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.
Name: Zhang Ying 章莹
Position: Director of Government Affairs and Executive Board Member
School: 3e International School
Ms. Zhang Ying transitioned to the education field after a career in media management. After completing a bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of China, a master of fine arts (MFA) degree at Peking University, and working for more than 10 years at China Radio International, Ms. Zhang joined 3e International School in 2017 as the school’s first director of government affairs.
As a member of the leadership team, she has made great contributions to the development of the school. During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the school made great achievements in terms of epidemic prevention and control. Under her leadership, 3e’s elementary and early years campuses passed multiple Chaoyang District Education Committee inspections and became one of the first batch of schools approved to open in early September. Ms. Zhang is also the main planner and executor of the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation ASEAN National Scholarship Program.
Name: Ma Xinguang 马昕光
Position: Elementary and Middle School Academic Director
School: Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy
Ma Xinguang graduated from the Faculty of Intelligent Science of Peking University and holds two degrees in economics from the China Economic Research Center. He used to be the head coach of the Beijing Science Training Team. Mr. Ma has over 10 years of experience in education and teaching. He has led students to participate in international mathematics competitions in the United States, India, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan as head coach.
Name: Lei Qian 雷倩
Position: Teaching Director
School: Jack & Jill Academy
Ms. Lei Qian graduated from Beijing Normal University with a major in early childhood education. She joined Jack & Jill Academy in 2013. She is a HighScope Curriculum Certified Teacher, and once studied under the former chief trainer of the HighScope Foundation. Upon first joining Jack & Jill, Ms. Lei served as a lead teacher for the nursery, pre-K 1, and pre-K 2 classes. Due to her outstanding performance, professional and diligent attitude, and profound understanding of education, she was promoted to the position of teaching director.
Ms. Lei firmly believes in the philosophies of child-centered education and active learning. She has participated in the discussion, design, and implementation of Jack & Jill’s curriculum. Ms. Lei wholeheartedly loves education and is imaginative and creative. She is especially good at teacher-child interaction and various play-based practices.
Name: Autumn Zhang
Position: Dean of Education
School: JA International Kindergarten
Ms. Autumn Zhang joined Journey Academy in 2018. Based on her 14 years of early childhood teaching experience and eight years of international school education experience, she has fully implemented the requirements of the director of teaching. Her responsibilities also cover collaboration with the IB curriculum coordinator and academic leaders to organize teaching plans, teaching routines, and teachers’ work specifications. She has actively established positive teaching principles in order to ensure the implementation of teaching plans and the smooth development of teaching activities. She is also in charge of managing the arrangements for staff changes and substitutions.
Name: Chen Yuanyuan 陈媛媛
Position: Chairman of Junyi Xingxing Education Group
School: Junyi Xingxing International School
Chen Yuanyuan is chairman of Junyi Xingxing Education Group, a member of the Revolutionary Committee, and a member of the sixth, seventh, and eighth CPPCC of Haidian District. She is also a member of the committee of middle school and primary school of China Private Education Association. In 1993, she jointly established Beijing Junyi Private High School which is one of the earliest private high schools in Beijing. In 2015, after the merging and regrouping of several educational institutes, Junyi Xingxing Education Group was founded, achieving the goal of creating a comprehensive education group that provides childhood to high school education, traditional education, vocational education, overseas study, Chinese language exporting, cultural exchange and consulting business. In September 2010, Ms. Chen received the title of “Excellent Principal” at the 4th Gardener Award for Private Education of Beijing Private Education Association.
Name: Kristie Newbold
Position: Academic Director
School: Muffy’s International Kindergarten
Kristie Newbold has been at Muffy’s International Kindergarten since 2012. Having worked as a teacher and lead teacher, she now holds the position of Academic Director. During her time at Muffy’s International Kindergarten, Kristie has played a vital role in expanding the company into five locations in two cities.
Kristie holds a PGCE (post-graduate certificate of education) and a Masters Degree in Education from her home town in England. Her education and experience have enabled her to implement a well-rounded curriculum to support intellectual, social, and personal skills. She ensures a high level of academic achievement for the learners while ensuring a positive and professional work environment for her staff. Kristie is committed to ensuring children at Muffy’s are provided with positive early childhood experiences to equip them with a lifelong love of learning. Kristie encourages her staff to continue their learning by offering continued professional development training throughout the year and a tuition reimbursement program that allows teachers to gain qualifications in an area of their choice.
KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: Chinese-language Educators
Images courtesy of the schools
