Meet Our New Teachers
We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to our new teachers joining the DCSZ community. Our exceptional new teachers collectively hold a remarkable international teaching background.
We are excited to have these skilled and exceptional teachers share their wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and expertise with our school community. Let's delve into their backgrounds!
Lucy, a highly accomplished primary teacher hailing from Liverpool, England holds a degree in Primary Teaching with QTS from Edge Hill University. Over the past nine years, she has taught Reception to Year 6 and has demonstrated excellence in various roles, including Phase Leader, Phonics Leader, and Subject Leader in English and Science and Acting Assistant Head.
Lucy's teaching journey has spanned across England, Africa, and Vietnam, gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences. One of her highlights was being awarded with the 'Outstanding Teacher' award from the Department of Education in England. Beyond the classroom, Lucy enjoys CrossFit, eating local cuisines, and traveling the world with her husband.
Andrew Johnson is a dedicated educator driven to expand and develop as a reflective practitioner. Holding a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education and a Bachelor's in Sports Studies with Psychology, he excels at understanding and implementing new technologies and teaching strategies to cater to different learning styles. Andrew has diverse experiences, including serving as a Year 4 Homeroom Teacher at the Australian International School CIS in Bangkok, focusing on child protection and risk assessment.
Previously, he worked as a Year 1 PYP Teacher at Brookes Moscow International IB World School, establishing creative classroom environments embodying the IB philosophy. He has also taught English as a Second Language in China, employing assessment for learning and creating inclusive environments. Andrew is committed to professional development, having completed various workshops and certifications. In his free time, he enjoys engaging in different sports such as tennis, football and squash.
Thomas is a British national from Wales. He holds a BSc in Geography from Aberystwyth University and an iPGCE from Derby University. He is currently completing an MA in Education with a specialist stream in SEND with the University of Cumbria. He has significant international teaching experience having taught in Tanzania, Spain, South Sudan and China. He has lived in China for more than seven years, firstly in Fuzhou, later in Hangzhou and now more recently in Suzhou. In his free time, he enjoys running, playing football, travelling and learning languages.
Sophie is a British Primary School Teacher. She graduated with BA in Primary Education at Leeds Beckett University and continued on to study a PGCE Primary (5-11 years) at Middlesex University in London. She has been teaching in the UAE for the past 3 years. She has been teaching across KS2 Years 4, 5. In her free time she loves to read, work out at the gym, go for long walks and hikes and traveling to new countries.
Shaun hails from the United Kingdom. He is a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA(Hons) in Three-Dimensional Design and a PGCE from the University of Nottingham. He has been teaching for ten years, spending the first years at Walter Halls Primary School before moving to the British International School in Jeddah. Shaun has a wide range of interests from trail running, ultramarathon events, climbing and diving.
Jonathan Traynor has a BA Hons degree in Economics from University College Dublin. He decided to extend his studies and study for a Masters Degree in Economic Science and his PGDE all in UCD. He has been teaching for more than 15 years in the Ireland and Mongolia, finishing his time there as Head of Humanities in English School of Mongolia. Outside of school Jonathan loves spending time watching rugby and chatting with friends about politics and philosophy. He also enjoys working out in the gym and tourism.
Dominic is a British teacher with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Master’s in English. After gaining PGDE teaching certification at the University of Glasgow, Dominic moved to Korea to teach English. Following positions teaching IB English in Seoul and lecturing at Joongbu University, Dominic moved to Beijing, where he taught iGCSE and IB English at HD School. Living and traveling globally has allowed Dominic to develop passions for both long-distance cycle touring and photography.
Sandra is from Northern Ireland. She graduated from the University of Manchester with a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and a PGCE from the University of Nottingham. She has been teaching Mathematics for sixteen years in both the UK and Saudia Arabia. Outside of school, Sandra enjoys cooking, music, craft and loves to explore new places.
Hailey was born in Suzhou, China. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication from Oklahoma Baptist University and a PGCEI from the University of Nottingham. Additionally, she earned a Master of Sports Education from Soochow University. With 7 years of experience in international schools, she has worked at United World College and the Overseas Chinese Academy of Chiway Suzhou. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, badminton, and traveling the world.
She is Angel and her major is Chinese language and literature at East China Normal University. As a teacher with six years of working experience in Shanghai International Bilingual School, she has always loved her work and enriched her life through continuous learning and exercise. Last year she came to Suzhou from Shanghai and most recently she worked in Living World Suzhou. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, painting, and photography. These can broaden her horizons and improve her aesthetic.
As we embark on the new academic year, our teachers and staff will keep creating a supportive learning environment for our students. Stay tuned to our WeChat. We will keep sharing exciting news with you!