Philip Rowlands
Dubai
Summary
Australian born experienced educator with 19 years of leadership in curriculum development, staff coaching, and student success across Australian, British and American curricula. Passionate about fostering inclusive learning, data-driven decision-making, and school-wide improvement. Eager to apply leadership skills to drive excellence across all aspects of education.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Teach Like a GEM (TLAG) Excellence Fellow
GEMS Education
Dubai , UAE
2025.08 - Current
- System leader for Teach Like a GEM implementation across GEMS American Schools (UAE & Qatar)
- Contributed to policy decision-making for Teach Like a GEM implementation across 47 schools
- Led K–12 professional development and conducted cross-school support visits
- Quality assured instructional practice using the Steplab platform to analyse, support, and strengthen implementation fidelity
Innovation Teacher and Instructional Coach
GEMS Dubai American Academy
Dubai , UAE
2025.05 - Current
- Provide instructional coaching across grade levels to strengthen evidence-based classroom practice through observation, feedback, and reflection
- Led the design and implementation innovation, STEM, and technology-enhanced learning across K–5
- Supported and coached teachers to integrate inquiry-based learning, robotics, coding, and design thinking into core curriculum areas
Teacher
GEMS Dubai American Academy
Dubai , UAE
2021.08 - 2025.07
- Improved student success by maximising individual learning, balancing group and individual instruction models to accommodate different academic levels through an inquiry based curriculum.
- Responsible for the implementation of a new numeracy curriculum across the year (9 classes), including data tracking, grading, and ensuring alignment and coverage across the elementary.
Head of Year 3 and Head of Physical Education
Gateway Academy
Westminster , London
2013.01 - 2021.07
- Utilised mentoring, conflict resolution, organisational and data analysis skills to support student and staff development and performance. Facilitated effective communication across stakeholders and fostered personal and colleague growth across the Grade 3 team and school.
- Responsible for the wellbeing and education of 90 children, (3 classes) with up 95% English and an Additional Language and 40% requiring SEN support,
- Directed the strategic vision for the school's Physical Education program and extracurricular activities (ASAs).
Year 6 Teacher and Science Coordinator
Penguin District School
Penguin, Tasmania , Australia
2010.01 - 2012.12
Primary Classroom Teacher – Prep to Year 4
Andrew's Creek Primary School
Wesley Vale, Tasmania , Australia
2006.01 - 2009.12
Education
Master of Education - Education Leadership
Murdoch University
Dubai 2025.08 -
National Professional Qualification of Middle Leadership (NPQML) -
University College
London2018
Bachelor of Education -
University of Tasmania
Launceston 2005
Further Professional Experience
2025: Coach U 2 Day Coaching Clinic
2025: Steplab - Leadership Intensive & Coaching Instensive
2024-25: Co Facilitator, DAA Professional Learning Community - Utilising AI for UDL
April 2025: 40 Professional Development hours Instructional Coaching by Jim Knight
November 2024: Canva Teacher Essentials, Magic School AI and Book Creator Trained
October 2024: Adaptive Schools Training - Thinking Collaborative
February 2024: Near East South Asia Council (NESA), Learning Futures Summit (Athens)
2023-2024: Facilitator, DAA Professional Learning Community.
2018-19: Trained by Ofsted inspectors in undertaking in school appraisals, lesson observations and teacher performance reviews.
2016: Winner - Most Active School – Active Westminster Awards, London as PE Coordinator.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teach Like a GEM (TLAG) Excellence Fellow
GEMS Education
2025.08 - Current
Master of Education - Education Leadership
Murdoch University
2025.08 -
Innovation Teacher and Instructional Coach
GEMS Dubai American Academy
2025.05 - Current
Teacher
GEMS Dubai American Academy
2021.08 - 2025.07
Head of Year 3 and Head of Physical Education
Gateway Academy
2013.01 - 2021.07
Year 6 Teacher and Science Coordinator
Penguin District School
2010.01 - 2012.12
Primary Classroom Teacher – Prep to Year 4
Andrew's Creek Primary School
2006.01 - 2009.12
National Professional Qualification of Middle Leadership (NPQML) -
University College
Bachelor of Education -
University of Tasmania