PHILOSOPHY
I believe that each child is unique and precious. Exceptional individualities, with endless potential, children need the just-right amount and type of support, encouragement, care and intellectual stimulation to grow, to reach their full potential and ultimately to make the world a better place. I am dedicated to the development of the whole child; therefore, in my teaching I am driven by the desire to ensure that each child benefits from the environment and the tools necessary for his or her complete development, while addressing the different learning styles and intelligences. The main ideas leading my teaching are: (1) all teaching and learning is student centered, (2) a child can learn best if his or her curiosity is promoted and encouraged, and (3) all things and people deserve respect and appreciation.
I believe that the teacher’s role is that of a guide, rather than the ultimate source of all information. When students’ curiosity is awakened, encouraged and respected, they take ownership of their own learning and start to search for knowledge and to discover ways to find answers to their questions. It is my desire to develop in children a passion for learning, which will not stop the moment the school year has finished but will lead and accompany them for the rest of their life. Providing students with access to hands-on activities, first-hand experiences and meaningful contexts where to apply their learning creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to happen. I believe that positive, consistent and timely feedback is crucial in providing the child with information on his or her progress, success and need for growth.
AI in schools - yes or no?
It's the biggest question in education today. Do we ignore it, confront it, reject it, embrace it, teach with it, or ban it?
Read my opinion here.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Different international institutions have emphasized the relevance of education to developing citizens who contribute to achieving the SDGs for 2030. However, a review focused on physical education (PE) has yet to be performed. I believe there are several SD Goals that can be addressed in Physical Education. What I have written here is an attempt to highlight the SDGs I can incorporate into my classes, and where they might sit. Please click Read More if you are interested in my ideas.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSIVITY
My strong belief in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion stems from the conviction that they are not just ethical imperatives but also essential for building more innovative, prosperous, and equitable societies and organizations. Embracing diversity is a path toward a better future for everyone, and it is a cause worth championing. It is also very personal. My eldest son, Conor, was adopted by us as a 3 week old baby whilst we were living in Seoul. Some of the ignorant, vile, racial attacks he has endured tear my heart apart. 'Go back where you came from' is so racist it makes me livid. If you want to read more, please click the button.
RECENT EXPERIENCE
Achieve Xiamen International School Fujian China
2023-Current
PYP PE Teacher and Coach (PS-Grade 3), EAL K Grade 1 Grade 2
Concordia International School Shanghai
2018 - 2023
Early Childhood Specialist Music and Movement Teacher
(Pre-school to Kindergarten)
Concordia International School Shanghai
2017 - 2018
Elementary PE Teacher 2017-2018 PS-Grade 4)
“The core of education is the relationship between the teacher and the student, and the extent to which that relationship nurtures the longing of the child to matter in the world, and the longing of the teacher to nurture and fulfil that desire.”
–Timothy Shriver and Jennifer Buffet
ABOUT SUE
When I meet people, I like to ask questions. The kind of questions I like to ask helps me understand their paradigm; what they believe about the world. So, if I were you, and I was asking myself a bunch of questions, I’d ask things like; do you have a partner? Where did you meet? Where did you get married? Do you have children? Where are you from? What’s your favourite holiday ever, and why? What do you do for a job? Do you like it? What hobbies do you enjoy? Do you like sport? Which ones and why? If you had the choice, who would you invite to dinner if everyone who is now passed was actually still alive? So, I’m going to start my bio there.
TESTIMONIALS
QUICK ID
Phone
+86 130 2319 1279
+61 0475397847
Website
Address
AXIS, Xiamen, Fujian, China