Arts teacher, IBD Art--------Joanne Rodriguez

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a major in Painting and Sculpture at the University of the Philippines. Prior to majoring in Painting and Sculpture, I studied Advertising Arts at the University of San Carlos. I decided to become a teacher while working at an international design company as a fashion and jewelry designer. After being granted my teaching certification by completing the Master of Education course in Educational Management from the University of San Carlos, I went on to get a Master’s degree in International Education from Framingham State College in the United States. Currently, I am actively pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Academy of Arts University, San Francisco.

I am one of the supervisors for the SSIS Dragon Magazine and I’m currently offering a design course as one of the extra-curricular activities in school.

High School Diploma Ceramics and Visual Art teacher--------Peter Davies

I am an Examiner and Moderator of Visual Art Diploma for the IBO. I started to examine in 1998 and moderating in 2005.
With a British father and American mother I claim to be international from birth.

I went to Wimbledon School of Art and Chilterns and Buckinghamshire College where I graduated with a BA (Hons) in 3-D Design, Ceramics and Glass. I took a teaching course and started teaching in UK schools in 1988 after 20 years in the British Civil Service. I went fully international in 1997 teaching art in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey. I joined SSIS in 2003 and design for Drama productions.My E-mail address is:peterdavies@ssis-suzhou.net .

High School and Diploma Music--------Luis Acosta

I am from Costa Rica but did my schooling in the United States. After graduating I went back to Costa Rica and studied music at the Autonomous University of Central America and  National University Costa Rica to obtain my Bachelor of Music degree. Later on, I did my Master of Education in Framingham State College with an emphasis in international education.

I have been teaching in international schools for over 22 years, during this time I have taught all grade levels in British, American and IB schools. I joined SSIS two years ago and this is my third year here. I conduct the High School Orchestra and co-direct the High School Choir. Amongst my duties are Performance Coordinator and supervising instrumental ensembles and bands during lunch time.My E-mail address is:luisacosta@ssis-suzhou.net .

Grade 9 and 10 Drama, Grade 9 English B--------Helen Adams

I studied English language and literature at Moscow State University.  After that, I did my MA and PhD there.  I received my advanced professional training at Thames Valley University in London, Edinburgh University and International House London.  Before continuing my teaching career overseas, I worked as a professor of English at Moscow State University for twenty-four years.
I have been working at international schools around the world for over ten years now.  I taught in Turkey, Bahrain, India, Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Bangladesh before coming to China this August.  At international schools, I have worked as Head of ESL Department and ESL Coordinator (K-12).  
At SSIS, I am a homeroom teacher (9A) and a member of the high school play team.My E-mail address is:helenadams@ssis-suzhou.net.