Following the 2020 Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) in October last year, which brought together more than 70 schools, daycares, and educational centers, we’d like to acknowledge the people who make those schools and institutions truly great. Many of Beijing’s esteemed international schools submitted their nominations for the Jing Educators Award 2020, celebrating those who dedicate themselves to education, create innovative learning experiences, and maintain outstanding environments for our kids to study in. In this #JingEdAwards series, we’ll share these committed individuals and why they were nominated.

Not every teaching position fits smoothly into a single category. From homeroom teachers to heads of humanities departments, each of the teachers in this award category excels in their chosen field of education.

Name: Zhao Shan 赵姗
Position: Teacher of Student Affairs
School: Central Conservatory Preparatory School

Ms. Zhao Shan is a member of the Communist Party of China and was born in the 90s. She has been in the education industry since graduation. As a young teacher, Ms. Zhao knows that a teacher with high morality is a true teacher. In her spare time, she is constantly studying to improve her skills. She cares for the educational, emotional, and spiritual development of her children. She has a strong sense of responsibility and mission, and always follows up and resolves parent requests in a timely manner because she knows that the home plays just as important a role as the school in the growth of students.

Name: Pingping Qian 钱致平
Position: Head of the Media and Resource Center
School: Beijing Enlighten School

Pinging is an experienced bilingual IB educator. Over the past 21 years, she has worked in four well-known IB and British international schools in Beijing and Wuxi, across the whole of the K-12 education process. She is passionate about her career, especially the school library in a bilingual educational context as the Head of the Media and Resource Center in Beijing Enlighten School.

Ms. Qian graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University. She holds dual degrees in English education and information technology and management, as a Master of Education Degree from Flinders University Australia. During her 21-year career, Pingping has attended a variety of workshops, trainings, forums, and conferences in relation to IB and international bilingual education focus. She also believes that a library is a place where treasures can be found and are a vital part of everyone’s educational journey.

Name: Amanda Williams
Position: Primary School Homeroom Teacher
School: Beijing Haidian Kaiwen Academy

Amanda Williams joined Haidian Kaiwen Academy in January 2019. Her teaching career spans more than 25 years, during which time she has taught in diverse settings and programs. She holds a degree in history and English language and literature and a higher diploma in education. She is also a certified Level 3 IB teacher.

Born in South Africa, she started her teaching career there, where she spent ten years teaching literature and language to middle school and secondary students in public school systems. Later, she moved to Botswana, where she taught in primary and secondary international schools and gained experience of both the Cambridge and IB programs. During her time in Botswana, she held various leadership positions, ranging from IB curriculum coordinator to deputy head of school. She was also involved in a number of school evaluation and authorization processes, giving her the opportunity to visit a number of international schools in other parts of the world to see best practices in action.

Name: Martin Schulte-Albert
Position: Homeroom teacher C7.1/Calvert Middle School Coordinator
School: Limai Chinese American International School

As a professional educator who has dedicated himself to assisting others with their personal and academic development, Martin takes great pride in helping students achieve their long-term goals. Early in his teaching career, he helped adults in Shaoxing improve their fluency skills for the purpose of engaging in the international market. After working in China for a few years, he eventually returned to Canada to obtain a master’s degree in education. Today, he is a homeroom teacher at Limai Chinese American International School, where he also serves as coordinator for the middle school department. Throughout his time at Limai, he has continued to learn to appreciate the value of being a positive role model for the many students under his care, and it is a responsibility that he will continue to uphold with great diligence.

Name: Megan Huckfield
Position: Head of Humanities/History Teacher
School: Wellington College Tianjin

Megan graduated from the University of Lancaster with a degree in history and completed her teacher training at the University of Birmingham. She remained in Birmingham for the next four years, teaching history at an outstanding secondary school. During this time, Megan also completed a Master of Education degree in Teaching Studies at the University of Birmingham; her research-led dissertation focused on the impact of teacher feedback and peer assessment in History lessons. In August 2015, Megan moved to Bangkok to teach secondary history and humanities. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she was responsible for Gifted and Talented provision across the school from early years to the sixth form. A key part of this role was the responsibility for the school’s World Scholar’s Cup debating program, including coordinating a trip from Bangkok to the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in the USA and organizing and hosting the Bangkok regional round of the competition at her school in March 2016.

KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: Chinese-language Educators

Images courtesy of the schools

Following the 2020 Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) in October this year, which brought together more than 70 schools, daycares, and educational centers, we’d like to acknowledge the people who make those schools and institutions truly great. Many of Beijing’s esteemed international schools submitted their nominations for the Jing Educators Award 2020, celebrating those who dedicate themselves to education, create innovative learning experiences, and maintain outstanding environments for our kids to study in. In this #JingEdAwards series, we’ll share these committed individuals and why they were nominated.

You can count the ways the educators in this category to make learning math accessible and even fun, as their many competition-winning students will attest.

Name: Cui Xiaomei 崔晓梅
Position: Primary School Teaching Director (Mathematics Department)
School: Beijing New Talent Academy (BNTA)

Ms. Cui has 15 years of teaching experience. During her teaching career, she has received honors such as the grand judges’ prize in the 50th Innovation Cup Teaching Competition, first prize in many national level competitions for academic theses and video courses, and “gold medal instructor” in the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. She is chief editor of education and teaching books such as Mathematics Reader and Cultivate Excellence in Class.

Since she became the primary school mathematics teaching director in 2015, she has actively participated in training activities to improve her professional quality. In addition, she has designed subject activities to develop students’ mathematical thinking and provided in-depth classroom guidance to help young teachers. She also worked with mathematics experts and created competitive teaching plans to develop school-based mathematics courses and cultivate students’ critical thinking ability. In addition, she innovated the course teaching model and constructed a multi-dimensional curriculum group during her teaching period.

Name: Yang Yuling 杨玉玲
Position: Middle School Teaching Director (Mathematics Department)
School: Beijing New Talent Academy (BNTA)

Ms. Yang has more than 10 years of teaching experience in IGCSE mathematics, IGCSE additional mathematics, A-Level mathematics, and A-Level further mathematics. Ms. Yang is commended for her professional concern for her students and the quality of her instruction. Three of her students won the AS Mathematics Top in the World, A-Level Mathematics Top in China, and A-Level Further Mathematics Top in the World awards in 2008, 2009, and 2011. Ms. Yang also helped many students to participate in the global mathematics competitions, all of which achieved excellent results. Ms. Yang’s graduates have been enrolled by top universities such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCLA, and London School of Economics. Along with her command of the subject area and her effective teaching strategies with students, she is a backbone teacher of her department and a model of an excellent teacher.

Name: Jessie Geng
Position: Head of Secondary Mathematics Department
School: Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy 

Jessie Geng obtained a bachelor’s degree with distinction in joint honors in mathematics and economics from the University of California, before completing a master’s in mathematics at the University of Utah. She joined Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy in August 2018, initially taking the position of IB Diploma coordinator and subsequently filling the role of head of the mathematics department. Her broad experience of the Chinese National Curriculum, the Cambridge examinations framework and the IB Diploma has made her invaluable to Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy. She loves working with pupils and colleagues alike, supporting them unostentatiously to achieve their goals. As well as developing the secondary curriculum, Ms. Geng has organized a celebration of math on Pi Day and inspired students to join a variety of math competitions, including the Maths League of China and the Waterloo Maths contest.

Name: Gao Jing 高静
Position: Math Reader and Leader of Grade K
School: ETU Education

Ms. Gao Jing graduated from the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Science, with a master’s degree in childhood education and developmental psychology and also holds a bachelors’ degree in biotechnology and economics from Xiamen University. She has five years of experience as a homeroom teacher and mathematics teacher in two Beijing international schools and has experienced more than 100 outdoor field trips.

Ms. Jing actively participates in the improvement of the school academic and teaching infrastructure, paying special attention to personalized education and the cultivation of students’ core literacy. She is very patient with the students and seizes the opportunity to find educational experiences in daily life and let education happen naturally.

Name: Yang Yucui 杨玉翠
Position: Deputy Principal
School: HD Beijing School

Ms. Yang Yucui is a renowned math teaching expert and has featured in a cover story in the journal Contemporary Educator. She was part of the management committee and a grade director at Yizhuang Elementary School. Ms. Yang advocates for thinking-focused math learning with life-relevant applications and interdisciplinary integration. She innovated HD School’s integrated math curriculum philosophy and teaching model, which received high praise from both parents and children.

While adhering to solid academic competence, Ms. Yang places emphasis on cultivating students’ mathematical thinking. She developed a rigorous practical methodology, Question, Conversation, Cooperation (QCC), which provides students with a new model for learning. As a principal, Ms. Yang insists on being in the classroom every day in order to ensure that her advanced concepts are firmly implemented in practice and innovation continues.

Name: Rocco Le Zhu 朱乐
Position: Secondary School Math Teacher
School: Springboard International Bilingual School (SIBS)

Dr. Rocco Le Zhu holds a PhD in microelectronics from Bolton University, UK, an MSc in materials for industry from Loughborough University, UK, and a BSc in applied physics from Northeastern University, China. Before coming back to China, Rocco lived in the UK for six years, during which time he learned a lot about local culture. Shortly after returning to China in 2012, Rocco started teaching in training companies and international schools. Owing to his in-depth understanding of students and outstanding teaching-learning activities, he won the trust and appreciation of his students and their parents.

Rocco teaches Grade 7-12 math and is very familiar with the three most popular international courses: AP, A-Level, and IB, as well as the related standardized tests. He is also familiar with the Chinese zhongkao and gaokao entrance exams. In addition to math, Rocco also teaches English to students at various ages, from young kids to adults, including MSE (Cambridge) courses, Kids’Box, GESE (Trinity spoken English), English for Business, and TOEFL training courses. In addition, Rocco can also guide students through their university applications by giving advice on course selection, time planning, and background improvement.

KEEP READING: Khan Academy: How Free Online Math Courses Helped Me

  Images: courtesy of the schools, Pexels

Due to great interest, we extended the deadline to nominate someone for the new JISE Educators Award to Friday, Oct 16!

One of the main guarantees of enrolling your child at an international school is the great competence of the teaching staff. International schools in Beijing go to great lengths to get the best possible educators to not only effectively teach their respective subjects, but to also provide each student with a well-rounded international experience to prepare them for the world outside of school.

And it is these teachers that go above and beyond, so we wish to appreciate them at this year’s Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) 2020. Jing seeks to introduce Beijing to the creme de la creme of educators, and outstanding staff in Beijing schools and beyond.

Each participating school may name up to three staff from their school – educators, administrators, or support staff – to receive this honor.

Each recipient will be given a framed award and will also be included in our electronic directory of all award winners that will be circulated to the readers of both Jing and beijingkids, as well as attendees at JISE.

Schools simply need to select your recipients and supply them to True Run Media by the new deadline: Friday, Oct 16.

What information is needed?

1. Name, position, years of experience
2. One high-resolution headshot plus one photo in a school setting
3. An up to 300-words bio of the recipient in English and Chinese. Be sure to include:
   1. Their educational/professional background
   2. Why they are being honored for this award

FAQ:

Q. Who chooses the recipient?
The school itself.

Q. What are the criteria for selection?
Schools are free to use the criteria they see fit to choose their recipients.

Q. Is this a contest and is there a “winner”?
No, all honorees are treated the same. There will not be a competition or voting process to select “winners”.

Q. I am a JISE exhibitor but I am not interested in this award. Do I have to participate?
No, you do not. Participation is voluntary.

Q. Can I name more than three?
Three is the maximum per year, but come back next JISE to name more!

If you wish to attend this year’s JISE as a parent, click here to register in advance.

This year’s event is sponsored by the Pacific Overseas Group (太平洋出国 ) and our special Medical Supporter is Raffles Medical Beijing Clinic (北京莱佛士诊所).

KEEP READING: Meet Daystar Academy and Others at This Year’s JISE

Photos: Uni You

One of the main guarantees of enrolling your child at an international school is the great competence of the teaching staff. International schools in Beijing go to great lengths to get the best possible educators to not only effectively teach their respective subjects, but to also provide each student with well-rounded international experience to prepare them for the world outside of school.

And it is these teachers that go above and beyond that, we wish to appreciate at this year’s Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) 2020. Jing seeks to introduce Beijing to the creme de le creme of educators, and outstanding staff in Beijing schools and beyond.

Each participating school may name up to three staff from their school – educators, administrators, or support staff – to receive this honor.

Each recipient will be given a framed award and will also be included in our electronic directory of all award winners that will be circulated to the readers of both Jing and beijingkids, as well as attendees at JISE.

Schools simply need to select your recipients and supply them to True Run Media by the deadline Friday, Oct 9.

What information is needed?

1. Name, position, years of experience
2. One high-resolution headshot plus one photo in a school setting
3. An up to 300-words bio of the recipient in English and Chinese. Be sure to include:
   1. Their educational/professional background
   2. Why they are being honored for this award

FAQ:

Q. Who chooses the recipient?
The school itself.

Q. What are the criteria for selection?
Schools are free to use the criteria they see fit to choose their recipients.

Q. Is this a contest and is there a “winner”?
No, all honorees are treated the same. There will not be a competition or voting process to select “winners”.

Q. I am a JISE exhibitor but I am not interested in this award. Do I have to participate?
No, you do not. Participation is voluntary.

Q. Can I name more than three?
Three is the maximum per year, but come back next JISE to name more!

KEEP READING: Meet Daystar Academy and Others at This Year’s JISE

Photos: Uni You

Finding the school that’s the perfect fit for your child is no easy task. There are so many factors to consider before making your decision: the curriculum, location, facilities, and ethos, are just a few of the countless aspects that parents have to find out about.

On February 15-16 the annual Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) 2020 will be the most comprehensive school choice fair where all the questions that parents have can be answered in a single afternoon for free.

We have been the bridge between families and Beijing’s international schools for over ten years through our annual school choice fair, and beijingkids and JingKids publications and our team of bilingual editors will be on-site to help you navigate your way around over a hundred international schools in attendance.

This year’s theme is “From Beijing to the World”. JISE is completely free for parents and students to attend. Spend a day with the family at Crowne Plaza U-Town Chaoyang and discover the school that’ll best prepare your children for the future.

Here’s a list of vendors currently registered, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. 

3e International School
Beanstalk International Bilingual School
Beanstalk International Kindergarten
Beijing 21st Century International School
Beijing City International School
Beijing Enlighten School
Beijing Experimental Foreign Language School
Beijing Financial Street Runze School
Beijing Haidian Kaiwen Academy
Beijing Huijia Private School
Beijing International Bilingual Academy
Beijing MingCheng Academy
Beijing New Talent Academy
Beijing Royal School
Beijing World Youth Academy
Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy
Beijing Yew Wah International Education School
Bensen Education
Brilliant International School
Camford Royal School
Canadian International School of Beijing
Central Conservatory Preparatory School
Chaoyang KaiWen Academy
Children’s House of Virtues
Daystar Academy
Dehong Beijing International Chinese School
Etonkids International Kindergartens
ETU SCHOOL
HD Beijing School
House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergarten
ibg School Xicheng Campus
iHommy International Daycare
INNOVA Academy
Ivy Schools
Jack & Jill Academy
Jazzy Preschool
Jiade Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten
Journey Academy of Beijing
JPED Academy
Junyi Xingxing International School
Keystone Academy Summer Archway
Kids Go Camp Inc.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy
Limai Chinese American  International School
Mini Twelves International Educare Center
Muffy’s International Kindergarten
New Oriental Academy
Nord Anglia School Beijing, Fangshan
Pacific Overseas Group
Saint Paul American School
SPRING Early Childhood Learning Centre & Playground
Springboard International Bilingual School
The British Schools of Beijing
The Family Learning House
TJ INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Tsinghua International School
Tsinghua University High School International-Chaoyang
Wellington College Tianjin
Yew Chung International School of Beijing
YueCheng Education

Registration for JISE 2020 is in full swing. Please scan to learn more and to sign up today.

About True Run Media

As the forerunner of hosting international school expos in Beijing, True Run Media advocates advanced lifestyle and educational concepts through a combination of traditional and new media outlets, while organizing various other activities and festivals catering to the diverse range of people who call Beijing home.