Dr Allan Weston joins CIS in 2022 and has over 25 years of experience in prestigious schools in Australia, the US and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS, Allan served as Head of Greenfield International School in Dubai, a member of the highly regarded Taaleem group.

Allan also served for eight years as CEO and Executive Head at the prestigious Taipei European School, a group of schools that offered the IB diploma, French, German, and British sections, and a strong Chinese language and culture programme. Allan believes that schools must provide an optimal learning environment for the young people in a school’s care. He shares, “a balanced education is one that does not simply focus on the academics, but also the social, pastoral, creative and physical development of each and every child.” He holds a EdD in Education from Portland State University and a Masters in Education from Deakin University.

Carol is a highly experienced IB school leader who has worked in leadership positions over the past 25 years. For the last seven years, Carol has served as Director of Teaching and Learning & Assistant Director at the American School of Warsaw in Poland. Prior to Poland, she spent 11 years at Shanghai American School in China in a number of leadership roles.

Carol believes a great school has an energy created by students who are passionate about learning, are empowered to act and who know that they will be supported by committed and caring adults. A native of New Zealand, Carol holds a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from Auckland University, a Diploma of Teaching from Auckland University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Administration from Deakin University, Australia and is currently completing her Doctor of Education in Leadership at Bath University in the UK.

Daniel Smith has worked in international education for the past 20 years in a variety of outstanding schools in Russia, India and Thailand. He earned his MA in Social Studies at Teachers College Columbia University and returned there to complete his M.Ed in Private School Leadership at the Klingenstein Center where he later served as the Assistant Director. During the course of his career, Daniel has worked in US independent schools as a teacher and administrator including travel to many international schools as the Director of International Partnerships for a US based international boarding school. His most recent position was as Head of School at Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok, Thailand.

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.

Andrew is a highly experienced educator with over 11 years’ experience working in the UK and internationally. Before joining CIS, Andrew was Founding Head of Lower School, at the prestigious Harrow International School in Shenzhen. Andrew is passionate about leading teams to deliver exciting, innovative and engaging learning experiences that are impactful for all students. His educational philosophy is centred on nurturing and educating young people to become happy, successful and contributing members of a diverse society.

Andrew believes that educators should nurture a growth mindset and that learning should be student-centred. It should teach knowledge, develop new skills and solidify understanding. It should promote dialogue between teacher, child and peers, allowing the child to identify their own next steps. Learning should be a collaborative and reflective process, so that children can re- evaluate and refine their understanding, creating naturally inquisitive learners.

Andrew holds an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Nottingham and postgraduate certificates for Primary Education and Special Educational Needs from Northumbria and Edge Hill Universities respectively. He has been awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and now facilitates these leadership programmes. He is also a school evaluator with the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Angela Speirs is a highly experienced educational years leader with over 30 years experience in a range of early years and elementary leadership positions globally. Most recently, Angela has served as Primary Principal at the International School of Havana Cuba, Elementary Principal at Xiamen International School in China and Head of Early Years at the prestigious Bangkok Patana School in Thailand.

Anglea strongly believes in the importance of play, exploration and inquiry in order to support our children as they learn to make sense of their world. She believes that the skill of a great Early Years teacher lies in their ability to create an engaging, nurturing and safe environment where the children can experience the joy of learning. Exposing students to visual arts, music, dance and the wonder of nature are extremely important in developing all of the senses of our young learners.

Angela holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland and a PGCE in Education from Craigie College of Education, Ayr, Scotland. Angela is a firm believer in the importance of building a strong community for young learners. She sees relationships between students, teachers and parents as paramount in creating a nurturing environment in which our children can play, learn and grow.

Dr Lijuan Du is a highly qualified and experienced bilingual educational leader. Before joining CIS, Dr Du was Head of Primary Chinese at the International School of Beijing, Director of Chinese at the Hong Kong Academy, Assistant Principal at Beijing International Bilingual Academy, Co Principal of the Dalton School in Hong Kong and most recently as Senior Director of Academics for the Central Office Wellington College China Group.

Dr Du says that a successful educational journey starts with a student-centric approach that sees each student valued as an individual. Teacher quality is an absolutely critical factor for Dr DU, and she holds herself, as well as those she works with, accountable for successful, positive learning outcomes.

Dr Du holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Beijing Normal University, a master’s degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Hong Kong. Her research area is curriculum and assessment.

Kristin Haagensen comes to CIS with over 20 years of experience in special education in a variety of K-12 settings internationally and in the US. Before joining CIS, Kristin was the Secondary Learning Support Coordinator at the Canadian International School in Hong Kong.

Kristin has spent her career helping students gain confidence, improve their academics and reach their goals. She also has guided several schools forward with their inclusive practices so more students can feel recognised and supported.

Kristin has a Master of Education in Specific Learning Disabilities and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and is TESOL certified.

Dr Allan Weston joins CIS in 2022 and has over 25 years of experience in prestigious schools in Australia, the US and South East Asia. Prior to his appointment at CIS, Allan served as Head of Greenfield International School in Dubai, a member of the highly regarded Taaleem group.

Allan also served for eight years as CEO and Executive Head at the prestigious Taipei European School, a group of schools that offered the IB diploma, French, German, and British sections, and a strong Chinese language and culture programme. Allan believes that schools must provide an optimal learning environment for the young people in a school’s care. He shares, “a balanced education is one that does not simply focus on the academics, but also the social, pastoral, creative and physical development of each and every child.” He holds a EdD in Education from Portland State University and a Masters in Education from Deakin University.

Carol is a highly experienced IB school leader who has worked in leadership positions over the past 25 years. For the last seven years, Carol has served as Director of Teaching and Learning & Assistant Director at the American School of Warsaw in Poland. Prior to Poland, she spent 11 years at Shanghai American School in China in a number of leadership roles.

Carol believes a great school has an energy created by students who are passionate about learning, are empowered to act and who know that they will be supported by committed and caring adults. A native of New Zealand, Carol holds a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from Auckland University, a Diploma of Teaching from Auckland University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Administration from Deakin University, Australia and is currently completing her Doctor of Education in Leadership at Bath University in the UK.

Daniel Smith has worked in international education for the past 20 years in a variety of outstanding schools in Russia, India and Thailand. He earned his MA in Social Studies at Teachers College Columbia University and returned there to complete his M.Ed in Private School Leadership at the Klingenstein Center where he later served as the Assistant Director. During the course of his career, Daniel has worked in US independent schools as a teacher and administrator including travel to many international schools as the Director of International Partnerships for a US based international boarding school. His most recent position was as Head of School at Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok, Thailand.

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.

Kristin Haagensen comes to CIS with over 20 years of experience in special education in a variety of K-12 settings internationally and in the US. Before joining CIS, Kristin was the Secondary Learning Support Coordinator at the Canadian International School in Hong Kong.

Kristin has spent her career helping students gain confidence, improve their academics and reach their goals. She also has guided several schools forward with their inclusive practices so more students can feel recognised and supported.

Kristin has a Master of Education in Specific Learning Disabilities and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and is TESOL certified.