The Department of Education has made three appointments to key senior leadership positions ahead of Anguilla’s new school term.
Amanda Hodge, Neil Gumbs and Vanessa Hobson are taking on the roles of curriculum officer in English secondary, curriculum officer in humanities and education officer, curriculum.
The department announced the promotions in congratulatory press releases published on social media on 31 August.
Amanda Hodge
Amanda Hodge is an accomplished educational professional and leader with over 20 years of experience in the Anguillian education system.
She holds a Master of Science in Management and Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Literatures of English from the University of the West Indies.
Prior to her appointment as curriculum officer, English secondary on 27 August, she served as head of the English Department at Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School.
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Hodge excelled in curriculum development aligned with national standards and CXC specifications, assessment moderation, staff professional development, and fostering collaborative departmental culture.
Her expertise spans instructional leadership, strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and educational technology.
She is positioned to advance English secondary curriculum standards across the system while supporting teachers in delivering high-quality, evidence-based instruction.
Neil Gumbs
Neil Gumbs was appointed curriculum officer, humanities on 4 August, bringing extensive experience and a strong interest in history, research and Caribbean development to the position.
He also serves as a CXC history subject panelist and has experience in data collection and policy development.
The newly established role will provide dedicated curriculum leadership and improve consistency in humanities teaching, standards, assessment and technology across schools and grade levels.
Gumbs holds a BA (Hons) in History with Literature, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Training, and an MA in Globalisation and Development.
He plans to work closely with teachers to strengthen teaching, use data to identify challenges and develop practical solutions for educators and students.
Gumbs also wants to encourage more hands-on, inquiry-based learning that connects classroom concepts with real-world experiences while developing students’ analytical and problem-solving skills.
Vanessa Hobson
Vanessa Hobson was appointed education officer, curriculum on 4 August, bringing more than 20 years of experience in teaching, literacy development and programme coordination to the role.
She has led national literacy initiatives and taught at both secondary and tertiary levels, while also working extensively with primary-level educators.
As Literacy Champion (2011-2021) and later curriculum officer, literacy (2021-2026), Hobson developed initiatives including a digital reading record and professional development programmes for teachers.
She has also supported educational activities beyond the classroom, including the annual Jymjams Jamboree, Literacy Fair and Teacher Wenham Choral Speaking Competition.
Hobson holds a Master of Education in Literacy from Walden University, a Bachelor of Arts in Literatures in English and a Teacher Training Certificate from the University of the West Indies .
In her new role, she will lead curriculum development and coordination while working with teachers and stakeholders to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes across Anguilla.
