Tom Cole - Elementary Counselor - Head of Student Services

I was born in the US but moved overseas when I was in junior high school. I lived in Japan for 25 years, Taiwan for 4 years and am now in my second year in China. I received my B.A. in Linguistics from International Christian University (Tokyo, Japan), M.Ed. from Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and M.S. in School Psychology from National University (Costa Mesa, CA).  I also studied classical Chinese at the National Taiwan Normal University (Taipei, Taiwan). My first teaching position was as an ESL teacher at a Japanese public high school but over the years have also taught Math, Japanese, Social Studies, PE and Science as well being a guidance counselor and placement director at the elementary and secondary levels. I taught ESL, Business Writing, Educational Psychology and Teacher Training courses at California State University, Fullerton.  My students have ranged in age from 4 to 92.  I also spent 4 years working as a technical translator at Ricoh and am a published writer, translator and lexicographer.  Some of you may know my lovely wife Ivy (29+α, domestic engineer) and our children Andy (10, grade 5) and Maggie (7, grade 2).

Contact me at tomcole@ssis-suzhou.net

Alison McIvor - Learning Support Teacher

I am from New Zealand.  I received my B.A. (History) from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. This is also the alma mater of a grandfather, my father and mother, and of two of my adult children. My teaching career in New Zealand was mainly at the junior part of the school, and in later years I specialized in literacy training and working as a Reading Recovery teacher. Eight years ago I spent a year teaching in the United Kingdom then moved to Taicang, China (near to Suzhou) to work as an English teacher in a local middle school. Since then I was in Hong Kong as a Native English Teacher until coming back here to Suzhou, China. This is my first international school experience: what an exciting prospect!

Michelle Mi - Learning Support Teacher

I am from Suzhou China. I graduated at Beijing Normal University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.   I have been teaching in SSIS since the school was founded in 1996.    In the last 14 years I have worked with all levels of early-years students in many subjects, e.g. Chinese, Music, Arts, Math, Computer, PE, and Science.   From 2008, I became a learning support teacher. I like reading, studying and travelling.  I am NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Brief Therapy Techniques qualified.  I am also a member of Suzhou Psychologists’ association since I have received the Psychologist vocational qualification certificate approved by China Labor Bureau in 2005.

Sybil Pretious - Learning Support Teacher

I was born in Zimbabwe but lived in South Africa for many years. I have studied in Zimbabwe, South Africa and America. My qualifications include a BA Degree, diplomas in Early Years, Elementary and Learning Support in addition to   a course in Structure of Intellect involving assessment, training and follow-up therapy. During my career I have held a variety of positions in education – principal, teacher, remedial therapist and as a facilitator for workshops and training. I have worked in the following countries : Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, England and China. I have had many years experience working in Learning Support  with young children and particularly enjoy this aspect of education. I have been at SSIS for 3 years, the first year teaching Kindergarten and for the subsequent years in Learning Support. This year I am the leader for the Primary Learning Support Team.