The International Academy East (IA East) is a public, tuition –free high school of choice (105c) for students living in the Troy School District as well as students who are serviced by intermediate school districts (IDSs) that border the Oakland Intermediate School District. These districts include ISDs servicing Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Livingston counties. The IA East opened in August of 2008 with a 9th grade class of 125 students. The school occupies the former Baker Middle School, located at 1291 Torpey Drive in Troy.

See the Prospective Students page for specific enrollment details.

Lynne Gibson

 

Lynne Gibson began serving as principal of the International Academy’s three campuses in 2009.  With over fifteen years of educational experience, she has served as International Baccalaureate coordinator, assistant principal and counselor at the IA, and also taught middle school and high school English in the Bloomfield Hills School District.    

 

Her interest in creating a support network for educators involved with all levels of the IB program led to her involvement with and creation of the regional IB association of Michigan (IBSOM), and currently serves as the president.  As a site visitor and consultant for the IBO, Ms. Gibson travels nationally to high schools to help facilitate the IB authorization process.  

Ms. Gibson has also served as a guest instructor in the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning at Oakland University, teaching courses on internationalism.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in school counseling and an Education Specialist in educational leadership, both from Oakland University.  

Ms. Gibson is dedicated to the highest standards of academic achievement for all students and makes it her daily work to ensure students have the support they need to achieve those standards.  

Ryan Brinks

 

Ryan Brinks began serving as the Associate Principal at the International Academy’s East campus in 2013.  Prior to joining the IA, Mr. Brinks taught Mathematics at Clawson High School.  

Mr. Brinks graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies and mathematics.   He earned a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education at Eastern Michigan University and his Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Saginaw Valley State University.

A major focus for Mr. Brinks continues to be on improving teaching and learning in the classroom.  He has many years of experience leading school improvement teams, delivering professional development, integrating technology into the classroom, and serving as an instructional coach to improve classroom instruction and student achievement.  

Before joining the IA, Mr. Brinks served as a FIRST robotics mentor for several years.  He believes in the importance of applying classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems and continues to encourage students to take advantage of the IA’s many clubs and enrichments.

Sarah Fairman

 

Ms. Sarah Fairman began serving as the International Baccalaureate coordinator for the International Academy in July 2012.  As the IB coordinator, Ms. Fairman works with teachers and students in both the Middle Years and Diploma Programs on all three campuses of the IA.  Prior to joining the International Academy, she served as the IB coordinator for Norup International School in the Berkley School District. 

 

Ms. Fairman earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Public Affairs-Metropolitan Studies from James Madison College at Michigan State University, a Bachelor of Arts in education from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters of Arts in Middle Level Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University.  Ms. Fairman is currently attending Michigan State University’s administrative pathways program at the master’s level.

During her fifteen years in education, Ms. Fairman has participated in a variety of educational positions including classroom teacher, IB coordinator and assistant principal.  Through her involvement with the International Baccalaureate, Ms. Fairman has served as a school evaluator, workshop leader and school consultant working with schools throughout North America.  Additionally, Ms. Fairman is a founding member of IB Schools of Michigan (IBSOM) and is currently serving on the board as a secretary.

Ms. Fairman believes that the International Baccalaureate curriculum provides students the opportunity to engage in activities which meet Ron Ritchhart’s theory of learning: “learning is a consequence of thinking and involves uncovering complexity and delving deeply.”