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Dale Keys Resume

Profile

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I am a forward-thinking international educator with over 13 years of experience in developing, growing, and enhancing performing arts programs across a variety of international schools. My expertise lies in creating dynamic, inquiry-driven, student-centered drama curricula that increase participation and foster a deep appreciation for the arts. With a strong background in various international teaching frameworks and a hands-on approach, I have successfully collaborated with colleagues to elevate school theatre programs by integrating technical theatre design, stagecraft, and innovative budgeting strategies. My dedication to upcycling and maximising resources has helped theatre departments thrive while remaining fiscally responsible. As a lifelong learner, I continually upskill myself in the creative arts and technical aspects of theatre production. I am passionate about delivering high-quality productions and educational experiences that inspire students to explore their creative potential.

Education

2020.

Masters in Education in Leadership and Management 

Queensland University of Technology 

2014.

Graduate Diploma of Teaching

University of Southern Queensland 

2009.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature

University of Southern Queensland 

2007.

Bachelor of Theatre Arts

University of Southern Queensland 

Certifications

2014.

LAMDA Gold Acting Certificate

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art 

2011.

Certificate in English Language Teaching Young Learner Extension

University of Cambridge

2010.

Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

University of Cambridge

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Experience

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2021 - Present

Australian International School Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
School-Wide Drama Teacher (Prep - Year 12), 01/2021 to Present

  • Developed and delivered a comprehensive drama curriculum from Prep to Year 12, increasing student participation and engagement in performing arts.

  • Key Achievements:

    • Dramatically expanded the Middle and Senior School performing arts program, increasing student enrollment and participation in drama productions.

    • Led the school’s technical theatre development, implementing long-term investment strategies for sound, lighting, and stage equipment, ensuring future productions benefit from quality resources.

    • Artistic Director for record-breaking productions, including The Addams Family (2023) and Mamma Mia (2022).

    • Successfully collaborated across departments to create interdisciplinary projects and performances, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the school community.

    • Innovated with online drama programs during COVID

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2018 - 2020

Jakarta Intercultural School

Jakarta, Indonesia
Elementary School Drama Teacher (EY3 - Year 5), 07/2018 to 07/2020

  • Designed and implemented a drama program for K3 to Grade 5, adapting to different learning needs, including EAL and special education students.

  • Key Achievements:

    • Spearheaded the design and development of the school’s new theatre and performing arts spaces, collaborating with architects and school leadership to meet the school’s long-term needs.

    • Directed major musical productions such as Alice in Wonderland Jr. (2019) and Madagascar Jr. (2020).

    • Innovated with online drama programs during COVID, launching a YouTube-style curriculum that kept students engaged in performing arts remotely.

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2014 - 2018

American International School Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
High School Drama Teacher (9 - Year 12), 08/2017 to 06/2018
Middle & High School Drama Teacher (6 - Year 12), 08/2015 to 06/2017
High School English and Speech Teacher (9 - Year 12), 08/2014 to 08/2015

  • Built the school’s drama program from scratch, creating a curriculum that reflected both international and local cultural influences.

  • Key Achievements:

    • Inaugurated the school’s first monologue competition and expanded it to a city-wide interschool competition, raising the profile of drama in the community.

    • Advised on the design and construction of the school’s black box theatre, a space that became central to both school and community productions.

    • Directed large-scale student productions and mentored students in theatre production.

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2011 - 2014

Singapore International School

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
English & K - Year 9 EAL Teacher, 08/2011 to 07/2014

  • Taught English across a range of year levels, integrating drama into the curriculum to enhance language learning and student engagement.

  • Key Achievements:

    • Created a drama club that led to an increase in student interest in performing arts and hosted the school’s first monologue competition.

    • Coached the football team, achieving multiple regional honors, while fostering a strong sense of teamwork and discipline among students.

Core Competences

  • Arts Program Development and Expansion

  • Collaborative Planning and Interdisciplinary Integration

  • Stage, Set, and Theatre Design (SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Lighting Design)

  • Advanced Software and Technical Literacy

  • Budget Management and Resource Maximization (Upcycling, Long-term Investment in Theatre Resources)

  • Hands-On Approach to Technical Theatre (Sound, Lighting, Costume, and Prop Design)

  • Diverse Curriculum Experience (including Australian, NSW, Ontario, and Common Core)

  • Curriculum Development & UDB Experience

  • Creative Lesson Planning and Project-Based Learning

  • Instructional Best Practices & Experiential Learning

  • Integrating Drama and EAL for Enhanced Language Acquisition

  • Special Needs Students / EAL Support

  • Online Learning and Technology Integration (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Seesaw)

  • Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

Educational Philosophy

  • Lifelong learning is a quintessential part of my educational philosophy, continually seeking opportunities for growth and collaboration with colleagues to create interdisciplinary experiences. My goal is to inspire students to embrace creativity and challenge themselves, fostering the confidence to apply their classroom learning to the world beyond. By modeling this commitment to ongoing development, I empower students to become adaptable, innovative thinkers prepared for future challenges. â€‹

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  • Inquiry learning is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I use drama as a vehicle for students to explore literature, history, and culture in meaningful, creative ways. Designing units that spark student interest and curiosity is essential to my approach, such as pairing Wayang Kulit, traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry, with a contemporary Star Wars narrative to connect ancient storytelling with modern mythology. When students are genuinely excited about the material, they are more likely to take risks, ask meaningful questions, and dive deeper into their learning. â€‹

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  • Collaboration is integral to both my teaching practice and personal philosophy. I thrive in environments where individuals build on each other’s strengths to solve problems and create meaningful outcomes. Whether directing major productions like Mamma Mia and The Addams Family or working across departments—integrating performing arts with visual arts and languages—I believe that teamwork is essential for achieving shared goals. This spirit of collaboration extends beyond students, as I enjoy working closely with colleagues and parents to enrich our educational community.​

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  • Empowerment is the foundation of my classroom culture. I believe in helping students take ownership of their learning by gradually transitioning from direct instruction to facilitation. This allows students to develop the skills and confidence to lead their own artistic and educational journeys. My classroom mantra “leave shame at the door” encourages students to take creative risks without fear of judgment. I integrate mindfulness practices—such as grounding exercises and reflective check-ins—to help students build emotional resilience and stay present during creative processes. Through these strategies, I empower students to express their authentic selves, navigate challenges, and grow from both successes and setbacks.​

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In every aspect of my teaching, I aim to inspire students to engage with the arts, challenge themselves, and become empathetic, thoughtful global citizens. My passion for lifelong learning, inquiry, collaboration, and empowerment shapes not only my professional practice but also the personal values I hope to instil in my students.

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