Originally from Denmark, Allan has over four decades of experience as an educator; and over three decades of experience in senior administrative positions in Denmark. He is armed with an M.A. in Danish language, literature and history as well as a Master’s in Public Administration. He has taught Danish language and literature as well as communication and IT.
Allan is a visionary leader in the field of education and believes that Preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing 21st-century environment begins in schools. He is the Founder and Principal of the globally recognised Orestad Gymnasium School in Copenhagen, Denmark, which is recognised amongst the 15 most innovative schools globally. The school was the first globally to go 100% digital and has been visited by eminent personalities like Prince Harry. The school is renowned for its’ innovative learning environment with open spaces instead of traditional classrooms, its strong emphasis on media skills, fully digitalised teaching material and innovative teaching practices.
According to him non- traditional teaching environments form the backbone of the teaching-learning process. The digital environment also encourages a more personalised style of teaching. He has been an active participant in public debate in Denmark on topics related to education and challenges faced by youth. He has also presented at international seminars and conferences on 21st-century learning spaces and learning, technology in teaching and the “why of education” in the 21st century. He is one of the founders of the Global Schools Alliance, which is a select gathering of innovative schools. Allan is also a member of the Academy of the Finnish organization HundrEd, which collects, shares and rewards innovative school projects from all over the world.
Allan is one of the founding members of the Chaman Bhartiya School . The school will prepare students for living and leading in India in the 21st century. To realise this vision Allan is one of the key contributors towards the development of the unique “We Lead” curriculum which incorporates development of academic competencies along with 21st century competencies as well as leadership skills. The school will also incorporate best practices on open learning spaces, innovative teaching practices as well as incorporate technology to personalise learning.
“What’s important is for the teacher to talk less and let the students work more. The teacher has to organise processes that encourage that to happen. The architecture of the school forces the teacher to do just that.” says Allan.