Gary brings over 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in international schools to his role as a Senior Associate. He started his teaching career in Toronto in 1982. He took several Additional Qualification courses at the University of Toronto and during an ESL evening class he recalls a classmate chiming in with stories of the time he taught in Colombia and Israel. This piqued his interest, one thing led to another and a few years later he embarked on his adventure in the world of international teaching.
Gary took his first international teaching position at the Singapore American School in 1988. From there he moved to the Taipei American School and then started his administrative career at International School Moshi, Tanzania in 1999 (now called UWC East Africa). This followed with principalships at Qatar Academy in Doha, Elmwood School in Ottawa and ten years as the elementary principal at the American International School of Guangzhou, China.
Gary’s wife Barbara supports him in running the Search Canada office. She was Head of Admissions at the American International School of Guangzhou for 9 years, and with her background in business, marketing and customer service, she assists with the administrative duties at Search. Together, they make a strong team well suited to ensure the success of the First-Time Overseas (Virtual) Fair in December.
Gary and Barbara have two daughters, who were raised as Third Culture Kids. They were born in Taiwan and attended international schools in Tanzania, Doha, Ottawa and graduated from AIS Guangzhou. Their eldest daughter received a volleyball scholarship at DePaul University and now works in Toronto and just started her MBA. Their younger daughter is pursuing her Masters of Architecture at the University of Toronto. Gary’s family has certainly thrived overseas, and he is now sharing his passion for international teaching with other adventurous educators.
Gary joined Search Associates in 2017, and he and Barbara live in Stouffville, Ontario, just north of Toronto. After 29 years overseas, they are glad to be closer to their families and friends. Gary loves working with all candidates from Canada and around the world, building relationships and helping them achieve their dreams of teaching internationally.
Gary’s International Career
1982-1988 | Scarborough Board of Education. Special Ed K-2
1988-1995 | Singapore American School. Gr. 4, Head of Elem. PE/Swim
1995-1999 | Taipei American School. Aquatics Director, Gr. 5
1999-2002 | Intl School Moshi, Tanzania. Head of Primary
2002-2004 | Qatar Academy. Elementary Principal
2004-2007 | Elmwood School, Ottawa. Head of Junior School
2007-2017 | Amer Int School of Guangzhou, China. Elementary Principal
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