Faculty Directory

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Preschool
Primary school
Senior school

Adam CROSSLEY

IBDP Coordinator

Senior school

Adam CROSSLEY

IBDP Coordinator

I started teaching in 2005 in the tree-filled state of Oregon. After that, I moved to SSIS in 2008 and worked here for eight happy years. After a short adventure in Bangladesh, I returned, and I am proud to serve as the English Head of Department before taking on the role of IBDP Coordinator in SSIS. I look forward to teaching our amazing students in this encouraging, learning environment.

As a world traveller, I am fascinated by geography and have created learning songs that one can find on Youtube under the moniker “Rocking the World”. My motto is “Love Your Learning”: Whether it is learning Chinese, playing a new song or employing a new teaching strategy, I strive to provide students with a living example of a lifelong learner.

Adeline GOH

Teacher

Primary school

Adeline GOH

Teacher

I'm from Singapore. After graduation, I worked in a learning centre in Singapore as an upper-grade Mathematics and English teacher for three years. Since 2016, I've worked in SSIS as a Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher and a Grade 4 Mathematics teacher.

"The best teachers teach from the heart!" Teaching children has always been my passion, and I believe working in SSIS will fulfil my dream of teaching and meeting different children from diverse backgrounds. I believe there is a star in every child; I love to help my students in their journey of finding the star in them and letting it shine. I strive to enrich children with new knowledge and skills, nurture them with values, and guide them towards lifelong learning.

I enjoy working with all the warm and fun colleagues in SSIS. Meeting people and children of different cultures and backgrounds has made teaching in SSIS interesting and extremely enjoyable for me. I feel honoured and excited as I continue to embark on my teaching journey as a teacher here.

Alberto OSORIO

Teacher

Senior school

Alberto OSORIO

Teacher

I am a Physicist specialising in Mathematics applied to physical phenomena. I have dedicated my professional life to work in different fields of Physics (Research, science museums, international schools and universities). However, I am not all about academics and numbers! I love to dance, watch movies at the cinema and travel around the world.

I am very happy to be in the SSIS family since 2012. For me, the Shanghai Singapore International School is an international community with amazing students with high potentials and abilities. My aim every day is to help them understand the universe from a physics point of view and develop the skills of a good scientist. My favourite quotation: "Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love " (Albert Einstein). I like SSIS events where everybody gets to know other countries like IFD or CNY celebration. I love the international community among the teachers and students.

I love the dedication and respect of all the students towards the teachers and all the community.

Alexander KU

Golf Coordinator

Primary school

Alexander KU

Golf Coordinator

I am originally from California where I first picked up golf and graduated high school in beautiful Pebble Beach. I then moved to the Big Apple. I have been playing golf avidly since I was in high school and it continues to be what I am most passionate about. My skills, dedication and knowledge about this sport have led to my post at SSIS as the Golf Coordinator. I am excited to grow the SSIS Golf Programme and look forward to have an impact on the lives of our student body by providing educational and fitness programmes that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Aloysius CHUA

Teacher

Senior school

Aloysius CHUA

Teacher

I come from Singapore and taught in a school there before moving to Shanghai in 2017. I studied Geography at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and the National University of Singapore before completing my PGDE at Singapore's National Institute of Education. I enjoy teaching the humanities as the themes discussed permeate so much of our lives, challenging us to be more empathetic, aware, and kind to others. 
 
One of my favourite quotes about teaching and life, in general, is from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea." 
 
In my free time, I enjoy sports and exercise - Football is my first love. 

Andrew COLE

IGCSE Coordinator

Senior school

Andrew COLE

IGCSE Coordinator

I'm British, and I have worked in schools around Asia for the past 13 years.

I believe that education is about preparing students for the unknown, giving them the skills to thrive and succeed in a world which is constantly and rapidly changing. The idea of making a difference means a great deal to me. My approach is to engage students beyond the strict academic curriculum in ways that are personally meaningful to and beneficial for them. I strongly believe in the value of a trans-disciplinary/cross-curricula approach.

Outside of school, I am an artist who has exhibited around Asia and Europe. I enjoy spending time with my wife and dogs, going to the gym and am a lifelong Liverpool Football Club supporter.

Arathi PUTHENKULATHUR VELAYUDHAN

Teacher

Senior school

Arathi PUTHENKULATHUR VELAYUDHAN

Teacher

I'm from India and have been teaching Chemistry and Biology to high school students for more than five years.

I believe that every child is a universe of abilities and has unexplored potential that prospers with sincere encouragement. I always try to design new learning experiences, integrating differentiated learning into my lesson plans. This enables each student to achieve success and manage the 21st-century challenges in which formal education occurs.

I enjoy gardening and would love to involve my students as well as it provides a dynamic environment to observe, discover, experiment, nurture, and learn. Dancing and playing badminton are my other hobbies.

Audrey YEE

Teacher

Preschool

Audrey YEE

Teacher

Born and raised in Singapore, I have been based in Shanghai since 2012. During my stay here, I completed a Masters in Political Science with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education for Early Years with the University of Sunderland.
 
I believe that early childhood education is about empowering children through creating meaningful and playful experiences. I use tools of positive discipline along with my past experience with preschoolers in various settings since 2014. Notably, I used to be a Speech and Drama teacher and a nursery teacher at Julia Gabriel Centre (Shanghai), which uses the Singaporean curriculum. I aspire to be both kind and firm in building a mutually respectful relationship with the children under my care. My class priorities are making the children feel a sense of belonging and significance.
 
Outside of school, I volunteer with the children’s ministry at my church. I enjoy playing the ukulele, singing to my cat, and growing my plant collection.

Avegail VERGEL

Social Study HOD & STEAM Coordinator

Primary school

Avegail VERGEL

Social Study HOD & STEAM Coordinator

I come from the Philippines, and I joined SSIS in August 2015. I have been living and teaching in Shanghai since 2005. It has been an awakening and a challenging journey so far. I am delighted to be a part of SSIS as a Primary form teacher. SSIS exemplifies my vision and mission as an educator.

I believe it is of utmost importance to explore different teaching strategies to meet each individual learner's needs in my class. I offer my students various learning opportunities, which focuses on their strengths while instilling in them a passion for life-long learning and guiding them to be responsible global citizens. When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy watching movies, playing badminton, travelling and staying in touch with friends.

Begum GURKAN

Teacher

Primary school

Begum GURKAN

Teacher

I come from Turkey and I have been teaching various age levels in private schools with different educational systems since 1999. Over the years, I have worked as a classroom teacher, PYP level coordinator, department head, and a curriculum designer. I co-wrote a main course book, activity book and a storybook for ESL learners and worked on international projects like Comenius that allows teachers to experience the European educational system. I joined SSIS in 2014 and I am now teaching Grade 1 and I am happy to be a part of the SSIS family as it has a diverse environment that promotes global citizenship. SSIS supports active student learning that allows our children to be life long learners.

CAO Heng Yuan Danny

Teacher

Primary school

CAO Heng Yuan Danny

Teacher

I started professional swimming training in the sports schools of Putuo District of Shanghai when I was five. Since then, I have participated in many swimming competitions, and I won first prize in the breaststroke category in a Shanghai youth swimming competition.

After graduation, I worked as a swimming coach for 12 years in various swim clubs in Shanghai. Many of the students in the schools I've coached in have ended up in international schools' swimming teams.

I have rich experiences in coaching swimming at different levels. I have a swimming coach certificate, intermediate lifeguard certification and national first-level athlete issued by the state.

CAO Yu Chen

Teacher

Primary school

CAO Yu Chen

Teacher

I have been teaching Chinese at SSIS since 2007, and I have been teaching Basic Chinese class for many years. I'm always ready to help the children improve their Chinese studies; their improvements bring me great pleasure. I enjoy working with my Chinese Language team, as my colleagues are all professional and dedicated. Moreover, they are kind and willing to share their ideas all the time. I also appreciate SSIS's support in growing the Chinese Language Programme. My hobbies are drawing, making handiwork, and reading novels.

Carmen WEAVER

Teacher

Primary school

Carmen WEAVER

Teacher

After graduation in 1993, I started my teaching career working as a Kindergarten Bilingual Homeroom Teacher and High School ESL Teacher for five years in a private school in Mexico. Then in 2006, I joined the Longview, Texas Independent School District in America, where I worked as a Primary Bilingual Homeroom Teacher in Grades 1-3 for seven years.

In 2013, I was the PYP, MYP and DP Spanish teacher at the International School Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for two years. After that, I worked as a DP Spanish teacher at the Guangdong Country Garden School in Foshan, China, for a year. And just before coming to SSIS, I worked in Aldine Independent School District in Houston, USA, for a year. I have been working as a Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher in SSIS since 2017.

I believe that education and learning should be centred on students, and teachers should take the role of facilitators and guides instead of being the mere providers of knowledge. I also believe that teachers must ensure that students are engaged in learning by providing effective instruction using a variety of methods, and following different pedagogical approaches.

I believe that creating a learning environment that is carefully planned and well-organised is a must to help my students stay on track. And by working together, teachers, parents and students can create an ideal environment for education, safety, understanding and fun.

My interests are jogging, dancing, listening to music and cooking.

Carola V. SOMARE

Preschool and Senior School Counsellor

Preschool, Senior school

Carola V. SOMARE

Preschool and Senior School Counsellor

I was born in Argentina, raised in Bolivia and did my junior year in a small town in Southern California. I started working in different American schools in Bolivia where I fell in love with teaching and school life.
 
I created the "One thousand page club" at an IB school in Bolivia and inspired many students to get into the adventures of reading.
 
I studied psychology, but my curiosity for learning didn’t stop there. I went to England to get my degree as a Certified International School Counselor. I am a Mindfulness certified trainer, obtained a certificate as Life Coach in Uruguay and I was also a presenter at the ISCA collaborative during October 2020.
 
I worked as a counselor in an American School for almost eight years. I am the supervisor of a community service called "Hope for Life", dedicated to help children who suffer from cancer.
 
I am fluent in Spanish, English and have already started to learn a little Chinese. You can see a little bit more about me at: www.carolasomare.com
 
Counseling is my passion!

Catherine NIE

Primary School ELA Coordinator

Primary school

Catherine NIE

Primary School ELA Coordinator

I'm from Sydney, Australia. After teaching in Sydney, I came to Shanghai, and have been teaching at SSIS for the past nine years. Before joining the SSIS family, I spent three years delivering the PYP programme at an international school.

Throughout my teaching experience, I have become passionate about teaching students to become enquirers. It is natural for children to wonder, deeply question and learn through hands-on activities. I strive to meet each student's needs and help them achieve their personal best. I believe the social, emotional and physical development of our students is just as important, if not more important, as their academic growth.

I enjoy listening to music, reading books and exercising. I also like to learn new things and to travel as well.

Cem PEKDEMİR

Math HOD

Senior school

Cem PEKDEMİR

Math HOD

I am from Istanbul, Turkey. Having worked as a mathematics teacher and head of department for more than a decade at one of the most prestigious schools in Istanbul, I am delighted to continue my career at SSIS as high school Mathematics head of department.
 
I have taught Mathematics and Geometry in English based on Turkish national curriculum (K 9-12) and IB programme (SL and HL) Mathematics in high school. In addition to a B.Sc. degree in Mathematics, I have two masters’ degrees, one in teaching Mathematics (M.A) and the other one in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.). I have overseas teaching experience in the USA with the Fulbright scholarship from the Ames High School, Iowa.
 
I believe all students can learn Mathematics if they are given the chance to practice enough and apply what they are taught.
 
As a Beşiktaş JK fan, I enjoy watching football and I am interested in financial markets. I like playing darts with my friends and of course I like to travel and explore new places and cuisine.

Chantelle HO

Activities Coordinator & CISSA Rep

Senior school

Chantelle HO

Activities Coordinator & CISSA Rep

I come from Edinburgh, Scotland. My teaching career began in 2013 as a Secondary Physical Education teacher, followed by a year teaching and developing Physical Education in a Primary School before making my move to China. At SSIS, I teach Physical Education with the hope of applying my experiences and knowledge to the PE department and After School Programmes. My hobbies are: Soccer, Swimming, Movies, and adding to my extensive sneaker collection.

CHEN Jian Ming

Teacher

Primary school

CHEN Jian Ming

Teacher

I am from Shanghai. Before joining SSIS in 2007, I worked at Shanghai Sun Island Golf Club. I like kids because they always bring me joy and energy. As a trainer, I like to study everything in connection with golf. I am always trying to find new ways of learning and teaching golf.

CHEN Jing

Teacher

Primary school

CHEN Jing

Teacher

I have been at SSIS since 2008. The things I like most about SSIS are the school's lunches, environment and teachers' relationships. Our lunches are delicious and healthy because they are all from Mahota Farm. Our Chinese Department is like a big family, and I love being in the family. We always help each other and we share our positive ideas in our group.

My hobbies are watching movies, reading books, listening to music, surfing, and travelling. My life motto is, “A contented mind is a perpetual feast.”

CHEN Ya Na

Teacher

Senior school

CHEN Ya Na

Teacher

With more than 13 years of experience in Chinese language teaching and 11 years of work experience in charge of a class, teaching has provided me with a broad outlook on teaching and student management and quality education.

CHOW Yan Mei 

Teacher

Primary school

CHOW Yan Mei 

Teacher

I’m from Singapore, and upon graduation, I worked as a secondary school teacher in Singapore. I feel honoured and excited to be back in SSIS to continue on my teaching journey. 
 
My goal is to inspire my students to learn and to be lifelong learners. I believe that learning is a continual and lifelong process. I am constantly seeking to be an effective teacher in equipping students with skills so that they can apply Mathematics and Science in their daily life.  
 
During vacation, I love to catch the sunrise at the beach. I also enjoy the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves.  

Christina KWAK

Teacher

Primary school

Christina KWAK

Teacher

I was born in Sydney, Australia and have spent the last nine years as a primary school teacher. I taught various subjects in different grades from Kindergarten to Year 6 in Sydney. I was also the Co-ordinator of Digital Technologies (Preparatory to Year 6).  I am very excited to be joining SSIS in 2021 and teaching English and Social Studies.
 
My priority as an educator is the individual students in my care. Every child should feel safe, respected and included.  As an educator, I aim to provide children with a challenging, child-directed environment that allows for independence, problem solving, decision-making and risk taking. I also strive to ensure that classroom experiences are relevant, authentic and relational, providing opportunities for transformation of the mind and heart. Children’s individuality will be catered for through being responsive to their strengths, interests and areas of emerging development.
 
Outside of school, I love running, travelling with my family and playing with tech gadgets.

Christopher HAYES

Humanities HOD

Senior school

Christopher HAYES

Humanities HOD

I am originally from Toronto, Canada. I attended the University of Windsor and graduated with a B.A. in History and Geography and a B.Ed. in Intermediate/Senior teaching. I am currently completing an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with the Open University (London, UK).

I have taught in Canada, UK, China, and now call Shanghai home for the last 12 years. I believe History and Geography are the most important subjects one can learn because all aspects of life, such as food, language, science, and sport, are all components of these holistic subjects.

Courtney CESARANO

Teacher

Preschool

Courtney CESARANO

Teacher

I was born and raised in New Jersey in the United States. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Education from York College, Pennsylvania, I moved to Taiwan to begin my teaching career. I have been working as an early childhood educator in Shanghai since 2012. I joined the SSIS community in 2017. Education is my passion, for I believe that learning is part of what makes life worth living. I am delighted to share this passion with the students of SSIS.

Craig BELL

Physical Education HOD

Senior school

Craig BELL

Physical Education HOD

Hello! My name is Craig Bell and I am so excited to be joining the SSIS community. I am originally from Nevada in the United States and received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Boise State University in Psychology and Social Studies with an emphasis in Secondary Education. I received my Master of Arts from Michigan State University in Education with a focus on Coaching and Athletic Leadership. I have previously taught in Myanmar and Venezuela. I will be teaching Physical Education in both the primary and senior school. I have always had a passion for activities and coaching and look forward to this opportunity to continue working with a wide range of students. I hope to join in the ongoing success of developing future leaders from the Sabres of SSIS.

Craig GRIEBENOW

K-12 ICT Coordinator & Primary School ICT HOD

Primary school

Craig GRIEBENOW

K-12 ICT Coordinator & Primary School ICT HOD

I am a South African educator with a background in computers and visual arts. In the past, I worked as a graphic design and have teaching experience in Africa and the Middle East for over two decades. I am passionate about equipping our future generation with the skills and values needed to add value to an ever-changing world. My goal is to help learners develop understanding, creativity, and character, which together form the key to changing the world. I love to learn and have a keen interest in emerging technologies, space exploration, sustainability and neuroscience.

In my free time, I enjoy time with my family, cycling, playing sports, investigating areas of interest, watching movies and travelling.

Daniel GOULD

School Counsellor K-12

Senior school

Daniel GOULD

School Counsellor K-12

I am delighted to be joining the SSIS community as the University Counsellor for the Senior School. I am originally from Huntington Beach, California, USA and have worked in K-16 education for 20 years. 
 
I hold degrees in Education, Philosophy, and Humanities from S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook, C.S.U. Dominguez Hills, and C.S.U. Long Beach. I hold professional certifications and training in: K-12 School Administration, K-12 Instruction (Grade 7-12 Social Studies), and Counselling. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) through the University of Nottingham. 
 
For the last eight years I worked within international schools in China, establishing and developing guidance counselling programs focused on college readiness and university transition. It has been a thrill to work with thousands of students, guiding them through tens of thousands of university applications across higher education institutions over four continents.  
 
My goal is to provide the support, information and strategic planning required for students to maximize success in their college admissions journey. I hope all our students reach their highest potential and most importantly, for them to land in the “right fit” higher education institution where they will thrive and flourish both academically and personally. 
 
When not working I enjoy trying to learn languages, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. 

David HERRING

CLSP Coordinator

Senior school

David HERRING

CLSP Coordinator

I’m from New Zealand and am now into my eighth year of teaching; I’m a middle school specialist and enjoy the daily challenges of motivating young minds to be lifelong and multi-skilled learners. My passion is to challenge students to bring their learning from all their subjects and apply these to the investigative context of the Social Science classroom.
This will be my third year in China, and I feel privileged to be joining such a reputable school.

I consider myself as somebody who is naturally curious, so I enjoy spending my time exploring new places, near or far. As a New Zealander, I am obviously a big fan of rugby but am currently embracing the popular sporting pastime here in China—badminton!

Deeksha Devi GOKOOL BHAKARREEA

Aesthetics HOD

Senior school

Deeksha Devi GOKOOL BHAKARREEA

Aesthetics HOD

I was born and raised in Mauritius, and taught there for eight years. Before moving with my young family to join SSIS, I had also taught in Beijing for two years.

I have taught Art in various curriculum settings, from the Cambridge SC, HSC and IGCSE to the International Baccalaureate Middle year and Diploma Programs, across different age groups. I am also an IB DP Art Examiner and an IGCSE Coursework moderator. As a passionate art teacher and artist, I take into account each individual’s personal interests when getting them engaged in my classes.

I’m a polyglot and am fluent in five languages. When not teaching, I enjoy visiting contemporary art galleries and spending quality time with my family.

Didem PEKDEMIR

Primary HOD of Science & Math

Primary school

Didem PEKDEMIR

Primary HOD of Science & Math

For the past 11 years at an IB school (The Koç School) in İstanbul, I taught various subjects such as IB HL Biology, SL ESS, TOK and National Biology curriculum in English. I am an IB examiner for HL Biology Paper-2 since May 2016, and for IA since May 2021. 
 
I hold a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). For the past 5 years, I was involved in the activities of the Permaculture Club as an after-school activity in coordination with my colleagues from the Geography department. My expertise is growing oyster mushrooms by using wood shavings and straw; and producing compost by using the excretory wastes of worms. Students enjoy outdoor activities and learn efficiently while they are taught a topic related to it, therefore, enriching the curriculum with fieldwork is essential to draw the attention of students, which in turn boosts student learning.  
 
Outside of school, in my spare time, I like jogging and meditation. Recently I have started to explore the mysterious philosophy of western astrology. 
 
In my free time, I enjoy sports and exercise - Football is my first love. 

Dorcas ONG

Teacher

Primary school

Dorcas ONG

Teacher

I am a Singaporean with more than 13 years of experience teaching in primary and secondary schools in Singapore, Australia and China (for the last three years). In addition to teaching, my roles and responsibilities include subject co-ordinator, Head of Subject as well as mentoring trainee teachers while at the National Institute of Education. I have been with SSIS since 2016, teaching Primary School Mathematics and Science. I have also conducted STEAM activities for CCA and ASP.

Learning is a life long journey. I aim to help young children acquire the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in their education. To this end, it is essential that I strive to understand each child's uniqueness and need for individual care and treatment.

I'm into music, health care, shopping, walks, origami and puzzles.

Eladna LIM

Teacher

Preschool

Eladna LIM

Teacher

I was born, raised and educated in Singapore. I started working as an Early Childhood Educator in 2007. The love for educating children in various capacities grew over the years and has been rewarding. It was always a dream of mine to live and work in a foreign country and, I am thankful that this became a reality in 2012 when I joined SSIS.

I love teaching Preschoolers! My mission is to help children discover the joys of learning and to help each child develop a strong belief in his or her own ability to achieve. I want them to learn the importance of hard work and to have a sense of pride in doing their personal best. It is also important to me that my students appreciate and respect other people's differences.

My husband and I have two adorable daughters, Amber and Jemma, born in 2016 and 2019, respectively. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going on vacations and spending time with my family.

Elaine TAN

Teacher

Primary school

Elaine TAN

Teacher

I taught English, Maths and Science at the primary level in Singapore. I arrived in Shanghai in 1999 and have been teaching at SSIS since.

I want to inculcate in my students a sense of responsibility, to be responsible not only to themselves but also to the members of the community. I encourage my students to express their ideas, to participate in the educational experience, and to enjoy the interactions in my classroom.

I enjoy going for walks as well as watching documentaries about ancient and modern history.

Emre BASOGLU

Senior School Counsellor

Senior school

Emre BASOGLU

Senior School Counsellor

I am thrilled to be a part of the SSIS community as senior school counsellor. I have experience in providing social and emotional, behavioural, and academic counselling to the individualized needs of the students.

I received my bachelor's degree as an honour student from METU NCC and my master's degree from METU from the guidance and psychological counselling major. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at Bilkent University.

Over the past years, I worked as counsellor, child protection officer, IGCSE coordinator, and vice-principal. I provided psycho-education presentations and trainings to the students and their families.

It is my believe that learning can best happen in a positive learning environment where students feel listened to, cared for, and belonged. I love working with students and help them get closer to their own self-actualization. Together, we will discover and unlock your utmost potential.

Besides my professional life, I am passionate about outdoor sports, travelling, and listening to music. I am an amateur ultramarathon runner and a rock climber.

Eubin MPETA

Teacher

Senior school

Eubin MPETA

Teacher

I come from Zambia and my specialty is Economics. I'm currently teaching IGCSE economics, IB economics and IB Mathematical Studies in the secondary school at SSIS. I've been involved in teaching economics and maths for a long time. Before joining SSIS, I taught in different internationals schools in Thailand. I'm enjoying my current position at SSIS which is teaching Maths and economics. The student are highly motivated at SSIS which makes teaching very enjoyable.

Fiona PENG

Teacher

Preschool

Fiona PENG

Teacher

I grew up in Australia but was originally from Taiwan. Before I went into education eight years ago, I was a designer for almost 10 years and loved providing opportunities for children to express themselves artistically. Having worked in a 3-6 multi-age Montessori classroom for nearly four years and—having been the homeroom teacher of both kindergarten and toddler classes in a bilingual school—I am very familiar with nursery through kindergarten learners.

I am looking forward to forming a close bond with the children at SSIS, where I can guide children on how to be independent, express and manage their emotions. Helping students find new ways of looking at a problem and inspiring them to live life with compassion, gratitude, and integrity is central to my goal as an educator.

Garry Harold HUGHES

Teacher

Primary school

Garry Harold HUGHES

Teacher

I was born in New Zealand, or Aotearoa, the “land of the long white cloud”. After graduation, I travelled and taught English in South-East Asia; I taught English in Shanghai and Seoul to Grades 1 to 6 for four years. I joined SSIS in 2006 and have been teaching all subjects to Grades 2 to 4.

It is children's openness, and willingness to learn and collaborate that motivates me to enrich my learning environment and to engage them in lessons. I love to see children develop new skills such as problem-solving, goal-setting, organising as they grow in self-confidence, and as they become increasingly independent as learners. I want to continue to share my love of books, passion for learning and exploring, and my enthusiasm as an educator. I want to inspire children to be ‘the best they can be and then aim higher”.

I have always had a keen interest in Asian culture, especially traditional Chinese martial arts. I enjoy photography and photo editing, sci-fi movies, exploring China and spending time with my wife and two sons.

Geni TANG

Teacher

Preschool

Geni TANG

Teacher

Through my Early Childhood Education training, I realised that the preschool years of a child's life are critical. It is the period where a strong foundation must be built, and the child's cognitive, physical, social and emotional domains are developed progressively. This will ensure that the child will grow up to maximise their potential and be a responsible global citizen. After I joined SSIS in 2005, the school has given me the platform to realise my beliefs.

Besides teaching in a school environment, I used to coach children and adults in canoeing and swimming back in Singapore. I love the sea and nature, and I will go paddle whenever I have the opportunity.

GONG Li

Teacher

Preschool

GONG Li

Teacher

I have been working in the early childhood environment for 15 years. I have a solid professional knowledge and understanding of child psychology after a long period of training. I started working in SSIS since 2005. I am a Chinese teacher responsible for teaching Chinese, Art, Performing Arts and Physical Education. Although I have been in this field for sometime, my passion for this job is always maintained at a very high level because of my love for children. What I like the most about SSIS is the team of teachers, who are very united.

There are opportunities to improve on how to be more effective in teaching. The student-teacher ratio is lower than that of a local school, which makes it better to carry out differentiated learning for students. There is a greater feel of satisfaction.

Grace LIA

Teacher

Preschool

Grace LIA

Teacher

I'm from Indonesia and have been an English teacher for the last three years. I graduated from Diponegoro University in English literature in 2011 and then worked in Shandong and Beijing. I enjoy working with children. My goal is to create a positive learning environment for the children and incorporate many different types of activities to support their learning.

GU Kun

Teacher

Senior school

GU Kun

Teacher

After graduation, I worked in a local school in Shanghai (where I'm from) as a Mandarin teacher for seven years. In the last 15 years, I've taught in various international schools in Shanghai as a Mandarin teacher, working with 10- to 18-year-olds.

I think the teacher's responsibility is to help students learn to solve problems. When students devote themselves to learning, they will be more focused and will learn better – it's crucial to cultivate my students' interests in studying. To improve the quality of my teaching, I employ effective teaching methods and materials that are the most suitable for my students.

Outside of school, I love cooking, reading, singing, running, yoga and travelling.

GU Yong Min

Teacher

Primary school

GU Yong Min

Teacher

I am originally from Shanghai China . I have been teaching golf at SSIS since 2007. I am so excited to teach kids to play golf and share my golf skills with them. It is also a big challenge for me to teach the students from different countries, but I really enjoy the moments with the kids.

A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.

HAO Xiao Mei

Teacher

Primary school

HAO Xiao Mei

Teacher

As a volunteer teacher, I taught Chinese to college students who majored in Business Chinese at Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, for three years. I also taught Chinese to students who were in the Spanish and Chinese Immersion Program in Riverview Elementary School, San Diego, USA for two years.

Before joining SSIS, I taught Chinese in a bilingual kindergarten to students who were around 5 and 6 years old.

I love teaching, enjoy being with my students, and am always happy to see my students succeed in life.

HAO Yan

Teacher

Primary school

HAO Yan

Teacher

I teach Visual Arts in the Junior school division and have always assisted extensively in designing all major school events. I joined SSIS in 2005, and it provides opportunities for me to apply different strategies to cater to our students' needs through the art programme. I have been inspired by our students' outstanding artworks, reflecting the various countries and cultures they come from. This makes me love teaching as I enjoy my time with my students. This is what keeps me enthusiastic about my work. I am proud to be a member of staff at SSIS and appreciate the contributions I make to the development of our school and the art programme.

HOLLEY Robert

Teacher

Senior school

HOLLEY Robert

Teacher

I have been teaching English and Mathematics in various countries around the world for more than 30 years. I believe mathematics is the language of numbers and mastery comes from not only computational competence but also being able to use mathematical terminology in solving real-world problems. Outside of school, I enjoy cycling.

Ian MALLOY

Computer Science/ICT Teacher

Senior school

Ian MALLOY

Computer Science/ICT Teacher

For the last decade, I have been teaching high school computer science and mathematics. I also come from a family of teachers as my sister, father, and mother also work in this profession. My fascination with technology started at a young age as I taught myself coding in high school and studied computer information systems at university. I believe CS courses should emphasize real-world useable skills, but taught with an interactive, hands-on approach.
 
I stay up to date with the latest industry trends by studying for IT certifications and currently possess the following: AWS solutions architect (cloud computing), CISSP (cybersecurity), CCNA (networking), and security+ (cybersecurity).
 
I also have a long list of hobbies outside of the classroom.  I was a mogul skier in high school and worked as a ski instructor during my university years. I love playing music and for years was the bass player for a professional Beatles cover band/wedding band, owned my own music studio, and released a couple of CDs of original music.

Ivy WONG

Teacher

Senior school

Ivy WONG

Teacher

I was born in Hong Kong SAR and moved to England when I was 12. I worked in London as a graphic designer for six years working with clients such as BBC, Vodafone and HSBC, before moving to Shanghai in 2009, where I later became a teacher.
In 2016, I moved to Bangladesh for a year with my young family to seek a different experience in the world. It was a fascinating year filled with interesting stories, but I am pleased to rejoin the SSIS family. SSIS is such a caring and loving place that I will always call it home.
I like making all kinds of art and design; I particularly enjoy different forms of printing, such as silkscreen and etching. I also enjoy swimming, hiking, camping and being outdoors.

James ELKINS

Teacher

Senior school

James ELKINS

Teacher

I am from Brisbane, Australia and once armed with my Bachelor’s Degree from the Queensland University of Technology I embarked on my first overseas teaching job in South Korea in 2006. Since then, I have taught EAL and First Language English to learners from grade 1 to adults in 5 different countries. During this time, I have continued my passion for learning by completing a CELTA certificate, a PGCE and a teacher certification programme. I love all aspects of language and literature, and absolutely love sharing the joy of language and literature with students.

Away from school I love playing guitar and I love sports, especially jogging, hiking and rugby. I also love to travel and I can’t wait to explore this amazing city. I am excited to join the SSIS family so I can play a role in student learning and success.

Jason BROWNE

Chief Librarian

Senior school

Jason BROWNE

Chief Librarian

I am Irish and have over a decade of experience in the library sector in Ireland, Australia and China. I have been lucky enough to have previously worked for the Irish Parliament, the State Library of New South Wales and the National Library of Ireland. It is my fourth year in China but my first in Shanghai.
I look forward to a new challenge in SSIS where I can do my utmost to help the students develop an interest in Literature and English. My hobbies involve reading, cinema, history and exercising.

JI Ai Ping

Teacher

Primary school

JI Ai Ping

Teacher

I graduated from Chong Ming Normal Academy. I have been teaching Chinese in SSIS for 13 years; I like the environment here in SSIS. Before joining SSIS, I was a form teacher and had taught Chinese in a local school for eight years.
As a teacher, I always ensure that my students have fun learning Chinese.

When not working, I like to stay home, listening to music and watching movies. The food I like the most is Sichuan food because I like its spiciness.

Jin QUEK

Teacher

Preschool

Jin QUEK

Teacher

I have been working in Early Childhood education for more than 30 years. In Singapore, I started as an assistant teacher and took courses in NIE. I eventually became a supervisor of preschools for more than eight years. I joined SSIS in 2008 as a teacher, which I enjoyed the most.

I have gained new insights and many experiences with different batches of students and learnt how I could bring across my lessons more effectively. Every child is unique and requires different approaches. Early childhood is challenging, as the dynamics of the cohort changes yearly. I enjoy working with Preschool children, and I sincerely hope to provide a pleasant and enriching experience for the little ones.

Going on trips and having nice meals with friends will make my day. Cooking, baking, karaoke, fishing, watching movies/dramas, travelling, outings and bowling are some of my favourite activities when I have the luxury of time.

JIN Sheng Lan

Teacher

Primary school

JIN Sheng Lan

Teacher

I am proud to be a part of the SSIS family since 2014. Before coming to SSIS, I graduated from Bristol University with a Masters Degree in Music. I spent more than 20 years studying piano performance and have been teaching piano for seven years. My role in Primary School is to teach music. I am also involved in organising my student performances during IFB, Chinese New Year celebrations, Student-Led Conferences and the Summer concert.

SSIS cares about providing a holistic education for its students both in academic and non-academic subjects. The Primary School's music curriculum covers a wide range of content that students benefit from: music history, theory, instrument playing skills, and performative skills. I enjoy working with our students and helping them advance in both musicology knowledge and instrumental performing skills.

Jordan ALLISON

English Language HOD

Primary school

Jordan ALLISON

English Language HOD

I am thrilled to be teaching Grade 6 English and Social Studies in my first year at SSIS. I am originally from the United States, and I have taught English overseas for eight years in France and China. I have been in Shanghai since 2012, during which time I have enjoyed helping middle and high school students discover a love of learning and achieve their language learning goals. As an educator, I aim to challenge students academically while also developing their strength of character and global citizenship. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and traveling.

Joseph BURBRIDGE

Teacher

Senior school

Joseph BURBRIDGE

Teacher

I grew up in Spain and am fluent in Spanish and have a great passion for Spain, its culture, and its food. I returned to the UK and took a particular interest in science and went on to University to study Environmental Science and Biology. I worked as a science teacher in the UK teaching GCSE Chemistry, Physics, and Biology and also A-Level and IBDP Biology.

When I was offered a job in Spain, I decided to start my adventures teaching and travelling around the world, including the Middle East (Dubai) and then China (Qingdao), where I collaborated to open a new school teaching science and as Head of Year and enjoyed running and cycling in the mountains. My fourth adventure spurred me on to Shanghai where I taught in a bilingual setting and an International school. I have a great passion for science and in making a difference in the lives of young people.

Joshua ANTONIO 

Teacher

Senior school

Joshua ANTONIO 

Teacher

My name is Joshua Antonio, Josh to some, Mr. Antonio to others. I am from the Philippines but have been in China since 2007. I started as an Education and Liberal Arts major (Bachelor in Secondary Education - History and Liberal Arts - Economics) before shifting and finishing with a Business degree (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management).  
 
I have taught all levels, from Kindergarten to adult, in different environments (training, public, bilingual, private, and international schools). For the last 5 years, I have been trained and taught subjects in the High School Social Studies Department. In my previous school, I also served as the Dean of Students, Extracurricular Activities Coordinator, Coach for the Girls' Basketball team, and Teacher Advisor for several clubs (Production Team, Roots and Shoots, ECA Administrators, Future Business Elite, and Boxing).  
 
Outside of teaching, I am also an entrepreneur. My passion is in learning, expanding my businesses, helping others become the best version of themselves, helping charities related to Education and the homeless, basketball, dragon boat paddling, and most recently, playing golf. I am extremely excited about this new opportunity and cannot wait to meet you all soon. 

Joy ZHENG

Counsellor

Primary school

Joy ZHENG

Counsellor

I’m a Shanghainese who has, over the past 10 years, worked with children in international school settings both in Shanghai and in Hong Kong—as a learning assistant, librarian and a teacher-librarian. This is my third time joining the SSIS family.

I passionate about students’ social-emotional wellbeing. I believe all children are gifted with different talents and strengths, and they can all thrive with the right environment, encouragement and guidance. I am looking forward to supporting the students here, walking with them and also learning from them.

I love spending time with family and friends, and I also enjoy the creative arts and composing silly songs!

Julie BELL

Teacher

Primary school

Julie BELL

Teacher

I am from Idaho in the United States and have been teaching overseas for the last nine years. I have taught Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 3 in Myanmar, Venezuela and China. I joined SSIS in 2018, and I am very excited to be teaching Physical Education for K2 and Grade 1.

In my approach to teaching, I make an effort to recognise where a child's interest lies and channel that into his/her education and learning. Doing so is key to developing an engaged and motivated lifelong learner. I know that valuing each child's uniqueness provides greater learning opportunities for that child, as well as contributes to the development of global citizens. Through Physical Education, I offer the opportunity to help develop the whole child and teach students lifelong lessons of teamwork, healthy living, and the value of physical activity.

In addition to teaching, I enjoy coaching soccer and working with the Senior School girls' teams. I also enjoy being active outside of school through soccer, hiking, scuba diving and running. I love the opportunity to travel and experience the world.

June CHIN

Teacher

Primary school

June CHIN

Teacher

I'm from Singapore, and upon certification as a teacher from Singapore's National Institute of Education (NIE) in May 2009, I embarked on a meaningful career as a full-fledged educator and have been teaching for 10 years.

Starting in 2009, I taught at public schools in Singapore for seven years; I also taught at an international school in Nagoya, Japan, for a year. In 2017, I joined the big SSIS family and am currently enjoying my third year here. My teaching experience in various countries has broadened my knowledge and experience through adapting to life and work in different communities and cultures. The exposure has equipped me to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

I enjoy teaching and interacting with students. It gives me great joy to be the facilitator of knowledge, journeying alongside those interested in the myriad possibilities in learning. I believe in taking on the challenge to touch lives and make a lasting impact: nurturing the hearts and minds of children, and equipping them with the ability to meet challenges ahead.

Apart from teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends; I appreciate good and deep conversations. When vacations arise, I seize the opportunity to travel. I am good at craftwork, and it gives me immense pleasure to make handmade cards/craft for my loved ones.

Justine MULHOLLAND

Teacher

Primary school

Justine MULHOLLAND

Teacher

I come from the USA and I joined SSIS in 2013. The teachers at SSIS are caring and passionate about student achievement and their well-being. On a regular basis we provide help to our students, communicate with parents, and provide a warm community to each other.

The teachers are supportive to students and challenge them to succeed and achieve their best. It's not enough to just to follow what is in the curriculum; they pay close attention to all students' needs and give extra focus to those in need.

I also enjoy the variety of extra-curricular activities the school provides: art, music, CCA, ASP, and so on. This provides a balanced curriculum for the students. It also gives teachers a chance to share their passion, like mine: cooking and baking!

Kenneth KOH

Artist-in-Residence

Preschool, Primary school, Senior school

Kenneth KOH

Artist-in-Residence

I'm from Singapore, a gorgeous, bright nation. I formerly worked for an architecture firm and practiced as a senior landscape architect in Singapore and Shanghai.

However, I realized that teaching art remains my calling; therefore, I started my own art studio as a freelance Visual Art teacher for five years before beginning my teaching journey at SSIS.

I am confident that my wide range of skillsets will add colours to SSIS’s Visual Art curriculum and, more importantly, inspire and nurture budding artists of tomorrow.

KOW Choon Huat

Teacher

Primary school

KOW Choon Huat

Teacher

I am from Singapore and I have taught Mathematics and Science at primary level for more than fifteen years. I had the opportunity to teach in Hong Kong for three years and I enjoyed interacting with educators and students from different cultural backgrounds. I am excited to be part of the SSIS family now.
 
My area of interest is in Mathematics. I enjoy working with our young learners, developing them to be creative mathematical problem solvers. Learning is a lifelong process and we often learn more from our failures than successes. I believe in encouraging children to have a positive outlook towards learning and acquiring the dispositions of a lifelong learner. 

In my free time, I enjoy trekking, travelling and exploring new places.

LI Xue Hua

Chinese Culture & Reading Coordinator

Primary school

LI Xue Hua

Chinese Culture & Reading Coordinator

I am a Chinese language teacher here at Shanghai Singapore International School. Before joining SSIS in 2011, I had several years of experience serving as a Chinese language teacher for public high schools and junior schools. I have enjoyed my teaching experiences and feel that deciding to teach has been an excellent choice. I am so happy working here, and I strongly think that my passions lie here. SSIS is a friendly environment, and I sincerely hope that everyone who comes here will enjoy the experience as much as I do.

I like our school culture; it is like a big family—it makes me feel happy and warm. I enjoy teaching the children each day.

LIANG Yan

Preschool Chinese Language Coordinator

Preschool

LIANG Yan

Preschool Chinese Language Coordinator

I joined SSIS in 2004. I have been teaching since 1997. I joined SSIS Preschool in 2004 as the Chinese and Art Teacher. My wealth of teaching experience has been further enriched through the years of teaching Art to children 4-6 years old.

I like the school's philosophy towards teaching. It has encouraged me to take a more diversified approach towards teaching and has also fostered a cohesive teamwork and home-like working atmosphere for the staff.

LIM Chung Wei

Teacher

Primary school

LIM Chung Wei

Teacher

I come from Penang, a historic city that is a melting pot of different cultures. I graduated from the University of Science Malaysia with a BA in Performing Arts, majoring in Theatre and Drama. For over 20 years, I have conducted various community projects, ranging from theatre-in-education to youth theatre to cultural heritage programmes.

LIM Khuan Wei

Teacher

Primary school

LIM Khuan Wei

Teacher

Since 1985, I have actively participated in more than 30 theatrical productions (as director, scriptwriter and actor) in both my home country Malaysia and overseas as well. In 2008, I left my news editing job in a press company in Cambodia and began my career as a drama teacher in SSIS. I soon realised that teaching drama is indeed my dream job.

In class, I love to learn together with the children. I believe that all SSIS students have their potential and unique abilities in arts performance – it's my responsibility to foster their passion for drama. For me, nothing is better than witnessing all these young performers shine on stage in our yearly school musicals!

After school, I enjoy my moments with my wife and two children. I spend my free time reading, drawing, listening to music, watching movies… And I cry like a baby when something moves me in the cinema.

LIM Lili

Teacher

Primary school

LIM Lili

Teacher

I found my calling for teaching while working with young children during my time at university. After graduation, I taught in Singapore public schools for 5 years before relocating to China with my family. Over the past 15 years, I have taught in international schools in Hong Kong and Shanghai. During my teaching career, I have taught students of all ages from preschoolers to high schoolers. I find fulfilment in teaching elementary school children who are always full of energy and surprises. It is a joy to witness young children growing into confident teens as they progress through their elementary years.  
 
I believe that every child is gifted with a special talent and my role as an educator is to help them to discover and unwrap this special gift. Each child develops at his own pace and I am thankful that I can be part of my students' journey of growth and discovery. Relationship is the key to building a positive learning environment. I wish for my students to radiate positive vibes in every situation they face and I strive to model this for my students in my interactions with them.  
 
Outside of school, I enjoy baking and sharing food with my family and friends. During the school holidays, my family loves to travel. Travel restrictions over the past two years have given us the opportunities to explore more of China. During my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, and exploring the different eateries around Shanghai.

LIN Hai Xiang

Teacher

Primary school

LIN Hai Xiang

Teacher

I joined SSIS right after I graduated from university in 2009. SSIS is the place I started my teaching career. Throughout the years, I have built up my skills and strategies of being a teacher with all my SSIS colleagues' help. I have taught different Chinese language levels, and I was involved in developing the Chinese culture curriculum, making the SSIS Chinese programme unique from other schools.

I enjoy being a teacher in SSIS. SSIS provides opportunities for teachers to develop themselves and to contribute in many ways.

In my free time, I enjoy reading and travelling.

Louisana WONG

Teacher

Primary school

Louisana WONG

Teacher

I'm from Singapore, and upon graduation, I worked as a primary school teacher for nine years in Singapore. I have been teaching in SSIS for the past four years.

I believe that learning is an ongoing process, it's a journey of search and discovery. I wish to embark on this journey with my students to develop their intellects and emotional capacities, to prepare them to be self-reliant individuals.

Outside of working hours, I relax by playing with my cat, working out and checking out new restaurants in Shanghai.

Luiz ZICARELLI

ICT HOD & RAPS Coordinator

Senior school

Luiz ZICARELLI

ICT HOD & RAPS Coordinator

I am from São Paulo, Brazil and have been working in education for over 17 years. Besides my IT role at my previous school, I also coached boys and girls football and indoors futsal for nine years and participated in 'Destination Imagination Regional Tournament' for six years. Before working in education, I was an IT professional for six years in companies like Telefonica SA and Brazil's largest internet service provider UOL.

I value spending time with my family and friends in my free time, cooking and eating all kinds of cuisines! As a family, we also enjoy sightseeing, going to parks, reading, learning, and travelling to new places.

Maggie LU

Teacher

Senior school

Maggie LU

Teacher

I'm from New Zealand. I completed my Bachelor Degree and teacher training in Auckland, New Zealand. I taught for eight years as a full-time Secondary Mathematics Teacher in New Zealand, and I can teach Calculus and Statistics up to the University Level. I have was involved in numerous extracurricular activities at my school, such as running the Australian Mathematics Competition, Chinese Extravaganza Group, School Table Tennis Team, Sweeney Todd Drama Production and supervising the girls' NZCT T20 qualifying tournament for Cricket. In 2015, I was invited to the NZAMT conference organising committee by the Auckland Mathematical Association.

I love teaching and enjoy sharing ideas with young people. I believe no one will forget a meaningful teacher who impacts their life; it is the student-teacher relationship that brings the students and the subject together.
I believe teachers should expect great things from every student, regardless of skill, talent and ability. A good teacher will engage with students personally as well as academically. I want to share my passion for Mathematics with every student I will interact with here.

Mahaan BHAKARREEA

Design & Technology Teacher

Senior school

Mahaan BHAKARREEA

Design & Technology Teacher

I come from Mauritius. I have taught Design and Technology for more than 10 years. Before coming to China, I worked at Le Bocage International School Mauritius for eight years as an IBMYP, IGCSE and IBDP Design teacher. I taught outdoor education skills and supervised the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award expeditions and service activities within the programme. I am also an IGCSE coursework moderator and an IBDP examiner for Design and Technology. I taught IBMYP Design at the Beijing Royal School for two years before joining SSIS.

I believe that there is no barrier to creativity and design. Students, as the next generation of designers, should be given the opportunity to create and innovate to solve real world problems, in a real-world setting. They must develop design and manufacturing skills and acquire knowledge which makes up our built environment. At SSIS, the newly built innovation space gives the students the opportunity to design and create. I am looking forward to introducing the Design and Technology course for the upcoming academic year.
 
During my free time, I enjoy DIY personal projects, electronics, cycling, free diving, automobile mechanics and playing soccer.

MAO Chun Xian

Teacher

Senior school

MAO Chun Xian

Teacher

I have been teaching in Shanghai Singapore International School for more than 11 years; I treasure all these years of teaching experience. Here, I teach Chinese in the Senior School.

I have many interests. I like playing sports, such as badminton and football. I like travelling and listening to music—music can relax me after a busy workday.
My motto is, “Strike a proper balance between work and rest.” This will help me live each day with more happiness.

Maria RUDILLAS

Teacher

Primary school

Maria RUDILLAS

Teacher

I was born and raised in the Philippines. My love for children led me to earn my degree in Education in 2000 after obtaining my undergraduate degree in Economics in 1987.

I have been teaching at SSIS since 2006. I love first grade because I know just where they're coming from and exactly where they need to go. I often visualise myself as a traffic enforcer in between two crossroads, making sure everyone's transition from end to end will be smooth flowing. This is because I have experience teaching Kindergarten, P1 and P2. "Sprezzatura" is a word that describes my teaching style; I live life like a duck: gliding smoothly on the surface but am paddling hard underneath.

I adore all the students I have taught. I am privileged to meet some of the most talented and amazing educators from different parts of the world. I feel like I have become a better teacher because through collaboration—I feel valued by the school.

Mark GLOVER

Aquatics Director

Senior school

Mark GLOVER

Aquatics Director

I am delighted and honored to be part of the SSIS Community. I am from the UK and have been in China for over nine years, coaching and teaching swimming at international schools in Shanghai.
 
I have developed swim teams and individuals across Shanghai. Seeing students develop and witnessing their potential is the most rewarding part of my role.
 
I am one of a select few Level 5 ASAC Swim Coaches along with being an ASA Swim Teacher, IOS Swim Coach and a SCA Level 3 Coach. These qualifications along with my experience and knowledge contribute to a learning and coaching environment that not only students enjoy and want to be part of, but also promotes the sport of swimming as a life skill and increases participation.
 
Along with swimming, I am passionate about volleyball, playing and coaching. I have had successes as a Volleyball Coach with teams in ACAMIS and SISAC, I am looking forward to seeing both the Swim Programme and the Swim Team grow and develop at SSIS. My goal is to create extraordinary experiences that inspire athletes and students alike.
 
I like to attend live sporting events whenever possible. I also like to watch movies on the big screen and always look for new ways and technologies to add to students’ learning, coaching and training sessions.

Mark SCOTT

Teacher

Primary school

Mark SCOTT

Teacher

I am from the UK, and I have lived and worked in China for many years. I also lived in and taught English in Japan for four years. I have mainly taught Key Stage 2 (children aged between 7-11). I also have some experience teaching Key Stage 1 (children aged between 5-7) and Key Stage 3 (children aged between 11-14) as well.

Though I have been teaching for 20 years, I believe we are all lifelong learners. My goal for my students is to make them the best they can be, both as a student and as a person. My rule as a teacher is that I never ask children to do something I would not do myself, so they will see me paint, sing, play, and go on the school trip as well.

Martin KEANE

Teacher

Primary school

Martin KEANE

Teacher

I am originally from Manchester, UK. For the past six years, I have been teaching in a BSO (British Schools Overseas) International School in Doha, Qatar. I have taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and base my approach on encouraging students to build a strong base with Blooms Taxonomy of learning. I inspire children to use this base as a foundation so they think more creatively.

I am a keen sportsman and am looking forward to encouraging our students to fulfil their sporting potential. I witnessed my U12s Boys Football Team claim a 4-0 victory in a National Cup Final in Qatar, having seen off almost 200 other teams.
Away from school, I train and take part in triathlons and am kept busy by my two young children.

Matthew JOHNSON 

Teacher, Duke of Edinburgh and Experiential Learning Coordinator

Senior school

Matthew JOHNSON 

Teacher, Duke of Edinburgh and Experiential Learning Coordinator

I am a UK citizen that has been working internationally for 12 years, I worked in the Middle East, South East Asia, and East Asia. It is my passion to encourage our future generations on a path of healthy and active living, to achieve this, my teaching approach is holistic and creative. My students become agents of their learning process acquiring the fundamental knowledge of movement, sports, physical literacy, and social skills.  
  
Career highlights for me are the big, bright beaming smiles of students when they build confidence and resilience in various sports and activities. Furthermore, I have been working as a Duke of Edinburgh coordinator for the past 3 years, it has been a true highlight guiding students through this experiential award programme.  
 
Outside of school I am a fan of adventure and have completed extreme sports, such as bungee jumping, skydiving and wakeboarding. I also play for a local Shanghai rugby team and regularly go to the gym. 

Mei KOK

Teacher

Preschool

Mei KOK

Teacher

I am from warm and sunny Singapore. I came from an international school in Singapore and joined the SSIS Preschool division in 2015. I have been in education for many years and have worked with children from 18 months to Primary School. I have been working as a teacher, senior teacher, principal, curriculum specialist, and the teacher-training field. I always feel great joy and a sense of achievement seeing children learn and progress in school and, most importantly, having fun and enjoying school.

MEI Yan Jun

Teacher

Primary school

MEI Yan Jun

Teacher

I have been teaching the Chinese language in SSIS since 2006. At the top of my long list of what I like most about SSIS is that teachers are in constant contact with each other through meetings, phone calls, weekly emails, etc. This close interaction brings close cooperation among us. Teacher's learning and sharing at SSIS is essential for the further success of our students.
I am interested in reading and travelling.

Michael GUTIERREZ 

Teacher

Primary school

Michael GUTIERREZ 

Teacher

I am excited to be joining the SSIS faculty as an English and Social Studies teacher. My entire career has been in the field of education. I first started teaching in the United States, but quickly took my career abroad. I have always had a passion for learning about other cultures, and this passion led me to teach in places like Italy and China. I have experience in both primary and secondary education.  
 
As a teacher, I always strive to challenge my students academically, but I also think it is important for students to cultivate good life skills. In my spare time, I like to get together with friends to explore life in China. I take pride in my international travels. They have taught me to appreciate the diversity of culture, language, and cuisine found throughout our immense world. 

Michael HAVENER 

Senior School HOD of English 

Senior school

Michael HAVENER 

Senior School HOD of English 

I am from Sarasota, Florida, and have served the senior school as the English head of department. Over the past 10 years, I have also served in various educational roles as a teacher, curriculum consultant and team leader. My career beyond education has included financial planning and serving as a youth director on a cruise ship. He enjoys running, team sports, spoken word poetry and spicy cuisine.  
 
Outside of the classroom, I love sharing recommendations (music, books, movies) with my family and friends. I believe that education should operate the same way. People are naturally excited to share the things they love and care about. In a nod to David Foster Wallace, I aim to share an appreciation of language and literature "with the same force that lit the stars".  

Michael HICKS 

Aesthetics HOD

Primary school

Michael HICKS 

Aesthetics HOD

I have studied cello (Suzuki) since age four, electric bass since 13, and double bass since 18. I have a wealth of musical experience as a performer, composer and educator. Arriving in Shanghai in 2005 initially to continue my performing career, I began teaching full-time in 2012, where I taught IB, GCSE, and key stage three music, as well as served as Head of the Department for three years.  
 
I have given workshops on teaching music as well as running a music department at international schools and have led several ensembles throughout my time at the above schools. As a strong believer that while external achievements are important, the musical process is its own reward. I like to keep students engaged in activities that lead them toward becoming lifelong lovers of music. I look forward to serving as the Primary Strings Instructor at SSIS. 
 
I enjoy cycling, reading, studying Chinese, and of course, playing music. 

Monica FORERO

Preschool Coordinator

Preschool

Monica FORERO

Preschool Coordinator

I am 100% Colombian raised in the United States of America making both Spanish and English my native languages. My professional life began as an English teacher for adults and then I had the opportunity to find my life´s calling in Early Childhood Education and received my degree. I have been working in international bilingual schools for more than twelve years with preschool and primary students. I have done courses and studies in Special Educational Needs and believe each child has the capacity to be the best version of themself.
 
I believe classes should always be student-centered and that it is me as a teacher who should adapt to my students´ learning styles and not them to me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students grow up and still remember who I am and how important I was in their lives and learning.   
 
I love to study and learn from the people that surround me as well as the world that I live in. Travelling is my passion. I love cats, music, reading, learning, and spending time with my family and friends.

Nilan SENARATNA

CAS Coordinator

Senior school

Nilan SENARATNA

CAS Coordinator

I am very excited to be here at SSIS! I have previously taught in Myanmar, and in South Korea, after finishing my schooling in Canada. I am very active and enjoy football and volleyball, listening to great music, and travelling the world.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!

Norhayati OTHMAN

Teacher

Preschool

Norhayati OTHMAN

Teacher

I joined SSIS in 2012. I like the spirit of unity and family togetherness here; we all work towards our goals and the philosophy of SSIS.

“There is no greater accomplishment in our life than making a positive difference in the mind of a child,”—a quote from Earthscope Enterprise that I ascribe to.
I taught at an outdoor environment at the Ministry Of Education campsite in Singapore before I embarked on my Early Childhood Education career. After 12 years of teaching and managing in Singapore preschools, I decided to move to Shanghai to join the SSIS family and its teaching faculty

Pothiyanee MPETA 

Teacher

Senior school

Pothiyanee MPETA 

Teacher

I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. After completing my studies, I worked for more than two decades as an English literature lecturer, head of department, curriculum counselor and Montessori English teacher.              
 
I am an optimistic teacher and l have always motivated my students to have a positive attitude towards language acquisition. I will continue to enlighten students to appreciate their strengths so that they can achieve their greatest potential. 
 
Furthermore, I also encourage my students to make their voices heard during our class discussions. I am incredibly happy to be part of the Senior School faculty at SSIS. 

Randy LIMON

Science HOD

Senior school

Randy LIMON

Science HOD

I come from the Philippines. I am a Grade 7 and 8 Science teacher. I have been teaching in SSIS since August 2007. I started my international teaching career when I moved to Shanghai in 2005. It has been an incredible journey to work with my SSIS family. I have also been a part of the SSIS Primary School for many years where I have seen myself grow as an educator. As an educator, I encourage my students to find their inner strengths and abilities and learn what truly inspires them. I love working with children and strive to be a positive influence in their lives. I always hope to instill a love of learning and a desire for constant knowledge. When I am not teaching, I enjoy volleyball, badminton, reading fiction, traveling and scuba diving.

Rebecca BECWARIKA

Teacher

Primary school

Rebecca BECWARIKA

Teacher

I was born and raised in Uganda (also known as 'The Pearl of Africa') and have been in Shanghai for over six years. I would say my family and I have found a second home here. This is my ninth year of teaching, and I couldn't have chosen a better career.

I am excited to be joining the SSIS community teaching ICT in Grades 1 and 2, 5 and 6, respectively. I enjoy working with children, not only as a profession but passion. Watching them grow into independent learners is a great reward!

Rebecca WEISZ

Teacher

Senior school

Rebecca WEISZ

Teacher

I'm originally from Toronto and have been teaching for 15 years in Canada, England, and China. After getting a BFA in Theatre, I knew I wanted to spread the excitement of performing to others, so I moved on to get my Bachelor Degree in Education.

Whether it is in English or History class, performance will always find its way into my lessons. This has been a constant goal as an educator; to make my classroom as diverse and creative as possible, students not only learn but also enjoy doing so.

Outside of school, I have a passion for travelling, snacking on street food, and spending time with my family.

Rebekah TAN

Teacher

Senior school

Rebekah TAN

Teacher

My training is in Business Administration, and I worked in administration and banking operations before teaching. I joined the education service in 1999 as a primary school teacher in my neighbourhood. From Aug 2004 to 2008, I was in SSIS as a Primary School teacher. Due to family commitments, I returned to Singapore, bringing with me a wealth of pleasant memories and experiences.

In 2011, I was offered a teaching role again in SSIS. I am currently teaching Mathematics and Business & Management. I enjoy working with international students and learning from them at the same time.

Robert KITITI 

Teacher

Senior school

Robert KITITI 

Teacher

I am from Uganda, and I have been teaching mathematics to 12–18-year-old children since graduating with BSc, Ed. My journey of teaching started in Uganda where I taught for six years before starting my international teaching career in 2009 when I moved to Tanzania and then China in 2013. 
 
Apart from being a classroom teacher, I have also been involved in both academic (Head of a department) and pastoral (Housemaster) leadership positions for the last 9 years. 
 
I believe in holistic education and when I am outside class, I enjoy playing football, photography, markets, and spending quality time with my family.

Roger TU

Teacher

Senior school

Roger TU

Teacher

I am from the United States; I graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and M.A.T. in Science Education. After10 years teaching at an inner-city high school in Philadelphia, I moved overseas to teach at Concordia International School Shanghai for eight years and Asia Pacific International School-Seoul Campus for two years.

As a teacher, I have served as a volleyball coach, helped with the robotics team, advised a service organisation, and led several service trips in China and Southeast Asia.

In 2015, I spent a gap year volunteering as the director of service-learning for the Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation—a Hong Kong SAR-based N.G.O. focused on poverty alleviation in China and Cambodia.
I have been very involved in various ministries in my home churches, including youth ministry, outreach, audio/visual team, and media team.
I like to cook, play board games, and go on service trips. I am also a father to three children.

Salvador JUSTINIANO

Teacher

Senior school

Salvador JUSTINIANO

Teacher

I was born and raised in the Philippines to a family of musicians. Music is a part of my life: I started teaching in 1992 at the local schools (private and public) as a music teacher. I was the Music/Band and Choir Director at Brent International School Subic in the Philippines for 16 years.

I believe that music has the power to bring students together to create, perform and share their talents and gifts. I am inspired by seeing students exploring and developing their musical potential to become confident performers, musicians, creative leaders and collaborators.

I enjoy reading books, composing, arranging, playing, and listening to music on various instruments during my spare time. I am very excited to be teaching Music this year and am happy to be a part of the SSIS community.

Sherry HSIAO

Teacher

Primary school

Sherry HSIAO

Teacher

As an IB student who graduated from SSIS, it is an honour to return as a teacher and contribute to my alma mater! I started my teaching career as a K-8 music/music technology teacher in Massachusetts; my work after that at UCSD included ESL education, elementary mathematics education, and bilingual education.
 
I enjoy designing hands-on and inquiry-based learning experiences for my students. My teaching philosophy centres on nurturing an inclusive and responsive classroom environment that is mindful of students’ socio-emotional wellbeing. I support the development of a growth mindset and encourage families to collaborate with me to support their children’s learning. 

I love travelling (I’ve visited more than 20 countries) and I embrace culture and diversity.

Sydney CHARLES 

Teacher

Primary school

Sydney CHARLES 

Teacher

I call New York City home, but I also lived in several regions of the world, most notably South America, the Caribbean, and now Asia. I have enjoyed teaching students at various levels for over 10 years.  My teaching style focuses on creating dynamic classroom environments that foster innovative practices and inquiry-based learning. 
 
Prior to entering the education field, I worked in Management Consulting and Finance in New York. I hold a BA in Management, MBA in Finance & Marketing, MA in Education & Leadership from Columbia University of New York, and a Certificate in Strategy from Harvard University Business School.  
  
I enjoy sports, cycling, and discovering new places. I competed as a semi-professional cyclist in various countries for several years. 
 
I look forward to the journey with the SSIS family to develop innovators, leaders, and problem solvers, that can positively shape humanity.  

Theresa LAU

Student Council Coordinator

Senior school

Theresa LAU

Student Council Coordinator

I am so thrilled to be back at SSIS after graduating here as an IB student. My passion for teaching and languages was discovered shortly after graduation. During my time at University of Manchester, one of my highlights was working closely with schools that provided language support and conducted Bilingual language education research on students with multicultural background. I also served weekly Chinese language and cultural classes for British Chinese families. I have also taught in tuition centres for native Korean speakers and most recently taught in Suzhou as an IB English teacher and founded the school's first boys' football team. Outside of work, you can see me either playing pickup football or laying under the sun with a book and an iced Vita Lemon Tea.

I am looking forward to giving back to my alma mater as an IB English and IGCSE Global Perspective teacher!

WANG Mei

Teacher

Preschool

WANG Mei

Teacher

I am a Chinese teacher, and I teach at the Nursery level. After graduation, I taught in the Subsidiary of Northeast Normal University School, an affiliated experimental school.

I have worked in Singapore for three years at “1-2-3 kids Kindergarten”; I joined SSIS in 2004. I want everyone to find joy in learning the Chinese language.

WANG Xin

Teacher

Primary school

WANG Xin

Teacher

I joined SSIS Chinese department in 2017. I have been teaching different levels of Chinese Language and Chinese Culture lessons for the past few years. I believe that working at SSIS can enhance my ability to teach as well as my understanding of different cultures.

It is my goal as a language teacher to provide balanced instruction to help my students achieve language proficiency in Chinese as well as become better learners and effective communicators in the Chinese language. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching films, and visiting museums.

WU Song

PE Teacher/Campus Safety Officer

Primary school

WU Song

PE Teacher/Campus Safety Officer

I had two and a half years of teaching experience in a private school in Suzhou after graduation. As a challenge, I seized the opportunity to join SSIS in 2009. I'm very excited to be a part of this excellent team and work with a group of lovely kids with whom I can share happiness in studies and sports. I try my best to provide my students with attention and care at all times. Besides sports activities, I also enjoy travelling, singing, reading, and shopping online in my spare time.

SSIS is more than a school where we study and play. It is a family where we share our love and passion. We have professional and dedicated teachers, lovely and delightful kids. Everyone here is full of positive energy and very kind and friendly with each other. These are what I love most about SSIS.

WU Yin Chun

Teacher

Senior school

WU Yin Chun

Teacher

I hold an M.A. in teaching Chinese from the Shanghai International Studies University. In 2015, I spent one year teaching Chinese at Bishop Hedley Catholic High School in the U.K.

I taught in a local Shanghai school for two years and in the U.K. for one year. I am passionate about education and enthusiastically share my love of learning. Now I am enjoying my teaching in SSIS. Outside of teaching, I love to swim and go hiking.

XIAO Jing Feng

Teacher

Primary school

XIAO Jing Feng

Teacher

I studied choreography at Yangtze Normal University and Beijing Dance Academy. I was the chief choreographer of the OCT Dance Troupe and the chief dance teacher at Shanghai Children's Palace. In the past decade, I have choreographed several large-scale dance theatre performances in China, and also assisted Shanghai Children's Palace in designing their dance curriculum. Besides working as a dance teacher in SSIS, I also supervise the Dance Club CCA.

I believe that every student is unique and my teaching philosophy is: "Teach students according to their aptitude and moral integrity".

I love teaching and enjoy my every moment in SSIS. In my spare time, I like to play the guitar, garden and travel.

XIN Ling Chen

Chinese Language HOD

Senior school

XIN Ling Chen

Chinese Language HOD

I joined SSIS in 2013 and I'm so happy to be working in a great school with enthusiastic and helpful colleagues, supportive parents and excellent students. The work environment makes me comfortable and I'm excited to be part of this great family.

XU Luxi

Teacher

Senior school

XU Luxi

Teacher

I'm from Singapore. After graduation in 2010, I worked at Raffles Institution (formerly Raffles Junior College) as a GCE A Level Mathematics lecturer and teacher. My family relocated to Shanghai in 2016, and since then I've been teaching Mathematics in IGCSE and IB DP Mathematics courses at SSIS.
I feel that teaching is not just about the subject, and that the child should be the focus. I'm happy to work with the younger generation, helping them acquire the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in the future. I strive to inspire and ignite their passion for learning, to help each student become a better person each day in their life-long journey.
Outside of school, I love travelling, reading, music and photography. I also volunteer in communities to promote reading to young children. My new hobbies now include chess and golf.

XU Wei Lu

Teacher

Primary school

XU Wei Lu

Teacher

I joined SSIS in 2015; I love the environment here. Although the job keeps me busy, I still feel fulfilled. Here, the teachers help one another and share resources to learn new things and improve work efficiency. The working environment here makes me happy and energetic.

XU Yin

Teacher

Preschool

XU Yin

Teacher

I am from Shanghai, graduated from East China Normal University with a degree in preschool education, and have been working with children for 5 years. I love children very much and feel that there are infinite possibilities with them. In my regular teaching activities, I advocate my students to research and explore independently, gain experiences, and learn to express themselves confidently. As a lifelong learner, I will continue to improve my teaching skills and accumulate teaching experience to further benefit my students.

YAN Zhen

Teacher

Senior school

YAN Zhen

Teacher

I have been working here since 2001. It is my great honor to be part of the SSIS team where the students are enthusiastic, the parents are supportive and the colleagues are hard-working. As a Chinese HOD and teacher at SSIS, I will try my best to build an environment for all the students to learn more about Chinese language and culture.

YANG Min Jie

Teacher

Preschool

YANG Min Jie

Teacher

I joined SSIS in 2011. I decided to pursue my career in the Early Childhood Education field because of my passion for teaching younger children. I hope to play a part in creating a happy learning environment for children to experience a wonderful childhood.
SSIS has a structured yet open learning environment where children are encouraged to explore and discover their interest and strength at their own pace. It is a place where children and teachers learn and explore together.

YAO Lan

Teacher

Preschool

YAO Lan

Teacher

I'm from Shanghai, China. I received my Bachelor's Degree and my teaching certification in 2009. I have two years of teaching experience in a bilingual kindergarten and four years teaching in an international school in Shanghai as a preschool teacher.
As an early childhood educator, my role is to create happy learning experiences for the child in a learning environment where they can feel safe and free to express themselves creatively. This is my first year at SSIS, and I am very excited to join the Preschool team and be the Performance Art teacher.
I express myself through song, dance, performance, fine arts and crafts in my free time. I look forward to experiencing a fantastic school year together with wonderful students, parents and colleagues.

YAO Wei

Teacher

Primary school

YAO Wei

Teacher

I have been teaching at SSIS since 2002. I am a Chinese culture teacher focused on exposing students to ancient classical poetry, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony. Whenever any Chinese festival approaches, I will organise fun and meaningful activities for students and teachers. This way, students and teachers from around the world can learn about and appreciate Chinese culture.

YE Yu

Teacher

Senior school

YE Yu

Teacher

For two years I taught Mandarin Chinese to elementary as well as middle school students in America. I am excited to join the SSIS community – working together to teach Mandarin Chinese in an international environment. My hobbies include reading, travelling and playing the Erhu.

YUAN Mao Ying

Teacher

Primary school

YUAN Mao Ying

Teacher

I joined SSIS in 2015. The school has such a friendly and positive working environment. Every day is full of challenges. To teach is to learn. I love teaching and continuous learning is what I value. Besides, teaching requires patience and hard work. I hope that I will be able to meet these challenges.

YUAN Ren Ting

Teacher

Preschool

YUAN Ren Ting

Teacher

I am from Shanghai, and I joined SSIS in 2012.
When I was younger, I often spent my non-school days teaching young children. That experience made me fall in love with teaching. I have an optimistic outlook and enjoy being with kids. I believe that children should "learn through play, and play through learning".
In my classes, I often plan games to enhance children's learning. As the children enjoy learning in class, they would communicate with me freely, and I become their friend.
My days at SSIS is a learning journey for me as I strive to do better each day. I enjoy working in this big family. The philosophy of the school encourages a diversified teaching approach and all to work together as a family.

ZHANG Xiao Lei

Teacher

Preschool

ZHANG Xiao Lei

Teacher

I joined SSIS in 2004. As a Kindergarten teacher, I will do my best in educating the students under my care. Being with children over the years has helped me in my growth and development. With the parents' support, I hope to bring out the best in each child and help to realise his/her potential. What I like the most about SSIS is the solid and easy-going bond among colleagues. We all strive towards excellence and work hard towards a common goal and philosophy.

ZHAO Yang

Teacher

Primary school

ZHAO Yang

Teacher

It is a privilege for me to be part of the big SSIS family since 2015. I majored in Physical Education. It gives me great joy to be the facilitator of knowledge, journeying alongside students interested in the myriad of possibilities in learning Sports and engaging them in much more than gameplay. I believe in steering the physical education curriculum towards overall wellness in students, incorporating health topics in my classes. I want to make a lasting impact on the young ones in my daily lessons.

ZHU GE Hui Xian

Teacher

Preschool

ZHU GE Hui Xian

Teacher

I graduated from School of Infant Education at Zhejiang province in 1997. I have been engaged in preschool education work and was given titles such as “teaching expert”, “the backbone teacher” and “station expert”. Over the years, I have accumulated rich experience in preschool education.

In 2016, I was lucky enough to join Shanghai Singapore International School. The school's philosophy has infused fresh ideas in me and caused me to have new expectation for myself. I express my passion through my actions and give full attention and respect to every student. I will help students to acquire knowledge while establishing their moral values and cultural taste. I aim to grow together with the students!

ZHU Jing

Teacher

Primary school

ZHU Jing

Teacher

Before joining SSIS, I was selected to be a volunteer Mandarin teacher by the Confucius Institute to teach at Westfields International School, Philippines. I taught primary and secondary school students there for a year. I joined SSIS in 2013, and I enjoy watching my students' growth and progress.

ZHU Ling Hua

Teacher

Preschool

ZHU Ling Hua

Teacher

I have been working as a Preschool teacher since 1994. I worked in public kindergartens for several years after graduation. I joined SSIS in 2001, where I taught Pre-Nursery, Nursery, K1 and K2 and my subjects include Art, PE and Chinese Language.
I am experienced in Preschool education, focusing on fundamental training, correct guidance and teaching self-control. I always pay attention to the children's moral education and good habits—I believe that every child will benefit from these important values.
Outside of work, I am fond of photography. I also like travelling, movies and fine food, which relaxes and refreshes me.

ZHU Rui Qiu

Chinese Language HOD

Primary school

ZHU Rui Qiu

Chinese Language HOD

I’ve always dreamt of being a teacher since I was young as I love kids. In SSIS Primary School, my role is to develop and implement its Chinese curriculum. I want to encourage all my students to develop a passion for Chinese. Here, we learn from one another and find ways to help everyone grow. I hope that all of our students will enjoy their learning experiences in SSIS.
I love to read, watch movies and travel. It is so exciting to visit different places and make new friends. I believe that travelling is one of the best means of learning.