Christie Garbutt
Valley Community
Summary
Strategic and results-driven leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in education management, organizational leadership, and institutional development. Proven expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing departmental operations, and aligning organizational goals with national priorities. Recognized for strong financial oversight, resource management, and policy implementation. Recipient of the FCDO Chevening Scholarship (2023–2024) and holder of an MA in Educational Leadership and Change (Distinction) from Durham University, UK. Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency, strengthen accountability systems, and lead change initiatives that enhance institutional performance and community impact.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Department - Belize
Stann Creek Ecumenical College
01.2021 - Current
- Lead departmental strategy, budgeting, and operations for a multi-subject academic unit, aligning goals with institutional and national education priorities.
- Manage human resources functions, recruitment, training, supervision, and performance evaluation for a team of educators.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Oversee the effective use of financial and material resources to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement and partnership initiatives with government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners.
- Design and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to track academic outcomes and program performance.
- Mentor and coach educators, fostering professional growth and leadership development across the department.
- Support institutional governance and policy development as a member of the school leadership team.
Secondary Belizean Studies Teacher
Stann Creek Ecumenical College
08.2010 - Current
- Design and deliver competency-based instruction, integrating national curriculum frameworks and assessment standards.
- Support operational goals through curriculum innovation, data-driven improvement, and collaborative planning.
- Facilitate inclusive, student-centered learning environments that promote equity and excellence.
- Serve on various committees responsible for school improvement, policy review, and event management.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Workshop Facilitator - TLI
Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology - Belize
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Lead engaging, interactive sessions that connect theory to classroom practice and promote the integration of community expertise into teaching.
- Designs a well-structured session plan aligned with Belizean Studies learning outcomes and prepares relevant materials and community-based examples.
- Fosters a respectful, participatory environment that encourages educators to share experiences, exchange ideas, and co-create innovative strategies.
- Monitors participant learning through reflective activities and gathers feedback to assess workshop impact and identify areas for improvement.
- Provide ongoing resources and mentorship to support educators in applying community-linked learning approaches in their classrooms.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Change (Distinction)
Durham University
Durham, United Kingdom01-2025
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education (Magna Cum Laude
University of Belize
City Of Belmopan, Belize10-2012
Associate of Arts - History And Sociology
Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College
Dangriga, Belize07-2008
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Implementation
- Human Resource Leadership & Team Development
- Policy Formulation & Compliance
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building
- Risk Assessment & Organizational Governance
- Capacity Building & Change Management
Timeline
Workshop Facilitator - TLI
Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology - Belize
07.2025 - 08.2025
Head of Department - Belize
Stann Creek Ecumenical College
01.2021 - Current
Secondary Belizean Studies Teacher
Stann Creek Ecumenical College
08.2010 - Current
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Change (Distinction)
Durham University
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education (Magna Cum Laude
University of Belize
Associate of Arts - History And Sociology
Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College
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