A dynamic management team collaborates closely with the principal, effectively communicating with various stakeholders. This team, responsible for professional development, collectively works towards achieving curriculum objectives and driving improvements in teaching and learning. Our leadership is characterized by strategic planning, introducing new initiatives, tracking progress, and achieving set targets. Leaders at Rushmore American School lead by example, cultivating a culture of imagination, motivation, and accountability.
Effective leadership is pivotal to our success. Our leaders create a motivational atmosphere, recognizing and rewarding achievements, addressing underperformance decisively, and challenging the status quo. The principal provides clear direction for school improvement, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Regular reviews of leadership and management structures demonstrate our commitment to adaptability in the face of new initiatives, supported by ongoing training.
In the day-to-day operations, our managers ensure a safe, orderly, and interesting school environment. They facilitate the development and continuous monitoring of the school to provide a world-class educational experience.
Emma Baker- Founding Principal
With 15 years of distinguished experience in education across the UK and UAE, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a passion for academic excellence to our school community.
Throughout her career, Emma has successfully led schools to achieve outstanding academic results and has been recognized for her contributions to education, including being named Essex (UK) Secondary Headteacher of the Year in 2017 and a finalist for the same award in 2019. Despite these accolades, Emma's true passion lies in fostering environments where students thrive and in building strong, inclusive school communities.
As Founding Principal, Emma will play a pivotal role in realizing Rushmore American School’s vision of offering a high-quality 21st-century learning experience that educates and informs students, providing the Emirate of Sharjah with its next generation of inventors, creators, physicists, chemists, engineers, and scholars.
Emma's appointment aligns with the school’s mission to operate a learning-centered institution that delivers world-class education while respecting local culture. She is dedicated to nurturing reflective, creative, and independent individuals with strong moral values. Under her guidance, Rushmore will focus on developing the next generation of STEM practitioners and globally competent citizens equipped with 21st-century skills. Furthermore, Emma will ensure that the school fosters a strong national identity, instilling loyalty and appreciation for UAE history and values, while promoting the Arabic language, Islamic education, and UAE traditions.
Victoria Thewlis - Head of Admissions, Marketing & Engagement
With almost 20 years of experience in the UAE, Victoria is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in customer service excellence, strategic leadership, and school establishment. She has played a key role in founding and developing schools, ensuring that every institution she contributes to is built on a foundation of exceptional service, operational efficiency, and a student-centered approach.
Having studied in the UK, Victoria blends international best practices with a deep understanding of the UAE’s diverse and evolving education landscape. Her expertise in admissions, marketing, and school operations has allowed her to create and implement strategies that enhance family engagement, streamline processes, and elevate the overall school experience.
Known for her strong leadership and ability to build meaningful relationships, Victoria is passionate about delivering an outstanding customer journey—one that reflects the school’s values and vision while ensuring that families feel supported, heard, and connected. Her hands-on approach and commitment to excellence continue to shape thriving school communities where students and families can flourish.
Connect with Us
Ready to learn more about what makes Rushmore American School special? Enter your details below to connect with us, and our team will be in touch with all the information you need to start your journey towards exceptional education for your child.
Discover the joy of
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.