Andrew Kight
Undergraduate degree – Patrick Henry College
“Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself.” John Dewey
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in classical liberal arts from Patrick Henry College, I have taught professionally for more than 8 years in the USA, Uganda, and China. According to my philosophy of education, I understand pedagogy as the modeling and activation of lifelong learning skillsets: critical thinking, creativity, socio-emotional intelligence, diversity, and non-dualistic perspectives. I identify myself as a learning ‘coach’ or academic ‘personal trainer,’ encouraging my students to take ownership of the classroom by customizing the course according to their own group learning needs and interests. A classroom should be a learning ‘gym’ where students have the academic freedom to explore and focus on their own life goals while still having an experienced leader to keep them accountable and encourage them to never give up on their personal dreams.
Christopher Brown Department Head Business-Humanities
Undergraduate degree – University of Calgary
B.Ed. – University of Calgary

I love teaching because it is a very human profession. Whatever the subject we teachers are teaching, we are always teaching people first. We are all human, so teaching is about helping students who are struggling, pushing students to do more, and helping students realize their abilities. In every subject, students can experience the joy of finding out that they can do something they once thought they could not. They can also experience the feeling of being supported when they are feeling bad or when they do not do as well as they wanted. We also feel joyful together when we congratulate each other on our successes.  Facts, methods, and tests matter a lot but more than that if students know they are supported and cherished, they can succeed.
Cole Phillips
Undergraduate degree – University of Regina,
B.Ed. – University of Regina
I was fortunate enough to have teachers who helped shape me into the person I am today. They gave me an amazing high school experience. I wanted to do the same for the next generation.
Daniel Padula
Bachelor of Education – Major in Physical and Health Education – McGill University
Master of Education in Leadership in Learning – University of Prince Edward Island
My name is Daniel Padula and I am the Head of Athletics here at SUIS Jiaoke. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I bring over eight years of teaching experience, including seven years in China. I am passionate about helping students thrive in sports and develop their skills both on and off the field. In my free time, I enjoy playing ice hockey, softball, and golf. I look forward to seeing our students grow and excel in their athletic pursuits!
Donna Tarrant
Undergraduate degree – Memorial University of Newfoundland
B.Ed. – Memorial University of Newfoundland
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. What I enjoy most about teaching is that every class and every day is unique. I love teaching at Jiaoke because the students and staff work together to create a positive school environment. Go Otters!

 
Dylan Maksym
Undergraduate degree – Sir Wilfrid Laurier University
B.Ed. – Lakehead University
Master’s in Education – University of Toronto
Teaching offers an exciting, dynamic, and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students. It is a privilege to be at Jiaoke, which fosters a warm and welcoming community, equipping students with the tools and resources for a successful future!
Eric MacLachlan
Bachelor of Arts – Major in History – University of British Columbia – Okanagan
Bachelor of Education – University of British Columbia – Okanagan
I have been an educator in BC Schools in China for 11 years now in schools in Guangxi and Shanghai. I am ecstatic to join the team at SUIS Jiaoke this year as part of the English Language Arts department.

I am a versatile and passionate educator who has taught many different courses in English Language Arts, Business, Humanities and the Sciences. My approach to teaching is to help students learn how to conduct their own inquiry and be able to research and question the things they read and learn on their own. I also hope that students will develop their own passions for topics discussed in class and will delve deeper into topics on their own.

I have also taught and coached a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and believe that a robust extra-curricular program is essential to a strong International School. Some of my own favourite memories of High School are the sports teams I played on and the extra-curriculars I was a member of and I hope to spread those same memories and enjoyment to our students. Jiaoke’s support of a wide-ranging extra-curricular program is one of the key reasons why I am thrilled to be teaching here.
Evan McKnight
Undergraduate degree – University of Alberta
B.Ed. – University of Alberta
I enjoy helping students understand and apply mathematics in practical and meaningful ways.
Gaz Cottrill
Undergraduate degree –  Keele University
PGCEi – University of Nottingham
I believe teaching is empowering people to think for themselves and solve problems together. Working at Jiaoke means being involved in the growth and development of tomorrow’s youth.
Jack McBeath
Undergraduate degree – Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics with a minor in Biology – St. Francis Xavier University
Undergraduate degree – Bachelor of Education – St. Francis Xavier University.
My passion lies in educating students about the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. I aim to inspire my students to appreciate physical activity, instilling in them the skills and knowledge they need to maintain their health long after they leave school. I look forward to continuing my teaching journey at Jiaoke and helping students discover the joy of movement!
Jacques Charrier
Undergraduate degree – University of ReginaB.Ed. – University of ReginaB.A. (Hons.) – University of Regina
My aim is to help students fulfill their career dreams and become engaged global citizens. With the proper educational scaffolding, all students can succeed, and I am committed to providing this in my classes.
Jerry Hu Department Head Mathematics
Undergraduate degree – University of California, Los Angeles
In my math class, I always encourage students to ask the “why” and the “what if” questions, because those questions are usually the beginning of a thinking process. Students can thus develop their creative and logical thinking skills, along with their ability to reason and draw conclusions. “I think, therefore I am.” – René Descartes.
Lily Liu
Bachelor degree in Fine Arts Education – Nanjing Normal University
Master degree in Fine Arts – East China Normal University
Master degree in Curatorial Practice (Contemporary Art) – Glasgow School of Art
As an art teacher, I believe that art is not just a skill but a vital way to nurture creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of the world. My goal is to spark curiosity and imagination in my students, encouraging them to explore both themselves and the world around them in unique ways. I regard every student as an artist with untapped potential, and my role is to provide the guidance and inspiration they need to flourish. I enjoy teaching at Jiaoke because its East meets West, student-centered approach offers an ideal environment for students to explore freely and grow as individuals.
Lindsay Russell
Undergraduate degree – University of CalgaryB.Ed. – Simon Fraser University
My teaching philosophy is that passionate teachers help to develop students who love to learn, and who will become lifelong learners that contribute to bettering the world around us. I believe that the high school experience is an exploration of self, and of finding our place in the world. I enjoy being a part of this journey.Teaching is also about balance to me. Aside from my work as a teacher, I am passionate trtravelerI enjoy photography, writing, and many different sports and active living activities.
Luke Richardson
Undergraduate Degree – Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry, University of Calgary, 2003
As someone with a decade of experience in both teaching science and working in a science-related job in industry, I understand very well the importance of STEM education to today’s young people. I also understand that if students don’t see their teachers being passionate about what they are teaching, they are far less likely themselves to be interested in the material being taught, so I try to bring my enthusiasm for science and mathematics and STEM education to the classroom every day. I enjoy teaching at Jiaoke because the East meets West educational approach produces well-rounded students who are very capable of handling the challenges of the modern world.
Matthew Heney
Undergraduate degree – Carleton University,
B.Ed. – Ottawa University
I find teaching to be an extremely rewarding and enjoyable career. There is almost never a dull moment. I first realized this was the right career for me when I taught English in Korea. Since then, I have taught at international schools in both China and Vietnam. Being part of an international school community is a lot of fun. I love being able to teach abroad because I also get to learn about and experience a new culture all while teaching subjects I am passionate about. Jiaoke has an amazing student and staff community that I am excited to be a part of.
Nikita Hanakov
Undergraduate degree – York University,
B.Ed. – Lakehead University
I hope to inspire, motivate, and encourage young people to be the best versions of themselves through teaching, coaching, and mentoring. It is my belief that every student can learn and that it is the responsibility of the educator to facilitate a learning environment that caters to the individual needs of each student. My favourite part about teaching at Jiaoke is participating in the many school activities that happen throughout the year such as student-teacher hockey games, coaching soccer and taking field trips around Shanghai.
Rumbi Sihlangu
Undergraduate degree – Africa University,
Master’s degree – Jiangsu University,
Master’s degree – University of Buckingham
I love being a part of the development of children. I believe in a holistic approach to education and Jiaoke offers that in its many academic courses and co-curricular activities. I enjoy travelling and listening to music.

 
Samantha Shamoon
Bachelor of Arts (English)- McMaster University Hamilton, ON
Master’s of Science (Marketing)- ESSCA Paris, France
I’ve had the privilege of teaching in China for the past 9 years, an experience that has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life. I’ve enjoyed teaching abroad because of the unique opportunities it offers to learn from diverse cultures and perspectives. Outside of the classroom, I love staying active through sports, traveling to new places, and exploring the music scenes the city has to offer. I’m passionate about creating an engaging and positive environment where students can challenge themselves and thrive. I hope to help my students develop the skills and mindset needed to become thoughtful, engaged global citizens.
Steve Dunne Department Head Junior English
Undergraduate degree -University of Ottawa,
B.Ed. – University of Ottawa
This is my third year teaching English at Jiaoke, and by far the best part of working here is the wonderful students and staff which make this a supportive, engaging, and positive learning environment and school community.
Terrence Law
Undergraduate degree – University of TorontoB.Ed. – University of Toronto
My teaching philosophy encompasses providing students with a safe, caring, and inclusive environment to ensure that students’ learning needs are supported at school. I believe in giving well-rounded personalized, differentiated instruction daily to provide students with multiple ways of succeeding, which would accommodate their individual learning styles and create meaningful, beneficial learning environments for all students.