Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Other
Publications
Professional Decelopment
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Sharon Luhr

Sharon Luhr

Burwood Heights,New South Wales

Summary

Goal: To continue to make a positive contribution to education and to assist students in reaching their goals.

A knowledgeable Educator and Compliance Manager with documented success in developing policies, leading training programs and managing self-assurance to achieve compliance who has assisted in business planning and strategy development across various aspects of the APC Education Group (AEG) participating in plans for growth so that AEG has grown from its initial small campus in Sydney CBD to 11 campuses across four states. This experience has also developed a strong background in working with federal and state regulations.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Academic Compliance Manager

APC Education Group
11.2020 - Current
  • Reviewed documents, files, transcripts and other records to assess compliance and potential risk.
  • Managed compliance efforts, reporting and audits across four providers in eleven campuses across four states.
  • Maintained effective working relationships with regulatory authorities, suppliers and customers.
  • Developed and delivered training programs to inform new and current employees about compliance issues.
  • Prepared records and data for regular audits.
  • Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.
  • Played instrumental role in company-wide risk assessment efforts, supporting enhancements in business processes and controls.
  • Delivered subject matter expertise for internal and external customers on compliance best practices and quality control.
  • Verified consistency in quality planning, quality control, quality insurance and quality improvement.
  • Drove optimization of regulatory risks management, control testing and process improvements.

Principal Academic Director

APC Education Group
12.2009 - 11.2020
  • Business development projects related to course offerings and addition of campuses as part of the AEG strategic planning processes
  • Co-ordination and delivery of teacher and staff professional development for 30 ELICOS teachers and 110 Vet trainers at any given time,
  • Liaising with relevant government peak bodies and other stakeholders
  • Overseeing all academic matters related to all schools within the APC group
  • Chair of the Academic Committee
  • Maintaining budget and budget records related to expenditures for ELICOS and VET in accordance with CFO guidelines
  • Overseeing curriculum development, evaluation and renewal,
  • Overseeing additions to scope
  • Overseeing innovation projects for curriculum delivery
  • Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges.
  • Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention.
  • Guided and supported faculty and staff in development of new programs.
  • Devised programs to promote diversity and inclusion among staff, faculty and students.

Principal

Southern Cross High School
01.2006 - 01.2012
  • Collaborated on business planning and strategy related to the establishment and ongoing operations of the school including marketing plans and marketing collateral
  • Assisted in the strategy to increase student numbers from 5 students in its first year to 100 by the 4th year and 200 by the fourth year
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimise education effectiveness.
  • Liaising with relevant peak bodies in relation to accreditation and registration
  • Completing and lodging all necessary documents for re-registration and re-accreditation
  • Developing courses for Stage Six and Stage Five
  • Sourcing and purchasing resources for courses being offered,
  • Organisation of all teaching resources including book hire resources
  • Establishing all administrative procedures associated with the new high school,
  • Overseeing the day-to-day running of the school, Interviewing and employing staff for the High School,
  • Organisation of school events, including liaising with venues and presenters,
  • Maintaining budget and records related to expenditure
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
  • Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
  • Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data.

Assistant Principal

Australian Pacific College
01.2004 - 01.2009
  • Business development projects in relation to new courses
  • Development of courses and course materials
  • Mentoring teachers,
  • Counselling students in relation to further studies, educational pathways attendance and personal issues,
  • Business development projects in relation to new courses
  • Co-ordination and delivery of teacher professional development,
  • Liaising with relevant government peak bodies, Overseeing all academic matters related to the School of English,
  • Director and producer of 4 college musical productions,
  • Maintaining budget and keeping records related to expenditure for ELICOS,
  • Training in vocational classes as required
  • Partnered with the principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behaviour modification.
  • Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.

Director of Studies

Australian Pacific College
01.2003 - 01.2009
  • Overseeing the educational experience of 1500 ELICOS students annually.
  • Development of courses and course materials
  • Mentoring teachers,
  • Counselling students in relation to further studies, educational pathways attendance and personal issues,
  • Business development projects related to new course offerings and potential return on investment
  • Co-ordination and delivery of teacher professional development,
  • Liaising with relevant government peak bodies,
  • Overseeing all academic matters related to the School of English,
  • Maintaining budget and keeping records related to expenditure for ELICOS,
  • Training in TESOL vocational classes as required
  • Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
  • Developed partnerships with businesses and organizations to build awareness, increase support and share resources.
  • Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.

Assistant Principal

Southern Cross High School
01.2002 - 01.2005
  • Liaising with relevant peak bodies in relation to accreditation and registration,
  • Completing and lodging all necessary documents for re-registration and re-accreditation,
  • Developing courses for Stage Six and Stage Five,
  • Sourcing and purchasing resources for courses being offered,
  • Organisation of all teaching resources including book hire resources,
  • Establishing all administrative procedures associated with the new high school,
  • Overseeing the day-to-day running of the school, Interviewing and employing staff for the High School,
  • Organisation of school events, including liaising with venues and presenters,
  • Maintaining budget and keeping records related to expenditure
  • Partnered with the principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.

Assistant Director of Studies

Australian Pacific College
01.2001 - 01.2002
  • Development of courses and course materials, Mentoring teachers,
  • Counselling students in relation to further studies, educational pathways attendance and personal issues, Business development projects in relation to possible combined projects with local businesses and schools
  • Co-ordination and delivery of teacher professional development,
  • Liaising with relevant government peak bodies,
  • Assisting the Director of Studies in overseeing all academic matters related to the School of English,
  • Teacher recruitment and onboarding
  • Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
  • Tracked key business metrics and made recommendations for proactive adjustments to policies and procedures.
  • Created and updated physical records and digital files to maintain current, accurate, and compliant documentation.
  • Trained and mentored new employees on industry practices and business operations.
  • Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.

Leading Teacher

Australian Pacific College
01.1996 - 01.2000
  • Teaching all levels of General English, English for Academic Purposes, IELTS test preparation elective and High School Preparation,
  • Development of courses and course materials,
  • Mentoring teachers,
  • Counselling students in relation to further studies, educational pathways attendance and personal issues,
  • Teacher recruitment rostering and onboarding

Teacher

Australian Pacific College
01.1994 - 01.1995
  • Teaching all levels of General English, English for Academic Purposes, IELTS test preparation elective and High School Preparation,
  • Development of courses and course materials,
  • Co-ordination and delivery of teacher professional development, Liaising with relevant government peak bodies, Overseeing all academic matters related to the School of English, Director and producer of 4 college musical productions, Organised annual Language Skills Olympics event 1996 to 2010, Maintain budget and keep records related to expenditure for ELICOS, Training in vocational classes as required
  • Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
  • Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.

Education

Diploma of Teaching -

Milperra College of Advanced Education
Milperra NSW

Graduate Diploma of Educational Studies (Careers) -

University of Western Sydney (Macarthur)
Milperra, NSW

Master of Education (Language And Literacy) -

University of Western Sydney (Macarthur)
Bankstown, NSW

Certificate IV in Communicative TESOL -

Australian Pacific College
Sydney, NSW
01.2017

Diploma of Digital Marketing -

Shaw Academy
Online
01.2016

Diploma of Social Media Marketing and ORM -

Shaw Academy
Online
01.2015

Diploma of Library Studies -

Sydney Institute of TAFE
Sydney NSW
01.2013

Diploma of Vocational Education and Training -

Management Institute of Australia
Sydney NSW
01.2013

Certificate III in Library/Information Services -

Sydney Institute of TAFE
Sydney NSW
01.2012

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110) -

Australian Pacific College
Sydney, NSW
01.2012

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40104) -

MW Training Consultants
Sydney NSW
01.2007

Skills

  • A life-long learner
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to oversee smooth and successful running of a large educational institution
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to ensure education program delivery meets business targets and objectives
  • Ability to continually analyse current practices and implement improved efficiencies
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Passion for diversity
  • Aagile and flexible mindset with ability to work across multiple projects
  • High levels of initiative, innovation and creativity
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently or as a team member when required
  • Ability to manage change
  • The ability to inspire and lead other to success
  • Advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Advanced user of Google Suite
  • A strong working knowledge of effective ESL and vocational teaching and professional development programs
  • A strong working knowledge of the ELICOS industry and relevant legislation and regulatory environment
  • A strong working knowledge of effective vocational teaching and professional development programs
  • A strong working knowledge of the VET industry and relevant legislation and regulatory environment
  • Quality Management System Compliance

Other

  • Organising committee for 2001 and 2012 EA Conferences
  • Program Committee 2012 English Australia Conference
  • Member of EA HSP Special Interest Group 2000-2007
  • Member of EA DOS Special Interest Group 2000-2007
  • Panel for review of English Australia Best Practices in Direct Entry 2013
  • Attendance at NEAS conferences 2003-2017
  • Attendance at EA Conferences 2001-2009, 2012, 2015
  • Member of EA NSW Branch Marketing sub-committee 2010
  • Attendance at IWB ICT conference 2010 and 2011
  • Attendance at CISCO Live conference 2016
  • Attendance at EDUtech 2016-2017
  • NEAS Quality Assessor 2011 to 2014
  • Attendance at seminars related to Vocational Education and Training conducted by ACPET, IBSA, VETAB and ASQA
  • Attendance at webinars and seminars run by Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (also know as Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Border Protection and Department of Home Affairs)
  • Attendance at Human Synergistics Conference 2011- 2019
  • Attendance at CanvasCon 2019
  • Completion of NEAS Online Delivery in ELT course 2019

Publications

Sharon Luhr and Katherine Cox ELICOS High School Preparation students: Exploring language by extending linguistic competency through drama ATESOL Conference 1996 Sharon Luhr and Kathy Cox Running a Language Skills Olympics ACTA-ATESOL Conference 1997 Sharon Luhr The Same But Different: Comparing adolescent immigrant and overseas students studying in Australian Schools ACTA-QATESOL Conference 2000. Sharon Luhr and Owen Butcher Review of “Cambridge English for Schools” EA Journal Vol 18, no 2 Sharon Luhr Review of “Getting the Message” EA Journal Vol 14 No 1 Kathy Cox and Sharon Luhr Teaching Drama in the ESL classroom TESOL in Context Vol6 No 2 Sharon Luhr The Needs and problems of High School Preparation Students in Australian ELICOS colleges EA Conference 2001 Sharon Luhr Review of “Cambridge English Worldwide” EA Journal Vol 21 No1 Sharon Luhr My restaurant rules: revamping the menu to keep the meals exciting EA Conference 2004 Sharon Luhr and Sally Brandt Assessment: pre, during and exit NEAS DOS Conference Sydney 2005 Sharon Luhr Advice for New Academic Managers NEAS DOS Conference Sydney 2010 and 2011 Sharon Luhr and Carolin Long Compliance: working with it in the present to shape the future English Australia Conference 2012

Professional Decelopment

 

  • Organising committee for 2001 and 2012 EA Conferences
  • Program Committee 2012 English Australia Conference
  • Member of EA HSP Special Interest Group 2000-2007
  • Member of EA DOS Special Interest Group 2000-2007
  • Panel for review of English Australia Best Practices in Direct Entry 2013
  • Member of EA NSW Branch Marketing sub-committee 2010
  • NEAS Quality Assessor 2011 to 2014
  • Attendance at NEAS conferences 2003-2017
  • Attendance at EA Conferences 2001-2009, 2012, 2015
  • Attendance at IWB ICT conference 2010 and 2011
  • Attendance at CISCO Live conference 2016
  • Attendance at EDUtech 2016-2017
  • Attendance at seminars related to Vocational Education and Training conducted by ACPET, IBSA, VETAB and ASQA 2010 to present
  • Attendance at webinars and seminars run by Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (also known as Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Border Protection and Department of Home Affairs) 2000 to present
  • Attendance at Human Synergistics Conference 2011- 2019
  • Attendance at CanvasCon 2019
  • Completion of NEAS Online Delivery in ELT course 2019

Additional Information

Volunteering

  • Volunteer proofreader of learning materials Gymnastics Australia 2019 -2020
  • Volunteer Compliance Consultant Centre for Volunteering May 2023 to present



Committee membership

Board Member Bankstown Community College May 2021 to May 2023

Board Member and Secretary Better Connected Community Services Inc June 2023 to present


Timeline

Academic Compliance Manager

APC Education Group
11.2020 - Current

Principal Academic Director

APC Education Group
12.2009 - 11.2020

Principal

Southern Cross High School
01.2006 - 01.2012

Assistant Principal

Australian Pacific College
01.2004 - 01.2009

Director of Studies

Australian Pacific College
01.2003 - 01.2009

Assistant Principal

Southern Cross High School
01.2002 - 01.2005

Assistant Director of Studies

Australian Pacific College
01.2001 - 01.2002

Leading Teacher

Australian Pacific College
01.1996 - 01.2000

Teacher

Australian Pacific College
01.1994 - 01.1995

Diploma of Teaching -

Milperra College of Advanced Education

Graduate Diploma of Educational Studies (Careers) -

University of Western Sydney (Macarthur)

Master of Education (Language And Literacy) -

University of Western Sydney (Macarthur)

Certificate IV in Communicative TESOL -

Australian Pacific College

Diploma of Digital Marketing -

Shaw Academy

Diploma of Social Media Marketing and ORM -

Shaw Academy

Diploma of Library Studies -

Sydney Institute of TAFE

Diploma of Vocational Education and Training -

Management Institute of Australia

Certificate III in Library/Information Services -

Sydney Institute of TAFE

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110) -

Australian Pacific College

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40104) -

MW Training Consultants

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Sharon Luhr