How our Educators Enrich the KAS Learning Community
Saturday was Taiwan Teacher’s Day. The day is celebrated annually on the birthday of Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher who devoted his life to teaching and advocated for education for all. In light of this day, we want to recognize and thank our 97 teachers who are the backbone of KAS.
Teaching is a demanding profession, emotionally and mentally. Our teachers are responsible for the learning, well-being, and development of their students, and their work often extends beyond the classroom. Teachers and principals have hundreds of conversations and make thousands of decisions on a daily basis as they work with young learners. Whether running extracurricular activities, engaging in professional development, grading, planning, or attending meetings, KAS teachers go above and beyond. They are not only experts in their subjects but also adaptable, accountable, innovative, and engaging. The path of a teacher is challenging, but it is also one of the most vital and impactful careers in our society.
Teachers play a fundamental role in shaping future generations by teaching academic content in a way that helps students develop the critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills that are key to being successful in today’s world. Teachers are instrumental in fostering informed, responsible and empathetic citizens who contribute positively to their communities. By instilling curiosity and a love for learning, teachers inspire students to continue their education long after they leave high school.
Most of us can point to a teacher who made a profound difference in our lives – someone whose influence extended beyond the classroom, and who positively impacted our self-confidence, goals, perspective and life choices.
Depth of Experience and Perspective
We are beyond lucky to have teachers who truly are “those teachers” for KAS students. On paper, they are very well prepared: 75% have advanced degrees, most have many years of experience teaching, and all are committed to continuing their learning and improving through professional development.
The depth and diversity of our teachers’ experience, both professional and personal, brings great value to our school. Whether they grew up in the U.S., Chile, Taiwan or Ghana, or as a Third Culture Kid in several countries, KAS teachers bring unique perspectives and experiences that help them connect with our students in meaningful ways. This diversity helps our students learn to see their world from different points of view, so they will develop empathy and a broader understanding of our world.
Many of our teachers have also worked at reputable international schools around the world—from the UAE and Singapore to Germany and Colombia. These experiences help them bring new ideas, teaching methods, and fresh perspectives to our classrooms, while addressing a full range of learning strengths and needs. It also means KAS teachers are better equipped to connect with and make learning more relevant and engaging for students who come from a variety of backgrounds themselves.
Commitment to Learning
Good teachers want to contribute and make a difference through their work, but equally important is our teachers’ passion for their own lifelong learning—a value we talk about often and instill in our students. The educational landscape is always evolving, with new best practices, advances in technology, and curriculum changes. Professional development is essential to staying ahead of the curve.
“Teacher professional development is not just beneficial—it’s essential. In a world of constant change, we must ensure education is preparing students for what they face today, tomorrow, and in the future. Professional development empowers educators to inspire, innovate, and adapt, so every student can thrive.” – Jenny Mitchell, Director of Teaching and Learning
Our teachers engage in ongoing learning every week during Wednesday early release time, as well as through dedicated professional development days throughout the year. Additionally, many of our educators have completed certifications, attended and led workshops, and participated in conferences deepening their expertise in their subject areas and refining their teaching practices that align with our school’s values and goals.
For example, last year, our faculty’s dedication to academic excellence was demonstrated by a strong focus on curriculum writing. Teachers designed and wrote over 350 unit planners to help ensure a well-rounded, cohesive approach to teaching and learning across all grade levels. Weekly staff and faculty meetings, and regular collaboration during the school day, provided further opportunities to review lesson standards, develop common assessments, and maintain consistency in instructional approaches.
Last year 12 KAS elementary school educators completed specialist certifications, strengthening their proficiency in math instruction. Nine of our middle school teachers attended a SENIA conference and workshops to help bring more inclusive practices for students with special learning needs into our school community.
Additionally, our teachers and staff worked last year with a consultant, Jessica Wei Huang, to learn more about recognizing and responding to microaggressions and “identity-based harm.” These sessions covered key concepts such as inclusion, belonging, and othering, and emphasized the importance of listening to students’ voices. Faculty also developed skills for intervening to address and interrupt harmful words or actions.
This is just a snapshot of the types of continuous learning our teachers engage in to ensure they bring the best to KAS students every day. As we reflect on their dedication and in light of this year’s Teacher’s Day, we want to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our educators and the lasting impact they have on our Dragons and community. Thank you!
