Nathaniel Hayes Potson
Educator
Shenzhen,Guangdong
Summary
Experienced Secondary Social Studies educator with a strong background in curriculum development, student-centered instruction, and leadership in international school settings. Proven success in guiding students through National History Day competitions, coordinating the IB CAS program, and facilitating professional development across diverse educational environments. Committed to fostering academic excellence, collaboration, and global citizenship.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High school USA History and American Literature teacher
QSI International School of Shenzhen (QSI)
09.2020 - Current
- Taught High School U.S. History and American Literature aligned with C3 Standards
- IB CAS Coordinator and Service Coordinator: Oversaw CAS program and volunteer initiatives across all three QSI Shenzhen campuses, and within the larger Shenzhen Community
- Professional Development Point Person (2022–2023): Coordinated New Teacher Orientation, Fall Regional PD for East & Southeast Asia (China, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam), and local Spring PD sessions
- MSA Secondary Campus Representative (2020–2025): Contributed to school-wide improvement planning
- QSI Curriculum Writer (2021): Authored Cultural Studies 12 YO curriculum for 37 QSI campuses
- Club Supervisor: Led National History Day & Model UN clubs; students qualified for national competitions
- IB Extended Essay Supervisor: Mentored students through research and writing aligned with IB standards.
Geography and History Teacher (Grades 6-7)
American International School (AIS)– Egypt, West Campus, Sheikh Zayed, Egypt
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Utilized AERO and IB MYP frameworks
- Mentor Teacher: Supported instructional growth using data driven practices for the 6th grade science teacher
- Social Studies Department Co-Chair (2019–2020): Led team planning and goal setting for grades 6-12
- CAS Supervisor: Mentored students in completing CAS experiences aligned with IB requirements.
History Teacher (Grades 7–8)
Windsor Charter Academy Schools (WCA) - Middle & Early College High School, Weld RE-4, Windsor, CO
09.2015 - 05.2018
- Instruction aligned with Common Core and Core Knowledge
- AVID Instructor (Grade 8): Delivered college-prep curriculum
- History Department Lead (2016–2018): Represented History team on Building Leadership Team meetings
- School Accountability Committee Member (2015–2017): Contributed to development and oversight of the School’s Unified Improvement Plan
- AVID Implementation Committee Member (2016–2018): Supported school-wide AVID strategies
Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Knowledge Quest Academy (KQA) - Weld RE-5J District, Milliken, CO
09.2009 - 05.2015
- In alignment with the Colorado Common Core Standards
- Math RTI Teacher: used student data to prep students for the annual state assessment
- Curriculum Mapping Committee Chair: to align school curriculum for Common Core Standards and Core Knowledge Sequence
Education
Certificate - Student-Centered Instructional Coaching
University of Wisconsin-Madison
07.2018
Master of Arts Teaching - Curriculum
University of Northern Colorado
05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - History, Political Science
University of Northern Colorado
12.2008
Skills
- Reading comprehension
- Literary analysis
- Online teaching
- Project-based learning
- Instructional technology
- Maintain records
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teacher mentoring
- Interactive classroom instruction
- Parent and guardian communication
- Microsoft office
- Adaptability
Affiliations
- University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association (2008-Present)
- Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society (2006-Present)
Certification
- Colorado Professional Teacher License, Secondary Social Studies, expires September 2030
- IB Diploma CAS CAT. II Certification, August 2022
- Advancement Via Individualistic Determination Elective Certified, 2016
Awards
China Affiliate Nominee for the 2024 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award (2024), Golden Apple Award for Teacher Excellence at WCA (Spring 2016 and Fall 2017), National History Day Northeastern Colorado Teacher of the Year (2017), ETS Recognition of Excellence (2007)
Publications
“Emerald Mountain.” Ed. Ward Luthi. The Best Estes Park Hikes. Golden: Colorado Mountain Club, 2013. 30-33. Print. Colorado Mountain Club Pack Guide Ser.
Professional Development Lead
- Using Speaker Progress with Teams and How to Build a Digital Learning Hub– QSI Shenzhen (Fall 2025)
- The Arc of Inquiry for Social Studies: Integrating Project-Based Learning into the Classroom (NHD-based) – QSI East and Southeast Asia PD (Fall 2022)
- Year-Long PLC Facilitator on the book Hacking Literacy: 5 Ways to Turn Any Classroom Into a Culture of Readers – QSI Shenzhen (2021-2022) for the Secondary Staff
- Project-Based Learning: From Novice to Expert and Inquiry-based Learning – QSI Shenzhen (2022)
- CHAMPS Classroom Management– AIS Egypt New Teacher Training (2019) and QSI Shenzhen (2021)
- National History Day Teacher Preparation – University of Northern Colorado (Fall 2017)
- Understanding by Design Instruction Planning Framework – WCA (Summer 2016)
- Google Classroom and Drive Instructional Utilization and AVID Instructional Strategies – WCA (Fall 2016)
- Document Annotation – Library of Congress at the University of Northern Colorado (Fall 2016)
Timeline
High school USA History and American Literature teacher
QSI International School of Shenzhen (QSI)
09.2020 - Current
Geography and History Teacher (Grades 6-7)
American International School (AIS)– Egypt, West Campus, Sheikh Zayed, Egypt
09.2018 - 05.2020
History Teacher (Grades 7–8)
Windsor Charter Academy Schools (WCA) - Middle & Early College High School, Weld RE-4, Windsor, CO
09.2015 - 05.2018
Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Knowledge Quest Academy (KQA) - Weld RE-5J District, Milliken, CO
09.2009 - 05.2015
Master of Arts Teaching - Curriculum
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - History, Political Science
University of Northern Colorado
Certificate - Student-Centered Instructional Coaching
University of Wisconsin-Madison