Sheree Du Preez
Sheree Du Preez is a distinguished educational leader with over 35 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, curriculum development, and international educational consulting. She currently serves as the Head of the Early Elementary Division at Trinity School in Atlanta, where she oversees curriculum design, faculty development, and student growth for the youngest learners. Sheree is widely recognized for her ability to create nurturing, academically rigorous learning environments while supporting educators and school communities in achieving excellence.
Throughout her career, Sheree has held a variety of leadership roles across the globe, including Head of School at the American International School in Accra, Ghana, and Director of Teaching and Learning at Mirdif American School in Dubai. She has also contributed significantly to the development of village schools in Togo, West Africa, training over 120 teachers and 15 administrators, designing curriculum, and providing ongoing professional development. These experiences reflect her dedication to educational equity, global collaboration, and teacher mentorship, and highlight her commitment to shaping learning environments that prepare students for lifelong success.
Sheree holds an Education Specialist (EdS) in Leadership from Gordon College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and School Administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has been honored with multiple awards, including a Distinguished Leadership Award and Teacher of the Year recognition, acknowledging her contributions to the field of education. Passionate about cultivating both student potential and educator excellence, Sheree combines vision, compassion, and strategic expertise to make a lasting impact on every school community she serves.
• Gordon College - Ed.S.
• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - M. Ed
• Award of Excellence
• Teacher of the Year
• Award of Distinguished Leadership
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, a steadfast commitment to children’s development, and a deep respect for the vital role of educators. My work centers on creating strong foundational learning environments while supporting educators and school communities, drawing on over 35 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, academic advising, and international educational consulting. I have been fortunate to lead in early childhood education, including my current role as Head of the Early Elementary Division at Trinity School in Atlanta, where I oversee curriculum, faculty support, and student development. My career has also allowed me to engage in global education initiatives, serving in advisory roles and leading educational study tours, and I have been honored with a Distinguished Leadership Award for my contributions to the field. I believe that long-term impact comes from staying grounded in purpose and leading with both structure and compassion.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from the mentors, colleagues, and educational leaders I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career, as well as the communities and children I’ve served across different cultures and countries: always lead with empathy, stay curious, and prioritize the growth and well-being of those you serve. These guiding principles have shaped my professional philosophy and continue to inform how I approach leadership, education, and collaboration every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to stay the course, even when the work feels challenging. The impact we have as educators on children’s brain development, character growth, and lifelong success is profound, and that makes this profession deeply meaningful and incredibly rewarding. Embrace every opportunity to learn, lead, and inspire your dedication truly shapes the future.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is navigating changing parental expectations while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities in consulting, mentorship, and global collaboration, as educators increasingly seek guidance in adapting to modern learning environments. By sharing expertise and fostering professional growth, we can strengthen schools and positively impact students around the world.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are kindness, gratitude, perseverance, and integrity. I believe that education should nurture not only academic growth but also character development, especially in the earliest years of learning. Beyond the classroom, I am committed to contributing to educational communities and supporting schools in developing sustainable, child-centered practices that empower both students and educators.