Andrew Short

Sales Director – International Schools, Furnware

When I was a teacher I constantly looked for a better way to do things, from more innovative learning environments to a more engaging curriculum.

This success in the classroom enabled me as a Principal and school leader to drive this across an array of different classrooms and schools.

It was this passion for creative change that led me to become an education consultant, where I had the challenge of implementing new curriculums to schools in New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Rim. My career then progressed into leading educational reform programmes in the Middle East in Qatar and then later for GEMS Education in Abu Dhabi. The programme of reforming countries newly developed educational systems is one that requires tremendous commitment, strong relationships, resilience when faced with adversity and a desire for improved student learning.

In 2003 we packed up our life in New Zealand and we moved to the Middle East where we raised two children and lived in various places for the next 11 or so years. During this time, I led teams to establish, manage and build many new international schools within both the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East and North African regions. These were some of the most dangerous regions in the world, but being able to deliver such a high level of education to kids who would have otherwise not have had access to it, was worth the risk.

I’ve always been an advocate for Furnware because I recognised the company’s drive to better the student learning experience based on academic research to deliver improved environments that encourage stronger engagement in the classroom. Now I’m back in the classroom and excited about working closely with schools to help them design and develop unique learning environments that sets them apart from their competitors.

Events Andrew Short has attended as a speaker: