Tricia Rock

Transformational educational executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience across public, private, ministry, and international educational systems in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and East Africa. Proven record of leading organizational transformation, strategic planning, accreditation, curriculum innovation, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that advance educational excellence and equitable student outcomes. Experienced executive responsible for organizations serving up to 2,700 students, managing multi-million dollar budgets ($1.9M to $17M), and supervising over 200 faculty and administrative personnel.

Recognized for founding international institutions, directing International Baccalaureate (IB) implementation, and leading high-profile global accreditations (CIS, MSA, NEASC, AdvancED).

Founding Director - Canadian International School - Djibouti, East Africa

(2025-01)

Serves as chief executive officer responsible for founding, operationalizing, and overseeing a PK-12 international school serving a diverse multinational student population.

• Successfully launched a new PK-12 campus, scaling to 107+ students and 32 faculty/staff in its inaugural phase.
• Established comprehensive academic programs aligned with AERO international standards and British Columbia curricular expectations.
• Developed and managed the school's SEN provisions, acting as the primary SEN Coordinator to design and execute specialized learning pathways for autistic students and learners with diverse special education needs.
• Designed the school's vision, strategic roadmap, governance policies, and financial operational frameworks.
• Initiated accreditation and quality assurance tracks aligned with international benchmarking systems.

Head of School - International School of Africa (ISA) - Djibouti, East Africa

(2020-01 - 2025-12)

Directed all educational and operational functions for a PreK-12 international school. Supervised 56 personnel and managed a $1.9M budget.

• Achieved a 177% increase in student enrollment (from 71 to 197 students) through strategic community marketing and program expansion.
• Spearheaded successful International Baccalaureate (IB) implementation, including curriculum alignment and policy development.
• Maintained 100% graduation and 100% university acceptance rates for 2 consecutive graduating classes.
• Led comprehensive accreditation readiness cycles for the Council of International Schools (CIS) and MSA-CESS.
• Expanded global citizenship by founding the school's Model United Nations (MUN) program, directing student delegations to the UAE, Spain, and Italy.

Deputy Cluster Manager - Academic Advisor - Ministry of Education - United Arab Emirates

(2017-01 - 2019-12)

Provided instructional and operational oversight supporting 11 Ministry of Education campuses across Sharjah, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah.

• Advised and coached 60+ principals, assistant principals, and instructional leaders to drive national educational reform priorities.
• Designed and facilitated professional development programs for more than 250 educators and school leaders.
• Led the strategic execution of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) initiatives across the regional portfolio.

Academic Vice Principal / Curriculum & Assessment Coordinator - Philadelphia Private School - United Arab Emirates

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

• Led curriculum realignment to American Common Core Standards and integrated NWEA MAP assessments to improve data-driven instruction.

Principal - Fulton County Schools - Georgia, USA

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

Chief instructional executive for a middle school serving 1,100 students and 71 staff members under a district budget structure exceeding $17 million.

• Increased standardized assessment performance by 37% via targeted instructional data loops.
• Reduced student disciplinary incidents by 45% by executing school-wide positive behavior support systems.

Principal - Harrison School District Two - Colorado Springs, Colorado

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

• Led a 600-student campus; developed an innovative STREAM mentoring partnership with Regis University to boost science and tech pathways for Hispanic and African-American middle school girls.

District PBIS Coordinator / Principal - Atlanta Public Schools - Atlanta, Georgia

(2008-01 - 2012-12)

• Directed district-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) setups; coached principals on school culture improvements.

Senior Turnaround Consultant - American Institutes for Research - Washington, D.C. / Illinois

(2012-01 - 2013-12)

• Provided strategic consultation, diagnostic organizational reviews, and technical assistance to underperforming districts.

Founding Principal/Administrator/Teacher - Baltimore City Public Schools - Baltimore, Maryland

(1996-01 - 2008-12)

Selected to design, build, and launch a newly autonomous secondary school; secured extensive grant funding for extended learning programs. (Previously served as AP overseeing 2,700 students).

• Doris M. Johnson High School #426

Ph.D. - Education Administration - TerraNova University

Ed.S. - Administration and Supervision - Johns Hopkins University

M.Ed. - Special Education - Coppin State University

B.S. - Criminal Justice - Bethune-Cookman University