SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Dear DAA Families,

Over the last few editions of SPOTS, I have been focusing on the exciting leadership changes for Dubai American Academy for 2022-2023. 

With Dr. Ethan Hildreth joining us as our new Superintendent/CEO, I felt it was essential to have the Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation to be a leader that was immersed in DAA expectations and knowledgeable of the work we have accomplished over the last five years. With that said, I am confident that Mrs. Tammy Jochinke will be an outstanding Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation next year. Tammy J has served as a High School administrator, both Assistant Principal and Principal over the last five years and has deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, teaching, and learning.  Tammy and Ethan will be a powerhouse Executive Leadership Team to support and guide the work of our new Strategic Plan, alongside our Senior Leadership Team and our amazing teachers.

Working with Search Associates, an international search firm, we were fortunate to have great interest in our High School Principal opening.  After an extensive interview process, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Cody Yocom will be DAA’s new High School Principal.

Cody joins DAA from an IB international school in Germany where he has served as Secondary Principal over the last two years.  Dr. Yocom has over 10 years of secondary administrative experience, in both the US and internationally.  In 2011, he was selected for The Ryan Fellowship, a program of the Accelerate Institute and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, which prepares the most accomplished teachers in the US with the highest leadership potential to become principals.  He is eager to build upon the work of the High School with his collaborative and inclusive approach.

Cody will join with his wife, Maria, an IBDP Science teacher and their two children that will be part of the Elementary School and Middle School divisions.

Please view Dr. Cody Yocom’s welcome video below:

I am excited about our new team, that will complement our existing team members and create DAA 6.0! 

The Murphys are headed to NYC over spring break, so our son can visit his university.  I can also get in some shopping and see my dear friend, back in our old neighborhood. 

Have a wonderful spring break!

My very best,

Tammy Murphy

Superintendent/CEO

Chief Education Officer

In collaboration with our third party providers, ESM Enrichment Camps will be hosting two weeks of exciting activities over the spring break at various venues across Dubai. Check out the schedule which highlights a range of offerings including Languages, Robotics, Chess and Math camps. Spaces are limited and are filling up fast!

The camps start on March 28th and finish on April 8th.

You can register your children through the ESM One portal by CLICKING HERE

For more information please contact enrichment@esm.ae

The below website showcases the vision for the program, as well as the 360-degree services being offered to support university transition, careers, alumni and everything in-between:

https://www.gemsforlife.net

This is where the GEMS for Life journey begins – and we look forward to giving families and students of GEMS a world of lifelong advantages and lifestyle benefits that are unparalleled.