Kim Overton, Principal/Curriculum Director - International School Ouagadougou - Burkina, Faso - Africa

MA Marygrove College - The Art of Teaching BA Hillsdale College - English/Math Suma Cum Laude

Whether serving as the Principal and Curriculum Director at the Ouagadougou in Burkina, Faso Africa, or as founding Co-Director of Concord Academy, one of the first charter schools in the nation, the Kim Overton models honesty, kindness and respect to her entire community. She incorporates the best practices of contemporary educational reserch to educate whole children; academically, culturally, and socially. When Overton encourages students to become leaders and to expand their creative thinking, she is leading by example. In 2008, Overton started a Micro-Bank to help women in Africa start small business enterprises. Overton believes in the power of 'bring forth', rather than a 'pouring in. Part of the magic that happens at Overton's schools is being surrounded by dynamic action. Overton explains, "Whether it's a musical performance, a theatrical production, an art exhibition, or a dance recital, students create!"

Concord Academy was among the first charter schools in the nation. The school provides an arts-integrated, thematic curriculum, which develops multiple intelligences through project-based learning. Concord blends a traditional core curriculum of language arts, social studies, mathematics and science with arts programming that includes visual art, vocal music, instrumental music, dance and drama. School-wide coursework is unified around a revolving theme. As an example, a study of the Civil War includes the history, literature, arts, dances, and music of the era. A student's progress is based upon their ability rather than grade level. Some students progress rapidly in some subjects and more slowly in others. Classrooms that have a blend of grades in multi-age classrooms. Additionally, Concord functions as a K-12 community, allowing for multi-age interactions and learning partnerships.

At the high school level, Concord offers AP course work in English literature, English language, biology, physics, calculus, U.S. history, European history, world history, studio art, art history and music theory. A critical aspect of the curriculum is the opportunity to perform. Since all students take a full arts schedule in addition to a rigorous academic schedule, their performance preparation happens during the school day. Concord also features after school performing groups including Keramos, the high school dance company, and the Model United Nations.

Overton served on the Middle States Accredidation team at Rosslyn Academy in Kenya, participated in an Administrator's Conference in Ghana, served as a judge for the School of Excellence Award and Fine Arts Camp planning committee for Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA). She was awarded the Pioneer Award from MAPSA, an Art Serve Award from the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, and the Summit Award from the MAPSA. Her model for Concord Academy has been replicated in two other locations.