Open to opportunities

Michelle Salinas

@michellesalinas

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Academic Director and AP/IB curriculum leader improving accreditation and student achievement.

Spain

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for an academic leadership role where I can lead curriculum and accreditation, strengthen school improvement through data-informed instruction, and build high-performing teams across AP and IB programmes. I value strong collaboration and thoughtful faculty development.

I’m an academic leader with over 20 years of experience in international education across Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Spain. I’ve progressed from classroom teaching to STEM Coordinator, Vice Principal, and Academic Director, consistently focusing on curriculum development and school improvement.

I currently lead the academic programme at Rafa Nadal International School (AP School) in Spain, working with senior leadership on curriculum development, faculty development, academic planning, and school improvement. I’m also leading the school’s MSA reaccreditation and coordinating continued development of the AP and Global Impact Diploma programmes, while contributing to academic policy development and faculty recruitment.

Previously, I served as Vice Principal & IB Coordinator for the Ensino Médio division at Pueri Domus Verbo Divino (IB School) in Brazil, supporting Diploma Programme development and IB evaluation readiness. Earlier roles included STEM and accreditation leadership at Colegio Panamericano (AP School) in Colombia, where I led Cognia accreditation and achieved both Cognia Accreditation and Cognia STEM Certification.

Beyond school leadership, I serve the International Baccalaureate as an IBEN School Visiting Team Member, Workshop Leader, and Examiner. My approach is practical and collaborative: I prioritize assessment and data-informed instruction, instructional coaching, faculty development, and project-based learning to strengthen teaching quality and student outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Academic Director & AP Coordinator

Current

Rafa Nadal International School (AP School)

Feb 2025 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Leads the academic programme for an international school serving 300+ student-athletes, partnering with senior leadership on curriculum development, faculty development, academic planning, and school improvement. Leads MSA reaccreditation and coordinates ongoing development of the AP and Global Impact Diploma programmes.

Academic Leadership Curriculum Development Faculty Development Academic Planning School Improvement Accreditation Global Impact Diploma Faculty Recruitment

Vice Principal & IB Coordinator

Pueri Domus Verbo Divino (IB School)

Aug 2024 - Feb 2025 (6 months)

Serves as Vice Principal and IB Coordinator for the Ensino Médio division, leading the Diploma Programme academic programme with a focus on curriculum implementation and IB evaluation readiness. Supports improvements in IB Environmental Systems and Societies.

Academic Leadership Diploma Programme Development IB Evaluation Readiness

STEM Coordinator & Accreditation Leader

Colegio Panamericano (AP School)

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Leads whole-school STEM development and accreditation initiatives, strengthening curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, and instructional practice. Led the Cognia accreditation process and designed a STEM and Project-Based Learning programme adopted across all grade levels.

STEM Development Accreditation Cognia Accreditation Cognia STEM Certification Project Based Learning Whole School Curriculum Strengthening

Head of Science Department

InterAmerican Academy (AP School)

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Led the Science Department while teaching AP science courses. Oversaw curriculum planning, assessment practices, laboratory management, and departmental collaboration to improve AP science student achievement.

Curriculum Planning Assessments Laboratory management Academic Leadership Science education

Lead Teacher – Science Department

Colegio Menor San Francisco de Quito – Nord Anglia (AP Schoo

Jan 2020 - Jan 2022 (2 years)

Served as Lead Teacher in the Science Department while teaching AP Chemistry and Environmental Science. Supported curriculum development, assessment alignment, and the expansion of advanced science pathways through inquiry-based and project-based learning.

Environmental Science Curriculum Development Project Based Learning Advanced Science Pathways Science education

Head of Science Department (K–12)

Unidad Educativa Bilingüe Delta (IB School)

Jan 2018 - Jan 2020 (2 years)

Led a department of eight science teachers delivering MYP and DP science courses. Coordinated curriculum implementation, teacher development, and assessment practices to increase student engagement and interest in science-related career paths.

Teacher Development Assessments Science Department Leadership

Head of Science Department (K–12)

Colegio Británico Internacional (IB School)

Jan 2015 - Jan 2018 (3 years)

Directed the K–12 Science Department and developed a vertically aligned science curriculum across the PYP, MYP, and DP. Implemented targeted training and feedback mechanisms that improved Internal Assessment and Extended Essay results.

Vertically Aligned Curriculum Extended Essay Science Department Leadership

Upper School Science Teacher

Ecuador Technical High School (National Curriculum)

Jan 2004 - Jan 2015 (11 years)

Taught Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science for over a decade. Built capacity in curriculum design, assessment, differentiated instruction, and student-centred learning.

Biology teaching Chemistry teaching Environmental Science Curriculum Design Assessments

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Universidad del Pacífico

Master’s in Educational Leadership, Educational Leadership

Master’s in Educational Leadership from Universidad del Pacífico (Ecuador). Completed in 2025.

Universidad del Pacífico

Postgraduate Certifications, Educational Leadership and Institutional Improvement

Activities and societies: Educational Leadership and Teacher Coordination; Management and Organization of Educational Institutions; Leadership and Process Management; Quality, Evaluation, and Institutional Improvement.

Completed postgraduate certifications at Universidad del Pacífico in educational leadership, teacher coordination, institutional organization, leadership/process management, and quality evaluation and improvement. Completed in 2025.