WASNJ | Introduction to the Lower School & KG Teaching Team

 At WASNJ’s Early Years and Primary School, the homeroom teacher plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for both students and their families. The homeroom teacher, a position fully undertaken by foreign teachers, leads the class in three key subjects: English, Global Perspectives, and Mathematics. Beyond academics, these teachers also act as tutors, taking full responsibility for the overall well-being of each child. This includes tracking their academic progress, supporting physical and mental health, and fostering social-emotional development.

To enhance the classroom experience, each foreign lead teacher is paired with a Chinese "co-homeroom teacher." They work harmoniously to support the children's growth, ensuring strong communication between school and home. This collaboration enriches the learning environment, blending diverse perspectives and providing students with well-rounded guidance.

One of the unique aspects of our classroom setup is that the foreign and Chinese homeroom teachers share the same classroom space. Rather than having a separate office, their desks are placed within the classroom, with one teacher seated at the front and the other at the back. This arrangement ensures that both teachers are consistently present, allowing them to observe the children more closely and provide detailed, balanced feedback. It also helps them to identify each child's strengths and unlock their full potential, bringing our vision of holistic education to life.

In addition to the homeroom teachers, students benefit from the expertise of subject specialists in areas such as Chinese, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Music, PE, and Art. These specialists, each an expert in their field, inspire curiosity and creativity, guiding students through exciting new subjects and broadening their understanding of the world around them.

At WASNJ, we are deeply committed to nurturing each child's growth through a collaborative, holistic approach. This approach ensures that your child not only thrives academically and but also develops personally, gaining the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the future.

Mr. Bergman holds a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy and Materials Technology Engineering and a Master of Business, bringing over 30 years of teaching experience to his role. Previously, he taught secondary school science and technology, worked as a ski instructor, and served as an athletics association referee. Before joining WASNJ, he developed a comprehensive STEAM curriculum for grades 2-5 at Nanjing Foreign Language School. Mr. Bergman fosters a curiosity-driven classroom environment through interdisciplinary project-based learning, focusing on critical thinking skills. Outside of teaching, he enjoys reading and researching history, geography, and environmental science. He is also a certified climber and mountaineer, with over 20 years of experience and a background as a professional member of a mountain rescue team.

Mr. Atkins-Jones holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Kent and has nearly ten years of experience teaching English. His passion for education extends into his personal interests, which include reading and sports.

Ms. Du holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Northwood University in the USA. She previously worked as an assistant at a children's club in the USA. After returning to China, she worked as a teaching assistant and a primary school lead teacher at an international school. Before joining Nanjing Weyan, she served as the IB curriculum coordinator and parent-school relationship coordinator at a well-known international school in Shanghai, where she was responsible for designing and teaching UOI (Units of Inquiry) courses for younger primary students, as well as organising the English drama club for the primary school.

Mr. Doyle holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Ohio State University and boasts 28 years of teaching experience across primary and secondary schools. He spent the first 16 years of his career as a primary school lead teacher in the U.S., focusing on Mathematics, Science, and English. Since coming to China in 2012, he has taught Reading, Science, and PE at a well-known international school in Guangzhou.

Mr. Marais holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the U.S. and has five years of experience as a lead teacher and STEAM educator. He utilises project-based learning to inspire student engagement, encouraging bilingual thinking and teamwork through creative discussions and collaboration.

Ms. Lu holds a Master's degree in Translation and Bachelor's degree in Literature from Nanjing Normal University. She is a member of the China Translators Association, with the translated work "The Nature of Play: Why Playful Children Are Smarter", published in 2021. She has published several academic papers in SCD-indexed journals such as "Research on Foreign Language Teaching in Jiangsu" and "Overseas English." She has led research projects on topics including "The Importance of Cultural Background Knowledge in Translation" and "Integration of Translation and Artificial Intelligence Technology."

Mrs. Ponce de Leon has a Master's degree in Education from Colombia and a Bachelor's degree in Modern Languages, with 22 years of teaching experience. She has taught French, English, and Spanish at various Colombian universities and served as a lecturer of Latin American culture and Spanish at Nanjing University. Prior to joining WASNJ, she taught English and Social Sciences at two renowned international schools in Nanjing for 12 years.

Ms. Van Dyk holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and has six years of teaching experience in primary schools. She has served as a lead teacher and English teacher at various institutions, employing diverse teaching strategies to energise the classroom and engage students through fun, collaborative activities.

Ms. Yu holds a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Brock University, Canada. During her studies, she participated in teaching at several elementary schools and kindergartens in Canada, applying knowledge in child psychology, curriculum design, and educational methodologies to her teaching practice, thereby accumulating substantial teaching experience.

Mr. Van Strate holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and has 12 years of teaching experience across subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, History, Geography, and Business Studies. He has served as a lead teacher and grade head in several international schools in South Africa, China, and the UAE, and is proficient in coaching sports like athletics and rugby.

Ms. Petersen holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and has six years of experience teaching in primary and middle schools. She has worked as a lead teacher in several primary schools and taught English in an international school in South Korea, gaining valuable experience in teaching English as a second language.

Ms. Zhao holds a Master's degree in International Business and Finance from the University of Aberdeen, UK,and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing. She has seven years of experience teaching elementary school English. Passionate about education, she excels at observing students' psychological states and developing personalised teaching plans to provide tailored instruction.

Ms. Feliciano holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has 17 years of experience teaching English in early childhood and primary settings. Her lively and interactive classroom is renowned for its unique activities that spark enthusiasm and motivation for learning among her students.

Mr. Gulseth holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Education. He has a U.S. kindergarten to elementary teaching certification and brings 15 years of teaching experience, having worked in several well-known international schools in Shanghai and Nanjing. He combines the IB system with British teaching methods, employing play-based and inquiry-based approaches to support students’ character development and overall growth. He also enjoys coaching extracurricular activities, including American football, windsurfing, and LEGO building.

Ms. Zhang holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in English Education from Hong Kong Baptist University. She has served as an English teacher in several well-known primary and secondary schools in Nanjing and has won first prize in various provincial and municipal teaching competitions.

Mr. Kippen earned his Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of South Africa. With 13 years of teaching experience, he has taught English, Mathematics, Sociology, and Natural Sciences in various South African schools. As a UNICEF Teacher Consultant and coach for speech and debate, he has led students to championship victories in youth volleyball and dance competitions.

Mrs. Sudcalene holds a Master's degree in Science Education and has over 20 years of teaching experience in international schools in Nanjing. She has served as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher, focusing on improving English proficiency for Chinese children. For the past decade, she has been a lead teacher for lower primary, teaching Mathematics, English, and Science. An enthusiastic lifelong learner, she encourages her students to explore the world through “curious eyes” and emphasises the importance of peer learning.

Mr. Ramzaev holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and Crafts (Mechanical Manufacturing), along with additional studies in Automation and Management Engineering and Social Psychology. With 15 years of teaching experience in Science and English, he began his career in Russian primary and secondary schools before moving to prestigious English institutions in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, China. Prior to joining WASNJ, he taught primary Science at a well-known school in Hangzhou. Mr. Ramzaev is also a certified free diver and has served as an instructor at a freediving club in Russia.

Mr. Ikram holds a Master's degree in Management and a Master of Information and Communication Technology. With ten years of experience teaching computer science in British schools, he has developed and taught programming, multimedia production, computer applications, and digital citizenship courses. He has led coding clubs and guided students in robotics competitions and technology exhibitions. Mr. Ikram excels at fostering critical thinking and creating an inclusive classroom environment through differentiated instruction.

Ms. Yu holds a Master's degree in Documentary Creation from Royal Holloway, University of London, and a Bachelor's degree in Media Studies. With seven years of teaching experience in film and art design, she has taught film art at a university in Shanghai and served as an Art and Design teacher at a prestigious international school in Shanghai. At WASNJ, she guides students through product design, encouraging them to address real-world challenges.

Ms. Huang possesses an English proficiency certificate at the TEM-8 level and demonstrates fluent bilingual teaching abilities. She has previously taught Mathematics for grades 4-6 and served as a homeroom teacher at Huili School Nantong, and grades 6-8 at Nanjing Foreign Language School. She is dedicated to stimulating students' passion for learning through project-based inquiry activities, fostering independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

Mrs. Yang holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature from Nanjing Normal University and has 20 years of experience teaching Chinese at international schools. She has served as a Chinese teacher and Director of the Department of Chinese Language and Culture at Nanjing Experimental International School and Nanjing Echo Fort International School. Her lively and engaging teaching style integrates Chinese learning with broader life experiences and culture, making her one of the favuorite among students.

Mrs. Wang holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Yangzhou University, with 18 years of teaching experience, including 15 years as a homeroom and Chinese teacher at a prominent international school in Nanjing. She has received multiple awards, including Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Homeroom Teacher. Her literary works have been featured in national competitions, and her students have won numerous accolades in national essay contests. With a deep passion for literature, Mrs. Wang believes in nurturing students' appreciation for beauty through language, earning her the admiration of both students and parents.

Ms. Zhang holds a Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Windsor, Canada. She has previously taught at Queen’s Elite Academy of Canada, Appleby College, and other top schools in Canada, as well as Dulwich College Suzhou. An expert in bilingual education, Ms. Zhang excels at delivering individualised learning experiences, engaging students through active thinking and interaction. She values communication with parents as essential for a comprehensive learning experience.

Mr. Newbold holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Brunel University, UK. With 13 years of teaching experience in the UK, he later moved to Beijing, where he served as the Head of the Physical Education Department at renowned international schools in both Beijing and Qingdao. Passionate about rugby, he is also the chairman of a rugby club in Beijing. In his spare time, Mr. Newbold enjoys cooking.

Mr. Kellard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Development and Coaching Science from Bournemouth University and has seven years of experience in teaching PE, extracurricular activities, and student care. He previously worked as a PE teaching assistant and Assistant Head of Boarding at Box Hill School in the UK, managing co-curricular programs and student welfare. His responsibilities included overseeing extracurricular courses like football, yoga, and tennis, as well as training school teams.

Ms. Hendricks holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and brings 14 years of teaching experience to her role. Specialising in netball, she has served as a PE teacher and head of the PE department at multiple international schools in South Africa. With 11 years of experience in the IB curriculum, she emphasises holistic care in her teaching, focusing on delivering high-quality learning experiences through innovative methods.

As a former national team swimmer, Ms. Wang holds a National Master Athlete Certificate in swimming, an ASCA Level 4 coach certificate, and is a certified National Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard. She has eight years of experience coaching swimming and is dedicated to fostering a love for the sport in her students.

Ms. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Nanjing Sports University and has 10 years of teaching experience. Prior to joining WASNJ, she served as a PE teacher, head of the PE department, and director of student affairs at a prominent international division in Nanjing, where she founded the city’s first high school rowing team. 

Ms. Zhu holds a Master’s degree in Sports Humanities and Sociology from Nanjing Normal University and several certifications, including an Intermediate Aerobics Coach certificate and qualifications in cheerleading, fitness dance, and jump rope. She has achieved multiple accolades, including first place in the street dance routine category at the 2019 Jiangsu Province Aerobics and Cheerleading Championship, and is known for her engaging and dynamic teaching style.

An American educator, arts producer, and professional opera singer, Ms. Bear graduated from the National Conservatory of Music in Salerno, Italy, with a Bachelor's degree in Opera Performance and a Master's degree in Music Education. With over 25 years of leadership and international curriculum teaching experience, she has performed as a soloist in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and the Vatican. Before joining Wycombe Abbey Nanjing, she taught IB PYP music at the Atlanta International School and conducted choirs.

Gonzalo is a percussionist with a degree from the University of Puebla and a Master’s degree in Chamber Music from the Mexican Graduate Center for Music Studies. He won the National Young Musicians Competition in 2016 and placed second in the 2018 Northern International Music Competition. As a member of the World Percussion Ensemble, he toured Europe and lectured on "Body Awareness." He is the artistic director and lead musician of two percussion ensembles, which have performed at major festivals.

Dr. Ustinova holds a PhD in Stage and Choreography and a Level 3 certification in Ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance. With 17 years of experience teaching ballet and Irish dance across multiple countries, she led her dance team to a European title at the 2011 World Irish Dance Championships. She has also served as a judge in world-class dance competitions.

Mr. Petrov holds a Master's degree in Arts from Volgograd State Institute of Arts and Culture and is a certified Level 2 Duncan Dance teacher. With 23 years of teaching experience in various dance styles, including classical ballet and street dance, he is well-versed in multiple curricula such as RAD, IGCSE, IB, and Juilliard.

Mr. Huang holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Education. He has worked as an English teacher and academic director, founding his own educational organisation focused on cultivating children's confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills through public speaking, debate, and educational drama. He utilises techniques such as improvisation to enhance students' empathy and imagination.

Ms. Komissarenko holds a Master’s degree in Art Education and has 6 years of experience teaching art from kindergarten to high school. Familiar with the Cambridge art curriculum, she fosters creativity through visual arts and actively organises exhibitions and art trips for students, providing a well-rounded artistic experience.

Ms. Liu graduated from Nanjing Forestry University with an Urban Landscape Art Design degree. A member of the Jiangsu Province Ancient Ceramics Research Association, she specialises in the craftsmanship of purple clay teapots and has 15 years of experience teaching art.

Yuki holds a Bachelor's degree in Calligraphy and a Master's degree in Fine Arts from Nanjing University of the Arts. An outstanding graduate of 2019, she participated in Sino-American educational exchanges and has won awards in various calligraphy competitions. She has extensive experience teaching calligraphy and guiding students through exams at different educational institutions.

In the Campus of WASNJ

Children, like the plants here,

Grow and flourish freely and joyfully.

We are grateful to witness the forest's timely growth

And to the gardeners who sow the seeds,

Listening to the dreams of each little seed.

We believe that each of you

Will find your big dreams in their love,

Take root in this warm soil,

And grow into the person you aspire to be.