practices, and strategic governance.
- Championed a whole-school well-being and inclusion framework that resulted in KHDA recognition for Good provision in both domains, setting a strong foundation for continued growth and excellence.
- Achieved 157% enrollment growth from Year 1 to Year 2 (219 to 465 students) and a further 21% increase in Year 3 (to 564 students), demonstrating strategic leadership in marketing, admissions, and community engagement.
- Improved student outcomes by consistently analyzing data and adapting instructional approaches to meet individual needs.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
Founding Academic Vice Principal
Aldar Education
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Led targeted professional development initiatives that increased teacher instructional quality by 75% over three years, as measured by internal lesson observation data, planning audits, and improved student engagement metrics.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with the Common Core State Standards, Charter School KPI's and objectives.
- Facilitated Professional Developments across the network for teaching staff, support staff, and middle leaders through implementation of quality curriculum training, RTI training, Guided Reading training and appropriation of necessary resources.
- Writing of SIP, SEF, and School action plans based on monitoring and evaluation data to ensure that the necessary adjustments are made to improve the school and raise outcomes for learners.
Monitor and Evaluation Consultant
Clarksdale Municipal School District
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Led district-wide curriculum alignment initiative across 15 schools, resulting in a 67% increase in cross-school instructional consistency and improved student outcomes in core subjects.
- Designed and implemented a professional development framework that increased teacher instructional effectiveness by 71%, as measured through observation rubrics and student growth data.
- Facilitated over 120 hours of targeted PD sessions annually, leading to a 48% rise in teacher satisfaction with training relevance and application (based on post-PD surveys).
Head of Faculty
Department Of Education And Knowledge
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Facilitated continued education for teaching staff through implementation of quality curriculum training and appropriation of necessary resources.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies and behavior modification.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to ensure performance objectives and standards are continuously achieved.
- Planned and implemented professional development programs across cluster.
Founding Assistant Principal
Achievement School District
08.2014 - 07.2016
Founding Charter School Teacher
Aspire Public Schools
07.2010 - 07.2014
Literacy Teacher
Memphis City Schools
08.2008 - 06.2010
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Trevecca University
M.A - Curriculum And Instruction
University Of The Pacific
B.A - History
University of Memphis
Skills
- School Startup
- School Improvement
- Program Development and Management
- Instructional Leadership
- Contextualized Curriculum Design
- Regulatory Compliance Expertise
- IB PYP Frameworks
- Inspection Readiness
- Safeguarding Leadership
- Inclusive Education Practices
Certification
Certified K-6 Teacher Expires: 10-2028
Certified K-12 Principal Expires: 10-2028
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty Member
SEA-Sharjah Education Academy
09.2022 - Current
Founding Principal
Dubai Schools-Nad Al Sheba
07.2022 - Current
Monitor and Evaluation Consultant
Clarksdale Municipal School District
05.2021 - 07.2021
Founding Academic Vice Principal
Aldar Education
07.2019 - 07.2022
Head of Faculty
Department Of Education And Knowledge
07.2016 - 07.2019
Founding Assistant Principal
Achievement School District
08.2014 - 07.2016
Founding Charter School Teacher
Aspire Public Schools
07.2010 - 07.2014
Literacy Teacher
Memphis City Schools
08.2008 - 06.2010
B.A - History
University of Memphis
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Trevecca University
M.A - Curriculum And Instruction
University Of The Pacific
Similar Profiles
Ryan Jay BernalRyan Jay Bernal
Facility Supervisor at Sharjah Performing Arts AcademyFacility Supervisor at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Ahmed BakrAhmed Bakr
Acting Student at Sharjah Performing Arts AcademyActing Student at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Cassidy CookCassidy Cook
Enrollment Program Assistant at Institute For Shipboard Education, Semester At SeaEnrollment Program Assistant at Institute For Shipboard Education, Semester At Sea
SADIQ ABBASSADIQ ABBAS
Banking Advisor at Fintrek Marketing Management LLCBanking Advisor at Fintrek Marketing Management LLC
NAVAS MOHAMEDNAVAS MOHAMED
Digital Marketing Manager & Team Lead at Invisor Management Training LLCDigital Marketing Manager & Team Lead at Invisor Management Training LLC