Leadership

Pete Corcoran joined CIS in 2017 and has over 35 years of experience in education, both in Canada and internationally. Pete has been Head of School in academically prestigious schools in both Canada and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS he served as the Executive Director of Qatar Foundation Schools where he oversaw a consortium of 10 schools and centers serving a population of 5,000 students. Peter has shared his vision of educational leadership and passion around school improvement in a variety of international settings throughout his career. He holds an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Masters in School Administration from the University of British Columbia.

Jeff Smith has worked in international education for the past 24 years in a variety of outstanding schools in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. During his career, Jeff has been a classroom teacher, head of department, IB Diploma Coordinator, vice-principal and principal in schools that have offered both the IB MYP and IB DP. Jeff’s IB experience is vast. He has worked as an IB examiner and has both helped and overseen the implementation of IB MYP and IB DP at a number of schools. Jeff has a masters of Education from the University of Alabama and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.

Angela is a well-respected educator with over 25 years experience in primary education in Canada, USA, and Asia. She brings a wealth of educational leadership skills to her role as Principal and delivers educational focused workshops in Singapore and overseas. As the co-founder of the South East Asia Primary Administrators Conference (SEAPAC), and a facilitator for the Singapore Principal’s Network, Angela stays abreast of trends and best practices. Since joining CIS, Angela has played an integral role in developing CIS’ vibrant learning environment. Angela has received a variety of awards for her ongoing dedication and commitment to education excellence. Angela holds a Certificate of International School Leadership and a Masters of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College in the USA.

Andrea Strachan has over 20 years experience as an international educator and works with the IB as a teacher trainer, consultant and lead site visitor. She is currently a co-chair of the IB Early Years Standards and Practices Project, developing exemplars of practice in Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education.  She has a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, is a doctoral candidate at NIE in Singapore, and recently published research on the ways in which outdoor learning facilitates the development of 21st century learner competencies in young children.

Celeste Krochak is a Canadian who has over 30 years experience as an educator. She has worked internationally in New Zealand and Singapore as well as over 20 years as a primary lead teacher in Canada. In Canada, Celeste was an active workshop leader with a particular focus on early years literacy, social emotional learning and inquiry. In her 9 years at CIS she has worked as a classroom teacher, Primary years curriculum coordinator, Middle School Assistant Principal and now Primary School Vice Principal. She has a  Bachelor of Education with honors degree, from the University of Winnipeg and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Adelaide.

Cherie Boltong is a passionate educator with 27 years experience: 10 years in Australia and 17 in Singapore. She has a special interest and passion for early years education. Serving as Vice Principal at the CIS TK campus, Cherie has gained a significant amount of educational expertise by working across a diverse range of roles including PYP coordinator and Open Minds Coordinator. Cherie’s Bachelor of Education was awarded by the Australian Catholic University (ACU), and she remains committed to staff and students though her current study towards a Diploma of Counselling at the internationally recognised Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. She looks forward to progressing into a Masters in the same field.

With over 25 years of as an educator, Geoff Ward has worked in schools in Canada, Japan, Bahrain and now Singapore. As well as eight years as a Vice Principal and Curriculum Lead teacher, Geoff has extensive experience in both Primary and Secondary classrooms, working in Middle School Math and Science, as a Primary classroom teacher, and Information Technologist.  He has lead schools through successful accreditation processes from the International Baccalaureate, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  He has his Bachelor of Education as well as his Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of Calgary, Canada.

Huali Xiong has 35 years experience in education, 18 of which have been in an international setting. Huali is the author of the acclaimed Big Apple Chinese reader series which is used in schools around the world. Huali is frequently invited to be the keynote speaker at language conferences, consults to schools regarding Chinese curriculum development, and is an adjunct lecturer at NTU (National Technological University). Huali holds a Master of Science in international education - from the State University of New York.

Pete Corcoran joined CIS in 2017 and has over 35 years of experience in education, both in Canada and internationally. Pete has been Head of School in academically prestigious schools in both Canada and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS he served as the Executive Director of Qatar Foundation Schools where he oversaw a consortium of 10 schools and centers serving a population of 5,000 students. Peter has shared his vision of educational leadership and passion around school improvement in a variety of international settings throughout his career. He holds an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Masters in School Administration from the University of British Columbia.

Jeff Smith has worked in international education for the past 24 years in a variety of outstanding schools in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. During his career, Jeff has been a classroom teacher, head of department, IB Diploma Coordinator, vice-principal and principal in schools that have offered both the IB MYP and IB DP. Jeff’s IB experience is vast. He has worked as an IB examiner and has both helped and overseen the implementation of IB MYP and IB DP at a number of schools. Jeff has a masters of Education from the University of Alabama and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.

Huali Xiong has 35 years experience in education, 18 of which have been in an international setting. Huali is the author of the acclaimed Big Apple Chinese reader series which is used in schools around the world. Huali is frequently invited to be the keynote speaker at language conferences, consults to schools regarding Chinese curriculum development, and is an adjunct lecturer at NTU (National Technological University). Huali holds a Master of Science in international education - from the State University of New York.