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.
Name: Zhang Diling 张棣玲
Position: Assistant Principal
School: 3e International School
Ms. Zhang Diling has gained masses of teaching, educational management, and curriculum development experience over the last 15 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in pre-school education from South China Normal University, a master’s of education from Beijing Normal University, and is also a Grade 2 certified National Consultant Psychologist.
Since joining 3e International School in 2011, she has taught from younger pre-kindergarten up to elementary school, providing her with an abundance of enriching teaching experiences. As a senior teacher and leader of 3e International School, she is deeply loved by the children and well respected and recognized by parents. As assistant principal, she helps lead the school to continuously improve the curriculum system, an effort widely recognized in Chaoyang District and in the Beijing international education field. She is also in charge of the synchronization and online teaching of Children’s Psychology, an important pre-school master’s course from Ericsson College.
Name: Ethan Yao 姚宇堃
Position: Elementary and Middle School Deputy Principal of Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy
School: Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy
Ethan graduated from Peking University after majoring in Psychology. He was also the leader of the Beijing Science Training team and a coach for the Beijing International Mathematics Competition. Ethan has been engaged in educational and teaching work for more than 10 years. He attaches great importance to the psychological development of students and is good at integrating the psychological characteristics of children into education and teaching. He practices student-oriented education and teaches students according to their strengths. He believes that every child is unique and special. Ethan also highlights innovation in teaching and is always committed to providing children with multi-sensory teaching methods to help children easily learn complex knowledge.
Name: Cynthia Xin 辛玲
Position: Elementary and Middle School Principal of Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy
School: Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy
Cynthia Xin holds an MBA degree and has more than 10 years of management experience in fortune global 500 companies and in school operation.
Since the establishment of Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy (XFA) in 2016, Cynthia has built a diverse team of high-quality teachers using her rich experience in operation and management and has always led the team to seek new breakthroughs. XFA’s educational and teaching achievements have been recognized by the Education Commission on multiple occasions. During the first year it was established, XFA was awarded first prize for “Annual Achievements Exchange and Exhibition of Private Schools 2017” in Shunyi District. Under Cynthia’s leadership, XFA has received increased attention and recognition from parents and the media, including media organizations such as Sina, Tencent, Netease, Beijing Evening News, and China.org.cn. Cynthia attaches great importance to the holistic development of students and is committed to allowing each student the opportunity to show off their talents, so as to cultivate self-motivation and encourage sustainable development.
Name: Kim Fisher
Position: Primary School Deputy Principal
School: HD Beijing School
Ms. Kim Fisher grew up in South Africa, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She has 12 years preparatory school teaching experience in London and has been deputy head at HD Beijing School for the last three years. She is inspired by the resilience and creative ability to “think outside of the box” of the children she teaches every day and is passionate about ensuring that children feel safe, confident, and happy.
A rigorous and dedicated principal, Kim insists on being in the classroom every day to understand students’ learning needs, and guides teachers to create personalized learning experiences. She is passionate about creating innovative ways to make learning engaging and accessible for all students and is committed to leading dynamic and collaborative communities of learning.
Name: Chang Lihua
Position: Primary School Principal
School: HD Beijing School
Ms. Chang has been called the “Rafe Esquith of China” by the media. In her 27 years of teaching, she has won the trust of students and parents with her motto, “education is nothing but dedication, wholeheartedly.” Her book was recommended by the Ministry of Education for middle and primary school libraries. She is the chief editor for the school’s integrated courses curriculum and won the 2017 Whole Person Education Award. Ms. Chang was named one of the top ten influential people driving national reading and was the director of the curriculum research institute at Yizhuang Elementary School.
Ms. Chang believes in nurturing globalized Chinese citizens that have deep roots in their own heritage and advocates an “integrated Chinese curriculum” that promotes interdisciplinary and experiential learning. While stimulating children’s interest and enthusiasm through real-life learning, the integrated Chinese curriculum also aims to develop solid academic capabilities. She believes that good education helps children develop all-round capabilities that enable them to succeed in the future. As a principal, she is closely involved in teaching and teachers’ training on a daily basis in order to ensure academic quality. She attaches great importance to establishing a common culture in the classroom, because she believes that “on campus, education exists in the air.”
KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: Math Educators
Images: courtesy of the schools
