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how we teach
OUR TEACHERS
Your child will learn better when they’re happy, our teachers are dedicated to making that a reality.
primary
- Elementary School
- Middle School
MEET OUR TEAM
Our teachers are recruited for their high-level qualifications, experience and passion for education.
Craig Wilson
Head of School
Dr. Craig Wilson brings extensive experience in international education, academic leadership, and operational excellence. He holds advanced degrees in education and has served diverse learning communities across North America, Asia, and Europe for over 30 years. Prior to joining DAIS, Dr. Wilson held senior leadership roles in international schools, where he championed student-centered learning and inclusive school cultures. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative approach, he is passionate about fostering global citizenship and academic rigor.
Outside of education, Dr. Wilson is an avid traveler and lifelong learner, committed to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families to support holistic development and community engagement.
Zhou Jie
National Principal
Ms. Zhou has 40 years’ experience in education. With over 20 years’ management background as the principal of elite Chinese public schools, Jie is dedicated to developing character, integrating eastern and western advantages, and preparing for the future.
Nadia Niu
National Principal
Ms. Niu brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including nine years in senior administrative leadership across both higher education and K-12 settings, both in China and internationally. A seasoned educator, associate professor, and supervisor for undergraduate and postgraduate students, her areas of expertise include applied linguistics, intercultural communication, comparative cultural studies, and business negotiation.
Nick Wong
International Curriculum Coordinator
Mr. Wong is from Scotland, UK, and has been working in education for over 15 years. He graduated from Stirling University with Honors in Marine Biology and has completed a Postgraduate Certificate of Education and currently completing his Master's degree in Education Leadership. He has worked in several different international schools and has experience with the UK, US and IB curricula. He held positions both in an academic and management capacity. He has extensive experience teaching a wide range of students from many different backgrounds.
Alice Zhang
Chinese National Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Zhang graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts, and now completing a Master's degree at King’s College London. She obtained national high school English teacher qualification and the TKT Cambridge English teaching certificate. She was also given the award of Excellent teacher in Jinpu New District Dalian in 2021. She has 9 years of teaching experience in international schools. Ms. Zhang is a member of the founding team of Huamei School and served as the homeroom teacher of the first class of graduates.
Vivian Liu
Bilingual Head of Chinese Curriculum
Ms. Liu graduated from Shenyang Normal University with a bachelor's degree in English and later studied in Beijing Language and Culture University's courses in Chinese as a Foreign Language and Framingham State University's postgraduate courses in International Education. She received a CET-8 certificate and TESOL/TEFL/TESL certificates. Ms. Liu has 10 years of international teaching experience, including teaching Chinese as a foreign language. She hopes that students will be naturally attracted to learning through interactive classroom activities.
Wendy Ji
Heritage Head of Chinese
Ms. Ji graduated from Liaoning Normal University and has been teaching for 9 years. She has a primary and junior high school teacher qualification certificate. With 6 years of work experience in public primary schools, she was given the award of Excellent teacher in Jinpu New District and many other distinguished educational awards. Ms. Ji joined Huamei in 2020, and her classes have won the honorary title of "Outstanding Classes" in Dalian.
MEET OUR TEAM
Our teachers are recruited for their high-level qualifications, experience and passion for education.
Nathan Burton
Secondary School Principal
Nathan has over 30 years of educational experience, including experience as an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Web Master. and professional tennis instructor.
A North Carolina native and world traveler, Nathan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Education and a Master's degree in School Leadership. He brings his passions for service learning, global citizenry, and problem-based learning to DHS.
Iveth Morillo
Secondary School Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Morillo earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Education degree. She has 12 years of experience in education, including one year in China.
Her previous positions include PK-12 Curriculum and IB Coordinator, Department of World Languages Chair, Asst Academic Coordinator, ELL Teacher, IB Examiner, and IBDP English and Spanish Literature Teacher.
Lubaina Essack
Secondary School Assistant Principal
Ms. Essack holds a Master's degree in Science and a PGCE in Education. Her professional experience includes being a Secondary School Principal, a Curriculum Coordinator, a Department Head, a Middle School/High School Science and Biology teacher and a School Guidance Counsellor.
As a school leader, Lubaina values authenticity, transparency, academic rigor, and the spirit of harmonious collaboration. Her primary educational focus is on inquiry and skills-based teaching that promotes critical and creative thinking, information literacy, communication, collaboration, and innovation.
Gulnora Kuziyeva
EAL Department Head
Ms. Gulnora has 20 years of experience working as an international teacher. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology from Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages and a Postgraduate Certificate of Special Study in Teaching and Learning from Westminster International University in Tashkent.
Her previous positions include ESL teacher, ESL Head of Department, MYP and DP English teacher, grade level coordinator and summer camp director.
Brandon Iwanyshyn
Science Department Head
Mr. Iwanyshyn is a proud graduate of MacEwan University (Bachelor of Science), and the University of Alberta (Bachelor of Education), both in Edmonton, Canada. His educational expertise lies in the physical sciences, with specializations in Physics, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Psychology.
Besides an extensive teaching experience, Brandon ran multiple summer fitness camp programs for students and organized, created and lead a weekly student newscast.
Petros Kaluwe Libingi
Math Department Head
Dr. Libingi holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), an M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance, a BSc in Business Studies and Mathematics, a B.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics, and a Diploma in Accounting (AAT UK). He has over 27 years of teaching experience, including more than 7 years in China. His teaching portfolio includes mathematics (AP Calculus, IGCSE, A-Level), economics (BC curriculum), and senior-level instruction from upper primary through MYP.
He has also served as a lecturer in financial management and trade mathematics, and is certified to teach in British Columbia, Canada.
Jordan Reed
English Language Arts Department Head
Jordan graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Art degree in Integrated Language and his secondary teaching certification.
In 2011, Jordan moved to Dalian to teach English in a different environment. Jordan is a lifelong learner who brings his enthusiasm for learning into the classroom every day. His love of writing and literature propels him to help students find a voice that is their own.
Michael Kuropatwinski
Social Studies Department Head
Mr. Kuropatwinski holds an M.A. in Liberal Studies and a B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York. Originally from the United States, he has over 13 years of teaching experience, including 11 years at Dalian American International School/Dalian Huamei School. He teaches a range of social studies subjects at the junior and high school levels, including AP Microeconomics, AP United States History, Modern World History, Current Issues, and Government.
His long-standing commitment to DAIS/DHS reflects his dedication to academic instruction and curriculum delivery in the humanities and social sciences.
Angelia Guan
Mandarin Language Department Head
Ms. Guan joined DAIS in August 2011 after she earned her Master of Education degree from Hong Kong University in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. She holds both National Teacher Certificate and a Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. During working time in DAIS, Ms. Guan attended many workshops as she loves to try new teaching methods. She also enjoys to take students out for study trips and make students learn in authentic community.
Paul Robinson
Athletics and Activities Director
Mr. Robinson got his Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Sport & Fitness Science/Health Science from the University of Luton and his Master's degree with distinction (Performance Football Coaching) from St. Mary’s University. He has a FFA/AFC Coaching License (Australia/Scotland), Management and School Leadership Certification (Harvard Business School), and other certifications.
He has been working in education for more than 20 years, including 16 years as a teacher. Paul's interests include volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball, cricket, football, freeletics, gym, fitness, DDPY, boxercise coaching, cycling, running, golf, travel, history, music, cooking, and reading.
He has been working in education for more than 20 years, including 16 years as a teacher. Paul's interests include volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball, cricket, football, freeletics, gym, fitness, DDPY, boxercise coaching, cycling, running, golf, travel, history, music, cooking, and reading.
Dalian Huamei School
EXPERIENCED CHINESE AND INTERNATIONAL STAFF
Our combination of national and international teachers ensures a well-rounded bilingual education for your child. An average of 15 years’ experience per teacher provides a solid foundation for high quality learning.
DISCOVER
TEACHER TRAINING
Our blend of Chinese and international teachers continually educate each other and provide support while getting the best ongoing development training available.
- Teachers join training at Nord Anglia University, meaning our educators are at the cutting-edge of their profession.
- We offer an Executive Master’s in International Education from Kings College, providing our teachers with an in-depth understanding of school leadership in international settings.
- We take select teachers on subject-specific training every year with MIT and Juilliard.
- Our Regional Education Team provides all teachers with Becoming Bilingual training.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
WORKING WITH US
Exceptional teachers make exceptional schools, and our educators are some of the very best. Our bilingual learning environment is enhanced by a balanced ratio of national and international teachers.
Passionate about inspiring young minds and helping students thrive, our teachers never stop learning through local and global, continuous professional development programs – something that attracts talent both in China and from around the world.
At DHS we celebrate our teachers with these additional benefits:
- Strong savings potential
- Highly competitive pay package
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- On-campus housing
- Summer flights
- Tuition for dependents
