Room: Huron
presented by Bert Okma, Principal, International Academy
Peter Majask, Teacher, American Government/IB History, International Academy
Rick Krisniski, Teacher, World Literature, IB English and TOK, International Academy
Lynne Nagy, Associate Principal, International Academy
The four-year program of the International Academy is a successful example of how an international perspective can be included in an educational program. The school's organization, curriculum, and diversity are all keys to this success. The IA's consortium of 19 districts from across Oakland County Michigan, allow for a diverse socio-economic student body. The use of the IB curriculum in a full four-year focused program supports vertically integrated and horizontally articulated course work. Finally, a student body that is made up of 12% expatriate students promotes an international perspective in daily discussions.
Bert Okma, Principal, International Academy
Bert Okma is a 32 year public school educator who founded a unique, multiple school district, IB Diploma Programme high school in 1996. He has served on a variety of IB committees and currently is a member of the Regional Head of Schools Representative Committee and has been instrumental in the growth of the IB in his district and state. He is a frequent presenter to civic, educational and business groups interested in international education and school reform. His recent initiatives include a professional development university partnership and a non-profit membership organization to support regional IB growth.
Peter Majask, Teacher, American Government/IB History, International Academy
Peter Majask has taught the IB history program at the International Academy for the last 10 years. Peter has served on the school's School Improvement Committee; he chairs the Curriculum Committee; and has been involved in course scheduling. In addition he has been instrumental in developing the four-year social studies sequence of study. He holds B.S. in both History and Political Science, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Rick Krisniski, Teacher, World Literature, IB English and TOK, International Academy
Rick Krisniski has 21 years of teaching experience at both the high school and middle school levels. He has taught the IB Curriculum at the International Academy for the last nine years. He teaches ninth Grade World Literature, TOK, and both years of IB English. He holds a B.A. in English and a master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership. He currently serves as the chair of the TOK Department.
Lynne Nagy, Associate Principal, International Academy
Lynne Nagy taught English Language Arts at both the high school and middle school levels prior to joining the International Academy as a counselor in 2004. She currently serves as both Associate Principal and IB coordinator. She holds a B.A. in English, a M.A. in Guidance and Counseling and is completing a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Lynne leads the International Academy School Improvement Committee and is assisting in the formation of a regional association IB organization for Michigan
