Teacher | Coach | Artist
As an educator with over 10 years of working with secondary level students, I have gained an appreciation and love for the energy of middle school students as well as the rigor and breadth that comes with a cohort of IB students. Though some find working with learners in these stages of life challenging, I enjoy encouraging complex thinking and compassion in kids who possess such wonder and potential. As a maker and life-long learner, I also believe that when the integration of technology is paired with a clear vision and a desire to improve student learning, it becomes a powerful catalyst for dialogue, rigor and pedagogical transformation.
On a personal note, I was born in Nicaragua but grew up in Washington DC, and while I call this part of the east coast of the United States my home, I feel lucky to identify as an international educator, having taught at Shekou International School (SIS) for the past six years. I am joined by my wife, Lydia, who is an early childhood teacher and my daughter Colette. As we continue to travel and explore new places, we grow closer as a family unit. We can't wait to see what the future has in store for each of us!
Explore this site or the resumé link below to learn more about my professional and educational philosophy. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter using @4lexgutierrez for timely updates and insights.
Who am I as a teacher
Employment
Shekou International School
Shenzhen, China, August 2012-2018
Learning Innovation Coach | IB Art Teacher | AdvisorGrades 6 - 12
North Shore Country Day School
Illinois, United States, August 2008- 2012
Visual Art Faculty | AdvisorGrades 6 -12 |
Putney Student Travel, Putney Vermont
Programs: Excel Amherst, Spain, France, Italy, Costa Rica
2005-2010 | Visual Art Instructor
Speaking & Workshops
- 21cl 10th Annual Conference, Hong Kong, Boosting Learner Agency through Student-Curated Exhibitions.
- Shekou Summit, EdTech Team, Shenzhen, China
- 21cl Teach Meet, Shenzhen, Power of Exhibition
- September Sessions @ SIS, Shenzhen, China
- EdCamp @ SIS, Shenzhen, China
- CREATE @ SIS, Shenzhen, China
Over the past 6 years, I have been lucky to be part of a team tasked with transitioning Shekou International School (SIS) into a leader in educational technology and innovation. Some of my contributions include:
- Documented, showcased, and shared best practices regarding the integral use of technology ~ share.sis.org.cn/innovation
- Created We Made This, an online space that features student artwork, galleries, as well as course descriptions, expectations, and glimpses of in-progress action via social media.
- Designed Transform, an iBook about contemporary teaching and learning practices captured at Shekou International School.
- Organized and facilitated the rollout of hour of code activities to develop student computer science skills.
- Collaborated closely with IT department to provide technology assistant to all staff
- Fostered an engaging learning environment with high expectations and appropriate scaffolding.
- Consistently conferred with students to assess strengths and encourage academic growth.
- Who am I as a learner
Formal Education
Master of Education | Montana State University
State of Montana Educator License
Endorsements: 05A Art, K-12
Master of Fine Art | Maryland Institute College of Art
Mount Royal School of Art | Interdisciplinary
Bachelor of Fine Art | University of Maryland, College Park
Major in Painting & Minor in Art History
Professional Development
- Level 5: The iPad Creative Curiosity Institute
- 21cl, Office 365 Summit, Guangzhou, China
- 21cl, Annual Conference Hong Kong SAR
- Learning 2.015, Manila, Philippines
- Adaptive School with Bob Garmston, Shenzhen, China
- EdCamp, SIS Workshop, Shenzhen, China
- PyschExcite, Theory of Knowledge, Hong Kong SAR
