Birch D. Criswell
About Me
Administrator
History
My Story
Hey there! I’m Birch, a spirited educator and adventurer hailing from the USA. Since 2010, I've been on an exhilarating journey in education that has taken me across the globe, teaching and leading in vibrant communities in South Korea, Oman, Vietnam, Turkey, Honduras, and back home. Each country has enriched my life, broadening my perspectives on education, culture, and the world around us.
But before diving into the exciting world of education, I roamed the fairways as a professional golfer and later managed exclusive country clubs across the USA. My knack for management and knack for customer service has seamlessly transitioned into my role in education administration, adding a unique flair to my leadership style.
Beyond the classroom and the boardroom, you’ll find me fully embracing my love for the great outdoors. Whether it's hiking through rugged landscapes, hitting the greens for a round of golf, or finding inner peace through yoga practice, I thrive in nature's embrace. As a certified yoga teacher, I firmly believe in the connection between a flexible body and a flexible mind.
Thanks for stopping by my corner of the internet to learn a little more about me. I can't wait to connect and embark on new adventures together!
Skills
Maintains integrity and strong ethics as the cornerstone of leadership
Positive ethos and calm demeanor
Visualizes and adapts to the big picture, school culture and goals
Policy creation, development and implementation
Educational staff supervision & team support
overview of experience
30+ Years of management experience
Seven years of sustained growth as a school leader
Over 12 years of international education experience
Over 12 years of international education experience
Very strong operations management experience including budgets, recruiting, reporting, finance, and stakeholder communication.
In-depth experience with American Common Core, AP and IBO programs.
From The USA
International Administrator
Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by.
As an international school administrator, I bring a vibrant blend of positivity, integrity, innovation, and dynamism to the table. My approach is anchored in active listening, effective leadership, and clear communication, fostering environments where trust and productivity flourish among all stakeholders.
I pride myself on being an adaptable change agent, dedicated to nurturing a culture of growth through critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative teamwork. Whether faced with challenges or opportunities, I maintain a focused demeanor and thrive in maintaining composure under any circumstances.
Thanks again for visiting, and I’m excited to share more about my journey with you!
Education
My B.A. in in English from Boise State University. I continued my education with a MA in English from Northern Arizona State University and in 2017, finished a degree as an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Executive Leadership from Boise State University.
employment
With over a decade of experience in education spanning various international locales including South Korea, Oman, the USA, Vietnam, Turkey, and Honduras, I have demonstrated excellence at every level from Early Childhood to High School. My journey from Language Arts teacher to administration saw me serve as Vice Principal and subsequently Principal at an esteemed international school in Hanoi, Vietnam, followed by a role as Vice-Principal overseeing middle and secondary schools in Turkey.
In addition to my administrative roles, I have a proven track record as a highly effective Language Arts teacher from middle school to university levels. My expertise extends to Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), and I am adept at embracing the challenges they bring.
Prior to my career in education, I honed my skills as a PGA golf professional, transitioning into management and directorial positions at prestigious private country clubs throughout the USA. This experience endowed me with a comprehensive skill set encompassing budgeting, purchasing, policy formulation, human resources, training, staff development, member retention strategies, fundraising initiatives, and event planning.
Combining my diverse background in education and business, I bring a unique perspective and invaluable skill set to any organization. My passion for both fields drives my commitment to achieving excellence and making a positive impact in every role I undertake.
Contact Me
Get In Touch
Have more questions? Click below to email me!!