The NESA PDAC

Ensuring NESA’s professional learning reflects the evolving needs of our schools.

The Professional Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) is a brain trust of learning leaders from NESA Member Schools that co-plans and provides input from the field, ensuring NESA’s professional learning program is aligned with the strategic priorities of our schools. Its work is in service of NESA’s mission and vision, grounded in research and informed by Learning Forward’ Standards for Professional Learning.

Michelle Alzamora | American Community School, Amman, Jordan
Joel Bevans | American International School Chennai, India 
Bobbi Donison | American Community School of Abu Dhabi, UAE
Julian Edwards (co-chair) | The KAUST School, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Heather Kingston | American School of Dubai, UAE
Amanda Knight | American International School - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Rachael Leibel (co-chair) | The American International School of Muscat, Oman
Fay Martin | American School of Bombay, Mumbai, India
Hans Ott (co-chair) | International Schools Group, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Jeffry Overlie | American International School Dhaka, Bangladesh
Heather Vlach | American School of Doha, Qatar
Bronwyn Weale | American Embassy School, New Delhi, India
Joelle Yacoub | American Community School Beirut, Lebanon

The PDAC meets three times a year and collaborates with the NESA Center Team to craft the professional learning program. Members are expected to:

• Assess and be responsive to the needs of NESA Member Schools
• Review event feedback and monitor the effectiveness of NESA’s professional learning program
• Develop and periodically revise a multi-year professional learning plan grounded in research and best practice
• Identify relevant topics and speakers
• Recommend initiatives to support high-impact professional learning

The NESA PDAC is made up of learning directors and curriculum coordinators from NESA Member Schools. Members reflect the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the NESA community, and respond to the current needs of NESA’s schools. To serve on the PDAC, an individual must:  

• Work at a full NESA Member School
• Be nominated by their head of school
• Be responsible for professional or program development at their school 
• Be able to serve a minimum of two years
• Have the support of their chief school administrator to attend the Fall Leadership Conference, the Learning Futures Summit, and virtual meetings at agreed-upon times throughout the year. 

NESA supports PDAC members by offering:

• Waived registration for the Fall Leadership Conference, the Educators Training Institute, and the Learning Futures Summit

• A subscription to the weekly Marshall Memo

Each spring, if vacancies are anticipated for the upcoming school year, the NESA Executive Director invites nominations for PDAC membership from Heads of NESA Member Schools.