At Wahaha International School (WIS), educators are the heartbeat of a dynamic learning environment that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy. This article shines a light on the dedication of WIS teachers—from their professional growth in IB training to their passion for enriching students’ experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
IB Training:
Building Expertise, Empowering Educators
At WIS, professional development is a cornerstone of educational excellence, grounded in the belief that empowered teachers inspire empowered learners.
Every educator benefits from a robust, personalized support system that includes comprehensive IB training tailored to their unique background, subject area, and career aspirations. WIS adopts a personalized approach, assessing each teacher’s profile to determine the most suitable category of IB training. Whether through online platforms, in-person sessions, or virtual workshops, WIS ensures that educators have access to diverse learning opportunities that enhance their professional development and teaching effectiveness.
“This commitment underscores WIS’s dedication to fostering a dynamic learning environment grounded in best practices and continuous growth for its faculty,” says Grade 4 PYP teacher Anindita Sen.
Beyond IB-specific training, WIS also empowers educators through broader academic opportunities. Each teacher receives an annual personal professional development budget, supporting advanced qualifications such as Master’s and PhD programs, as well as opportunities to develop personal skills, professional knowledge, and teaching-related interests.
“I am currently making use of my personal professional development budget to pursue a Master’s in Education through the University of Essex in the UK, with a focus on teaching and learning in the 21st century and the impact of scaffolded instruction on English learning in IB MYP international schools. This level of support demonstrates that WIS genuinely invests in its educators, recognising that teacher growth directly enriches student learning.” — Ilse Kotzé, MYP English Language and Literature Teacher and Subject Leader
Chinese Co-leader Bessie shared, “I used the school’s professional development funds to attend a specialized tea studies training program. Since then, I have promoted tea culture and organized tea gatherings at the school. This fall, I plan to participate in calligraphy and Chinese painting courses. Additionally, the Chinese teachers as a group have attended the ‘Mother Tongue Forum’ workshop organized by FLTRP. Moreover, two CAL teachers are preparing to go to Shenzhen to attend the ‘5th International Chinese Language Festival Classroom Workshop,’ while four teachers are set to join the ‘Teachers’ Critical Thinking Forum’ hosted by the organizers of the Global Cup Chinese Debates. With the school’s support, we will continuously update our knowledge base and further enhance our skill trees.”
New Teachers Thriving:
Embracing the IB Journey
For new teachers, stepping into the IB framework can be both a challenge and a transformation. At WIS, five new educators—Ms. Joy, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Suki, Mr. SJ, and Ms. Emily — share how they have embraced the IB philosophy and discovered innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Ms. Joy:
Finding a Home
in Collaboration
and Inquiry
As a new Chinese teacher, Ms. Joy describes her first year at WIS as a rewarding blend of growth and discovery.
“Adapting to the IB curriculum was initially daunting, but the warm welcome from colleagues and their collaborative spirit made it seamless,” she shares. The school’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning and global citizenship has broadened her teaching approach, inspiring her to craft engaging lessons that spark student enthusiasm. With ample professional development opportunities, Ms. Joy has refined her skills to meet the diverse needs of international students, fuelling her excitement for future years at WIS.
Ms. Michelle:
Innovating with
Station Rotation
Math teacher Ms. Michelle discovered the school’s innovative station rotation model. After a period of teaching practice, she came to appreciate its appeal deeply.
“Each station is tailored to students’ needs, promoting deep engagement and differentiated instruction,” she explains. This approach not only builds mathematical skills but also enhances communication and teamwork, aligning with IB’s inquiry-based principles. Compared to traditional classrooms, Ms. Michelle finds this model far more effective in unlocking student potential, creating a vibrant and interactive learning experience.
Ms. Suki:
Transforming Art
through
Interdisciplinary
Collaboration
For PYP art teacher Ms. Suki, IB education opened up new creative possibilities.
By integrating art into transdisciplinary inquiry units, such as exploring emotions in the “How We Express Ourselves” unit, she fosters students’ observation, teamwork, and independent creativity through the IB’s Approaches to Learning (ATL).
“The shift from a teacher-led model to empowering student exploration is profound,” Ms. Suki notes. Regular collaboration with colleagues through open communication and resource sharing enriches her teaching, while the school’s training and encouragement of innovation have been pivotal to her professional growth.
Ms. Suki cherishes her students’ passion and tailors her approach to nurture their artistic confidence.
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Student Artwork
Ms. Emily:
Embracing New
Beginnings in the
IB Framework
As a seasoned educational professional with 17 years of teaching experience, new MYP teacher Ms. Emily may be a “novice” in the IB education field, but the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, student-driven experiences, and character education in the IB framework aligns closely with her educational philosophy.
“Going from an expert to a beginner was challenging, but the support from colleagues, leaders, and students has been incredible.” From answering countless questions to offering practical advice on expat life, the WIS community helped Ms. Emily and her family adapt to Hangzhou, making it their home.
She is especially grateful for the innumerable small yet significant lessons that the students have taught her over the past year, from the meanings of various Chinese idioms to the color of pens to avoid when writing their names.
Ms. Emily finds teaching MYP students universal, noting that, despite systemic differences, the core of fostering identity and belonging remains the same, reinforced by WIS’s nurturing environment.
Mr. SJ:
Building Connections
through Support
and Transdisciplinary
Learning
As a new Physical Education teacher at WIS, Mr. SJ has found his transition into the IB framework both welcoming and rewarding.
“I’m adapting well this year because of the great support I’ve received,” he shares. From the moment he arrived in Hangzhou, colleagues welcomed him warmly, while the HR department offered essential guidance to help him settle into life in a new city. Most notably, the PE Team has been exceptionally supportive and communicative, making it easy for him to feel part of the community. “This support has made my adjustment smoother and has helped me succeed in my role,” he reflects.
As a PYP educator, Mr. SJ believes that Physical Education plays a vital role in the transdisciplinary learning journey. PYP is a curriculum framework that provides students with real-life learning experiences by connecting academic knowledge across subjects and within broader conceptual understandings.
In line with this philosophy, Mr. SJ integrates physical education (PE) lessons with other disciplines, especially the Unit of Inquiry. For example, students might explore themes such as balance, health, or teamwork through physical activities, linking them to classroom inquiries. This integration ensures that students engage in meaningful and connected learning, where academic content is contextualised through real-world applications and experiences.
Across their experiences, Ms. Joy, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Suki, Mr. SJ, and Ms. Emily highlight WIS’s unwavering support for new teachers.
From comprehensive IB training to a culture of collaboration, the school equips educators to excel in the IB framework. “The leadership’s encouragement and freedom to innovate allow us to grow and inspire our students.” Ms. Suki reflects. This nurturing environment ensures that new teachers not only adapt but thrive, contributing to a vibrant learning community that embodies the IB philosophy.
Beyond the Classroom:
Fostering Diverse Student Development
In the IB framework, while classroom instruction centres on knowledge transmission, extracurricular education is equally grounded in practice and experiential learning, collectively shaping a holistic development pathway for students.
At the 2023 Christmas celebration, a group of music-loving teachers — Mr. Matt, Ms. Corne, Mr. Zach, Ms. Eva, Ms. Alison, and Mr. Romeo — formed the “Teacher Band,” creating not only a platform for relaxation and self-expression but also fostering the exchange of teaching inspiration and strengthening collaborative relationships among staff.
The Teacher Band dedicates their after-school hours to rehearsals and actively participates in various school performances. Their involvement not only enriches campus events but also serves as an inspiration to students, encouraging them to explore diverse interests and develop their passions.
Additionally, the band members replicated their success by guiding students to establish two “Student Rock Bands, “ which embark on journeys of music creation and performance. Starting with learning songs by their favorite artists, students will master instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, piano, and vocal performance.
Beyond musical skills, the bands dive into the full spectrum of band operations—songwriting and arrangement, concert staging, recording and distribution, branding the band, designing promotional posters, and selling merchandise—offering a real-world experience of what it means to be a musician.
In their spare time, Ms. Divya, Mr Romeo, Ms. Maryse and Ms. Zora run the Math and Science Club, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in international competitions such as the Singapore Math Competition and IGCSE assessments. Through additional personalised tutoring, they help students sharpen their academic edge and rise to new challenges.
With the support of 3J Education Development Foundation, Ms. Bessie founded the WIS Chinese Debate Club and also led the Journey Afar project to develop a robust framework for Chinese critical thinking. She has served as a judge for the Asian Argumentative Writing Championship and was awarded Outstanding Instructor in the Zongheng Cup Chinese Debate Competition.
Since 2020, WIS students have participated in major competitions, such as the Asian Cup and Zongheng Cup, earning team and individual awards. In 2023, the Chinese Debate Club was officially established, reflecting the hard work of both Ms. Bessie and her students.
Ms. Alicia dedicates herself to studying the critical thinking curriculum and has established the WIS Drama and Critical Thinking Course.
In the Drama and Critical Thinking Course, she led students in developing their language expression and logical thinking through drama performances and debate training. She cultivated independent thinking through discussions and exchanges.
Ms. Michelle has a deep passion for Chinese martial arts. She integrated this interest into the MYP Service as an Action project, becoming an ambassador of traditional Chinese culture and inspiring students to explore martial arts as a form of cultural expression and physical discipline. She also plans to produce bilingual promotional videos highlighting the essence of martial arts culture and training achievements, to be shared with the sister school, NEIA, for overseas promotion.
END
At WIS, education is not only about imparting knowledge but also a way to explore the world, understand oneself, and others. Guided by the IB educational framework, teachers here have found a platform to realise their personal values and professional aspirations. With infinite enthusiasm and professionalism, they continually unearth students’ potential, ignite their creativity, and help each child discover their path to growth.
WIS will continue to build upon the foundation of IB philosophy, expanding opportunities for teachers to thrive and opening up boundless possibilities for students.
