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Where did you grow up/study?

I grew up and did my studies in Tianjin of Mainland China, specializing in teaching Chinese as a second language.

Can you tell us more about your role at CAIS.

At CAIS, my role is to teach the Chinese subject in various grades. In addition, opening students up to the Chinese culture through festive activities and interactive sessions. I have been teaching in Hong Kong for more than 5 years and have found that I’m falling more and more in love with my students with each passing year. They give me precious memories and I enjoy seeing them grow and learn.

Biggest challenge and rewarding moment working in education?

The biggest challenge I have faced is to care for the individual needs of students, each unique in their own nature. This is also an area where I invest most of my passion and time because I acknowledge that this is very important to student development. Consequently, seeing students growing and developing their unique talents is the most rewarding moment.

Can you name one most common thing that most non-Chinese speaking students didn’t know about the Chinese language?

One thing that most non-Chinese speaking students didn’t know about the Chinese language is that there are no capital letters. There’s this one time where a student wrote his name with the first character in larger font than the rest, that made my day.

What kind of student were you?

When I was a student, I am considered the quiet type where I would follow instructions without much questioning. My interests were diverse, ranging from singing, arts to all kinds of sports.

What do you miss most about Tianjin when you are overseas?

Of the things I miss about my hometown, food is definitely the one that tops the list.

Where did you grow up/study?

I was born and raised in Bulacan, Philippines. It is famous and known as the cultural capital of the country, where it is the only province in the Philippines that holds most of the significant events of our history. I completed my Bachelor of Secondary Education degree in 2012 from one of the private institutions in that province. I have been working in the school for seven years. My experience includes being employed as a Teaching Assistant and Classroom Teacher in UAE for four years.

Can you tell us more about your role at CAIS.

I will be working as a Teaching Assistant (Learning Support). My responsibilities include working collaboratively with classroom teachers to support them in implementing personalized learning practices and meet the needs of the students. I have to create and manage an engaging and motivating environment conducive to children’s learning. Most importantly, I will be assisting students that require additional support, ensuring differentiation of their learning needs.

How did you wind up here?

I was working in the UAE when I met my husband two years ago. Since he’s a permanent resident here, I resigned from my previous job and moved here last year of October. After finishing my TESOL Course in February, I prayed for a school-related job. It was a struggle because of the pandemic situation. My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, I put all my faith to the Lord. Equipped with full confidence in God’s love for me and knowing that He wanted to give me the desires of my heart, He sent CAIS to interview me. Soon after that, I received a call that they hired me. I am thankful for the opportunity they offered me. All glory to the Lord!

Biggest challenge and rewarding moment working in education?

The most rewarding moment for me is when the kids are happy and consistently making significant progress in the class. I believe that once they feel the happiness of learning in the class; it promotes initiative and active learning between the students, the teacher and the school.

What kind of student were you?

I was a student who worked hard for every grade because of the scholarship. I was a student-oriented leader from high school to college, focusing on uniting and supporting the students not only in our class but also in the school.

What do you miss most about [your original country] when you are overseas?

Of all the things to miss about home, it is my mother’s food. My mother’s cooking is always unique as she loves experimenting with simple ingredients. She taught me to cook her dishes, but still, her authentic taste is missing.

What are you passionate about?

My biggest passion in life is about helping the students to make a positive difference and develop a strong spiritual mindset to learn regardless of their levels. When students can understand and apply the lessons in their everyday lives, they are more than expected to succeed. For me, NO CHILD shall be LEFT BEHIND.

Where did you grow up/study?

I grew up and studied in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Alberta is mostly a flat prairie region, but to the south of the province, there are some lovely mountains and lakes that are great for hikes!

Can you tell us more about your role at CAIS.

I will be teaching music at CAIS! The music program will include choir, band, and elementary music which involves singing, recorder, percussion instruments, and movement. I will also be helping out with different clubs and athletic activities at the school.

How did you wind up here?

Well to be honest, this is not something I had planned. I had just recently graduated from university and began applying for jobs in my country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget cuts to education in my province, not many jobs are available at the moment.

In January of this year, I went to a career fair for education held at our school and was given a program sheet of all the different schools, and districts who came to the event. Due to time constraint, I was not able to visit all of the booths, but I kept that program sheet for future reference.

In April, I began looking for jobs and an idea popped into my head. I had just finished my practicum at a school and realized that I needed to be able to live out my Christian values in the work place without fear of repercussions. There are only two schools in my city that are Christian and both already have music teachers. Then I remembered the program sheet from the fair and that is how I came across Christain Alliance International School.

Through prayer and planning I look forward to enhancing the music program at CAIS and sharing God’s love to his sons and daughters.

Biggest challenge and rewarding moment working in music education?

For me, the biggest challenge for working in music education is finding the best approach for teaching a concept. What works for one student may not work for the other but it is finding out what works them and seeing them succeed that brings the joy and reward of teaching. Establishing goals with a student and their parents, then finding strategies and resources that fit their needs is the first step in confronting the challenge. Seeing that student achieve their goals because of the additional steps you took can change the way a student sees themselves and their ability to succeed and that is the reason we teachers do what we do.

What drew you to music? How has music education impacted your life?

From grade 5-9, I was homeschooled with my brother and sister. We did many extra-curricular activities, including sports, art, and music outside of school. I had played in wind band since grade 5 and really enjoyed the communal and aural aspects of it. We had changed teachers every 1-2 years and in my grade 9 year, we had these awesome teachers named Brandy Lee and Laurel. Even though there was only 6 of us in the band, I remember that they made us feel like we were doing something important and continually communicated their high expectations for us.

Every week we played the best we could and had fun as a result. Through our regular practice outside of class time, we were able to develop a relationship during our class time that left a lasting impression. Once I got into university, I learned focused and intentional practice was essential for achieving your goals. Combined this with consistent hard work, and you can achieve your dreams. That is the beauty and science of music. Playing music well is a goal that takes a lifetime to achieve but you can do it if you are persistent and receive the support you need. This also applies to all aspects of life itself. This is why I believe learning music is a crucial part of learning how to be a responsible and empathetic human being.

What kind of student were you?

I am a lifelong student. I always look for ways to improve my teaching and constantly challenge myself to learn different ways of approaching a problem or aspect of life. It is my goal to inspire students to solve problems on their own by giving them the proper tools and strategies.

What do you miss most about Alberta when you are overseas?

What I am going to miss the most is my family, the space in my country, and the fresh air that is throughout the city. But I am not going to miss those –30 C winters!

Where did you grow up/study?

I grew up in the beautiful city of Vancouver, BC, Canada. When I was in Junior High, my family moved to Calgary, AB, because of my parents’ business. I attended university in Edmonton, AB, and after obtaining my BA in Psychology, I graduated from the After-Degree Education program at the University of Alberta.

Can you tell us more about your role at CAIS.

I will be a Primary Homeroom Teacher!

How did you wind up here?

I had known since my first missions’ trip when I was 16, that I would eventually make my way to teach in Asia. However, as life happens, I had pushed the idea aside for a later time. I wasn’t quite ready to leave my home, family, and friends just yet. After completing my Education Degree, I took a trip to Hong Kong with my family and met up with some old friends from that first missions’ trip. They reminded me about what God had once put in my heart, and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. After wrestling with the idea in thoughtful prayer, I sought out to find a teaching job while I was still in the city. Two days after submitting my applications, I received a call for an interview for the next day. My first teaching position brought me through an incredible 7-year journey. While teaching at a non-faith-based school can be equally as rewarding, it had its limitations which is why I wanted a change, and I’m looking forward to the amazing new faith opportunities CAIS will bring!

Biggest challenge and rewarding moment working in education?

Over the years, there have been so many rewarding moments that I cannot name just one. Some of the most rewarding moments have been when past students come back to visit and tell you all the ways in which you have helped make a positive difference in their lives!

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about music and the creative arts. I also love travelling and playing tennis!

Where did you grow up/study?

I was born and raised in a trilingual family in Hong Kong. I went to the UK when I was 16 and finished my studies there. After 8 years, I’ve finally decided to move back to Hong Kong!

Can you tell us more about your role at CAIS.

Being an English Learner Specialist, I will be working with my team to provide students with ELL with the support they need to access the learning in their classes. Having only worked in the primary section, it will be a new challenge for me.

How did you wind up here?

To be honest, I didn’t plan to come back to Hong Kong this year. However, due to the coronavirus, my husband and I decided it was God’s time schedule for us to move back to Asia.

Biggest challenge and rewarding moment working in education?

I would say the biggest challenge I’ve faced is dealing with tricky children who come from complex family backgrounds. However, the most rewarding moment to me is when I can feel that I’ve built a trusting relationship with those children. It makes me feel special!

What kind of student were you?

I was never quiet. I wasn’t extremely studious and preferred extra-curricular activities like singing in the choir and playing for the school hockey team.

What do you miss most about Hong Kong when you are overseas?

Definitely the food!

Where did you grow up/study?

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! That makes me a Steelers fan by default. However, I am much more of a Pittsburgh Penguins fan for hockey.

Can you tell us more about your role at CAIS.

My role is really a mixture of my passions. I will be leading the student support team working with students from all grade levels through CAIS providing social emotional learning, behavioral management and discipline, providing emotional support, shaping school and student culture through building upon our support for students. Additionally, I will be working with CAIS on university guidance and offering parental support for school coaching where needed.

How did you wind up here?

I chose CAIS because of the social justice and Christian community that makes up the identity for CAIS. This school stands for Jesus apologetically on a mission to build disciples and train students to do more than just learn and study. CAIS values making an impact into the lives of those we have been placed in – the community.

Biggest challenge and rewarding moment working in student services?

Most rewarding moment is witnessing a student’s behavior evolve as they are redirected and begin using skills they have been coached on to manage a situation by becoming emotionally mature. The biggest challenge is the beginning stages of resistance and a student not believing that they can grow in managing their emotions and behavior. Equally, there are students who are in the school that are longing for love and attention and needing to be shown love from staff.

In your opinion, why is the work Student Services Department doing important?

Firstly, it is important for the child. Being student-centered must always be the role of student personnel in a student services division of the school. And secondly, it is important for the parent. They are the first to identify and acknowledge the needs of their child but often times with limited knowledge of the help that can be provided. Moreover, biblically speaking, we are called as Christians to be a voice for the voiceless. There are just too many students facing challenges whereby the level of care and attention they need must be amended to meet the child/student where they are at. This calls for a concerted effort that has planned intentions of moving the student to their greatest potential whether academically, socially, behaviorally, spiritually or a combination of all the above. Coming from spending years in student services, the end goal of the Student Services Department should always be working ourselves out of a job. If we are doing what we do well, creating students who become self-sufficient and independent is always a positive outcome. That is how I evaluate and judge my work.

What are some of the initiatives you will be working on which would potentially be translated to physical application?

Among things on my agenda, I will be working to implement an intervention and support system for students that target their needs and develop a greater sense of school culture, identity, maturity, and safety.

What kind of student were you?

As a student I was very inquisitive. In fact, I still consider myself a student because there is just so much to learn. Reading newspapers, articles, journals, and listening to experts on a variety of topics are the things that I most enjoy. I am also a voracious reader and avid viewer of all things current affairs in the media.

What do you miss most about Pennsylvania when you are overseas?

Like most foreigners, I would have to say family. However, I have been blessed to make (and grow) my own family here in Hong Kong. Being married to a local keeps me grounded on family support and all things Cantonese cuisine related.