With over 20 years of experience, and a distinguished career spanning several continents, Michelle began her journey as a Physical & Outdoor Education teacher in New Zealand before extending her horizons to England, and thereafter to Asia. The past 12 years in Malaysia has seen her making a significant impact in senior management roles. As a leader, Michelle is committed to mentoring, coaching, and fostering a positive learning environment. She believes in nurturing students’ soft skills, values, community, and teamwork, as well as the pursuit of academic achievements. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of physical activity and its role in developing well-rounded individuals.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with K12 Digest, Michelle shared insights on the most significant challenges facing educators today and how they can be addressed, personal role model, significant career milestones, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Michelle. What inspired you to become an educator, and what motivates you to continue making a positive impact on students’ lives?
I was inspired to become an educator by teachers and sports coaches who guided me throughout my education. What motivates me is witnessing a students growth – not just academically, but also their social, emotional and cultural development. Seeing a child understand something new, make better decisions, and evolve into a well-rounded individual is what drives me to make a positive impact every day.
What do you love the most about your current role?
As a principal of an international school, what I love most about my role is the opportunity to cultivate a positive learning environment for both students and teachers. I enjoy fostering a culture of growth, inclusivity. Seeing teachers thrive, students discover their potential and bringing the school community together to create a meaningful learning experience is truly rewarding.
What do you think are the most significant challenges facing educators today, and how can they be addressed?
One of the most significant challenges facing educators today is the impact of technology and mobile phones in the classroom. While technology can enhance learning, it also brings distractions, shortens attention spans, and can negatively affect students’ social skills. At my school, we have implemented a structured approach to manage this challenge. Every classroom has a phone bag where students place their phones upon entry, minimizing distractions and helping them stay focused on learning. While teachers still integrate technology into lessons when appropriate, this system ensures that devices are used with purpose rather than as a constant presence. Globally, many countries are recognizing the need for stricter phone policies in schools. New Zealand has recently implemented a nationwide ban on phones in schools to improve student focus and social interaction. This highlights the growing awareness of the issue and the importance of creating learning environments where students can develop critical thinking and interpersonal skills without the constant pull of technology.
Can you share your vision for the future of education, and how you see schools evolving to meet the needs of 21st-century learners?
My vision for the future of education is a system that prioritizes meaningful, student-centered learning over rote memorization and excessive standardized testing. Schools must evolve to meet the needs of 21st-century learners by focusing on skills that prepare students for real-world challenges, collaboration, and lifelong learning. One key shift is the increased emphasis on group projects and collaborative learning. The modern workplace requires teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, so classrooms should reflect this by integrating more peer-driven activities. When students work together to solve complex problems, they develop essential skills like leadership, negotiation, and adaptability.
Another crucial evolution is the reduction in traditional assessments. While evaluations are important, an overemphasis on standardized testing often limits creativity and critical thinking. Schools should move toward more dynamic forms of assessment, such as portfolios, presentations, and project-based evaluations, which better reflect a student’s understanding and application of knowledge.
Lastly, education must incorporate more real-world learning opportunities. This means stronger connections between the classroom and practical experiences—internships, mentorship programs, community projects, and problem-solving scenarios based on real-life challenges. By engaging with authentic experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of their subjects and see the relevance of their education beyond the classroom.
What do you think are the most important skills or qualities that students should develop during their time in school?
I believe the most important skills and qualities that students should develop during their time in school go beyond academics—they should prepare them for life.
Resilience – The ability to face challenges, adapt to setbacks, and keep going despite difficulties is essential. Encouraging students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process helps them develop a growth mindset.
Teamwork – Collaboration is a fundamental skill in both academic and professional settings. Learning how to work effectively with others, share responsibilities, and contribute to group success prepares students for future careers and personal relationships.
Compassion – Understanding and empathizing with others fosters a positive and inclusive school culture. Teaching kindness, respect, and emotional intelligence helps students build strong, meaningful connections in their communities.
Communication – Whether through speaking, writing, or listening, effective communication is key. Students should be able to express their ideas clearly, engage in discussions, and actively listen to different perspectives.
Leadership – Leadership is not just about taking charge—it’s about inspiring others, making decisions, and taking responsibility. Schools should provide opportunities for students to lead, whether through student councils, group projects, or extracurricular activities.
Developing Ideas & Creativity – Innovation and problem-solving are crucial in today’s world. Encouraging students to think critically, generate new ideas, and explore creative solutions helps them develop the confidence to tackle real-world challenges.
By fostering these skills, schools can help shape well-rounded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership qualities needed to thrive in any future path they choose.
How do you foster a positive and inclusive school culture, and what strategies do you use to promote student well-being?
Fostering a positive and inclusive school culture requires a proactive approach that ensures every student feels safe, supported, and valued. At our school, we implement several key strategies to promote student well-being such as Anti-bullying programs, regular talks from experts, in-school counselors, mental health app, and an open-door policy.
By integrating these strategies, we create an environment where students feel secure, respected, and empowered to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. A positive school culture is built on strong relationships, support systems, and a commitment to every student’s well-being.
Who is your role model in life and why?
My role model in life is my grandmother. At 95 years old, she continues to inspire me with her independence, resilience, and positive outlook on life. She still drives, stays physically active, and maintains a great social life, showing that age is just a number when it comes to living fully.
What I admire most about her is her strength and determination—she has faced challenges with grace and never lets obstacles hold her back. Her ability to adapt, stay engaged with the world (she has Facebook and uses messenger almost every day to keep in touch), be independent, and continues to learn and challenge herself, is something I strive to emulate. She reminds me of the importance of staying active, being self-sufficient, and always finding joy in life, no matter the circumstances.
What are some of your greatest achievements in your career till date? What makes them special?
Some of my greatest achievements in my career so far have been those that bring people together and create a strong sense of the school community:
Setting Up International Day – Now in its third year, this event celebrates the diverse cultures within our school, featuring 11 different countries each year. It’s special because it fosters inclusivity, broadens students’ perspectives, and brings our entire school community together in a meaningful way.
Completing My Master’s While Working & now Pursuing my PhD – Balancing full-time work and higher education has been one of my most challenging yet rewarding achievements. What makes this journey special is the incredible support of my team.
Reducing the Amount of Formal Assessments – I have worked on shifting the focus from excessive testing to more meaningful, student-centered evaluations. This change has helped reduce stress while encouraging deeper understanding and critical thinking. By prioritizing assessments that reflect real-world learning, we create a more balanced and engaging educational experience for students.
Each of these achievements reflects my commitment to making school not just a place of learning, but a place where students, teachers, and staff feel valued, inspired, and connected.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer—I really don’t know exactly where I’ll be in five years. However, what I do know for certain is that I will still be working to make a meaningful impact on the lives of future generations.
Whether that means continuing in my current role, taking on new leadership opportunities, or contributing to education in a different capacity, my passion for helping students grow and shaping a positive learning environment will remain at the core of whatever I do. My focus will always be on fostering a school culture that empowers students, supports teachers, and prepares young minds for success beyond the classroom.
What advice would you give to new educators just starting their careers?
My advice to new educators is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help. We have all been in your shoes, and just like we encourage students to ask questions, teachers need to be reminded of this too. Teaching can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Lean on the people around you—colleagues, mentors, and school leaders—because education is a team effort. Everyone started somewhere, and most experienced teachers are more than happy to share advice and support you along the way.
Also, remember that your voice matters. If you don’t know something, ask. If you don’t agree with something, share your thoughts. Education thrives on fresh ideas, and as a new teacher, you bring a unique perspective that can contribute to positive change. Your ideas are valuable, and your passion for teaching will make a difference. Stay open to learning, be adaptable, and most importantly—enjoy the journey!