A Practical Guide for School Leaders and Educators
In celebration of Tema International School’s 21st anniversary, Dr. Ken Darvall, the school’s Principal and an education veteran with 51 years of global experience, proudly launched his second book, The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference, on 3 October. This release honours the school’s Founding Family and the entire TIS community, reflecting Dr Darvall’s dedication to transformative education and his role in the school’s growth since 2015.
Building on the success of his first book, The Teaching Guarantee: Every Day is Different, this latest instalment provides actionable insights for school leaders and educators seeking to create meaningful changes in their institutions.
Having spent decades in educational leadership across three continents—Australia, Asia, and Africa—Dr. Darvall brings a wealth of experience to the pages of this book. His journey began in 1973 as the Teacher-in-Charge at Five Mile Tree Public School in New South Wales, Australia. Over the years, he has worked in various educational settings, including public schools, Indigenous Australian schools, and private institutions. His global experience further expanded through his roles as a school director, leader, and education consultant in Asia and Africa. Since 2015, Dr. Darvall has been the Principal of Tema International School, where he has played a pivotal role in its strategic growth and development, aligning with the school’s founding vision.
Dr. Darvall’s leadership philosophy is characterised by a relentless pursuit of excellence, an emphasis on service, and a commitment to community engagement. He has contributed to the development and implementation of a wide range of educational curricula, including the Australian, British, and American systems, as well as all three levels of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). His dedication to education is reflected in his ability to establish and lead International Baccalaureate schools in different countries, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and fostering a healthy learning environment.
About the Book
The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference is a rallying cry for educators and leaders to embrace the mission of making a difference. Drawing from Dr. Darvall’s extensive career, the book offers practical, adaptable strategies for creating a powerful impact within schools. It guides readers through the complexities of school leadership with clarity, focusing on the importance of addressing challenges, fostering a strong school culture, and driving positive transformations.
Key themes of the book include:
• Change Management: Addressing issues through effective change management to enhance the effectiveness of schools and organisations.
• Quality Leadership: Tackling the most challenging issues head-on to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
• School Culture: Cultivating a school environment that epitomises making a difference at every level.
Supporting Community Service
A defining feature of Dr. Darvall’s books is his commitment to giving back. All proceeds from The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference will support the community service initiatives of Tema International School students. This year, the focus is on supporting EducAid Mante Initiative, a project aimed at promoting educational access and development at a community school in Afienya East. Dr. Darvall’s dedication to service extends beyond the classroom, reflecting his belief in the power of education to transform communities.
The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference is more than just a guide for school leaders; it is a call to action for those committed to making a significant difference in education. With his experience, insight, and passion for transformative learning, Dr. Darvall inspires educators to take the steps needed to ignite change and elevate their institutions.
Leadership is foremost about teamwork, vision and goals, being a role model, being a problem-solver, and trying to bring the best out in everyone. Ken Darvall
About Tema International School:
Tema International School (TIS) is a coeducational IB World School in Ghana, dedicated to providing a rigorous and holistic curriculum that nurtures responsible global citizens. With programmes that include the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), TIS fosters a rich learning environment where students develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The Primary School Campus, now celebrating its 5th anniversary, offers a foundation encouraging inquiry, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
In line with its commitment to holistic education, TIS emphasises Service Learning as a core component of student development, instilling the values of service, excellence, and respect in every learner.
For more information, visit our website at www.tis.edu.gh or email at info@tis.edu.gh.
