A comprehensive handbook for Extended Essay coordinators and supervisors. Whether you are taking on one of these roles for the first time, looking to enhance your practice or getting to know the latest guide (for first assessment in 2027), the handbook provides practical advice, tools and examples, to help you and your students succeed.
Understand your role and responsibilities as an Extended Essay coordinator or supervisor. Expert guidance from two experienced IB educators will show you how to make an impact and establish a strong Extended essay culture in your school.
Make the most of supervision time with practical tools and templates to help you and your students stay on track and overcome challenges.
Short digestible chapters are designed to build confidence and help you feel prepared to support students and colleagues effectively, following the IBs regulations.
Nurture research skills, academic writing and reflection with strategies and Examples to unpack the assessment criteria and highlight common pitfalls.
Focus on the bigger picture with student and teacher Insights demonstrating the benefits of the Extended essay in the IB Diploma and beyond. Subject-specific requirements and responsible AI use are a key focus throughout.
Ashley Denham Busse is an IB Language A: literature teacher, IB Diploma Programme coordinator, and former Extended essay coordinator at Suncoast Community High School in Palm Beach County, Florida. She has taught literature and writing for over 15 years at both the secondary and university levels. A proud IB Diploma Programme graduate herself, Ashley is passionate about the IBs mission to create a more peaceful world. Using the IB frameworks, she encourages students to become active, compassionate members of our global society, fostering intercultural understanding and respect. She holds an M.A. in English from Florida State University and a PhD in English literature from the George Washington University.
Michele Lackovic brings over 25 years of experience supervising and coordinating the Extended essay. As an IB workshop leader for both the Extended essay and IB Language A, and as an IB textbook author, Michele combines classroom wisdom with expertise in digital research technologies. She leads professional development on ethical AI integration in education and is passionate about empowering students to navigate both traditional and emerging research methodologies. Currently serving as the MYP Coordinator and an IB Literature and Theory of Knowledge teacher at Suncoast Community High School in Florida, she has mentored countless students through successful research projects. Michele's approach balances academic rigor with compassionate guidanceinformed by watching her own two children recently complete the IB Diploma Programme. She holds degrees from Penn State and UCLA.
