Meet Our New Teachers

At Léman International School Chengdu, we insist on high standards and strict requirements, carefully selecting the best teachers from all over the world to ensure that we provide the best educational resources for every student. In the new school year, we are delighted to welcome seven new teachers. They come from seven different countries and bring with them the unique charms of their respective cultures and rich educational experiences to our Léman family. The arrival of these seven new teachers will undoubtedly add more diverse colours and vitality to our education team, further promoting the internationalization process of the school and facilitating the cultivation of future leaders with a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills. 

01. Sarah Donnelly

British

DP Coordinator & Teacher of English Language and Literature

Sarah Donnelly, who has an undergraduate degree from the University of Hull, UK and a PGCE from there, as well as a Master's degree from Columbia University, USA. She has worked at the British School of Beijing as a Nord Anglia Regional Conference Workshop Leader, and she holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship with a unique understanding of educational management. As an IBDP English A examiner, Sarah has extensive experience and high standards of professionalism in the field of English language teaching. In addition, she is a World wide Action Charity Ambassador and actively advocates and participates in charitable activities. Sarah has been involved in the education sector for 20 years, she believes that the best education is student-centred and wants to help students broaden their horizons to inspire them to shape a fairer as well as a more empathetic world in the future. 

02. James William  Sandoval

American 

Teacher of English Language and Literature

James William Sandoval holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA, a Master's Degree from Concordia University, and an iPGCE from the University of Sheffield, UK. He has also received a certification in University Counselling from Columbia University Teachers College and a Certificate in International School Counselling from the University of San Diego. James has 10 years of extensive teaching experience and his educational philosophy can be summarized as: experience, process and iteration. He believes that exposure to different texts and writing styles, and putting their own work into practice, enables students to recognize themselves as authors and the value of writing. In the process, students can grow through challenges. And iteration, as the key, allows students to witness the progress of their work, thus developing confident writing skills.

03. Anar Atayev

Azerbaijani

MYP Design with DP Digital Society Teacher 

Anar Atayev holds a Bachelor's Degree from Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey and a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Staffordshire University in the UK. He obtained his PGCE from the University of Nottingham, U.K. Anar has 7 years of teaching experience across the DP MYP Design and Technology, along with instructing IGCSE ICT and A LEVELS IT. This wide range of interdisciplinary experience has given Anar a unique perspective on teaching, enabling him to implement a holistic and in-depth approach across a wide range of subjects, leading students to explore the endless possibilities of knowledge. 

04. Marian Chavez 

Philippine 

Biology Teacher

Marian holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Perpetual Help, Laguna, Philippines and a Master's Degree in Arts from Pacific Intercontinental College, specializing in the field of Biology, along with an officially accredited Professional Teacher's Certificate in Philippines. With 10 years of teaching experience, Marian is committed to creating a learning environment for students that is conducive to their intellectual growth, critical thinking and creative development. Marian believes that education is life-changing and actively guides each student to reach his/her full potential. 

05. Nirmala Iyer

Indian

Athletics Director

Nirmala's undergraduate studies in Education at the University of Aurangabad provided her with a strong theoretical foundation, and her further studies at the University of Mumbai, where she obtained a Masters in Education, broadened her horizons and deepened her professional attainments. With 16 years of glorious teaching experience, she has not only left her footprints of excellence in education across India, but has also accumulated valuable teaching experience and management wisdom. At the beginning of the new term, Nirmala will lead our school's PE teaching to new heights with her unique educational concepts, rich management experience and infinite passion for PE education. 

06. Hima Gawad 

Egyptian

PHE Teacher

Hima Gawad graduated from The Workers University in Cairo, Egypt, and he obtained his iPGCE (International Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Westford University College. Hima has shown exceptional talent and passion in the field of Physical education teaching. He has 2 years experience in teaching PE in international schools and is also a licensed football coach with 12 years of extensive experience. Hima Gawad has always shone in the field of physical education with enthusiasm and professionalism. 

07. Stephen Delano

Canadian 

Drama & Theatre Teacher

Stephen Delano, a veteran Canadian licensed professional teacher, graduated from the University of Lethbridge, Canada, and then studied at Middlesex University in London, UK, where he obtained his Master's Degree. With 18 years of experience in drama teaching, he has crossed borders and left a trail of excellence in Canada, Chile and Abu Dhabi, and is now committed to continuing to sow the seeds of theatre arts in China with his deep professionalism and global vision.