中文
Maggie Zhang
Originally from Shanghai, Maggie founded Summit School in 2005, making Summit one of Kunming’s oldest foreign language schools. Today, Summit is officially recognised by the local government as the city’s top private English language teaching school.
Maggie attributes the school’s success to her passion for English language teaching, commitment to students, investment in school facilities and teaching materials and last but not least, to the long line of wonderful English language teachers she has worked with at the school over its many years.
When she’s not at the school talking to parents, hosting teacher meetings or chatting to one of the school’s 500+ students, Maggie enjoys relaxing by painting, meeting friends at one of Kunming’s many cosmopolitan cafes or indulging her passion for travel!
Matt Poulter
Matt is from Cambridge in the UK and joined Summit in its early days back in 2006. Matt helped Maggie formalise school protocols, teaching practices and curriculum, and helped set Summit on its path to success.
Having worked for the school for almost 8 years, Matt finally dragged himself away from Kunming in 2014, but continues to be involved with Summit in a consultative role. He tries to get back to Kunming as often as possible, not just for the school, but also for the amazing cuisine and landscapes that Yunnan province has to offer!
Michael
Michael has been teaching at Summit for three years. He enjoys helping students to improve their English in a relaxing fun classroom atmosphere and encourages children to pursue English outside of the classroom.
Michael has been living in China for about ten years. Having graduated from Nottingham University (UK) with a Masters of Science in Contemporary Chinese Studies and Global Issues, he understands how to bridge gaps between cultures and the learning styles of western and Chinese students. Holding a CELTA (Cambridge English Language Teaching to Adults) certificate, Michael is experienced and trained in teaching ages from 8 years old to adults in various environments.
Jeremy
Jeremy is from Hong Kong and joined Summit this year. Growing up in the Pearl of the Orient, he was exposed to a multilingual environment since young and his experience of translating for youth events in his teenage years helped him develop a solid foundation in both Chinese and English. After getting straight As in English in the A-Levels Examinations in Hong Kong, he went to America to further his studies and received offers from universities including UC Berkeley and UCLA. He graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University double majoring in philosophy and political science. He also holds a Trinity CertTESOL certificate.
Having lived and worked in China for more than six years, Jeremy has taught classes to students of various levels, ages and backgrounds. In addition, he has taught students in Hong Kong and the USA. His bilingual upbringing has given him a unique edge as he understands the common problems Chinese students face when learning English. The diversity of the students he has worked with has trained him to be a flexible teacher who is able to adjust his teaching methods for the best learning experience and effect. With an overall band score of 9 in IELTS, Jeremy is also well-qualified to teach IELTS and is familiar with the skills required to succeed in the test.
James
James has been a teacher here at Summit for six years. He loves working with kids, and enjoys an energetic and interactive classroom environment. He likes his students to work hard and achieve their goals, but in a positive environment where learning is fun.
James is from New Zealand, and has been teaching in Asia for about ten years, including six years in Kunming. James has a bachelor of science majoring in Ecology and Geography from Otago University (NZ) as well as a TEFL. He has experience teaching all ages from around four years old up to adults. He has taught in all areas, from speaking and listening through grammar and writing; small groups to large groups; in classrooms, homes, field trips and even online. James hopes your child will join one of his classes soon.
Ruth
Ruth is from Florida, U.S.A. She is passionate about promoting cross-cultural understanding through teaching and studying foreign languages. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies in 2010, and she is now studying toward a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics. She has over six years of experience as an English teacher and private tutor in both the U.S.A. and China, teaching to all ages of children from kindergarten to high school students. Her foreign language study experience includes Chinese, Telugu, and ancient Hebrew.
Simon
Simon is from Scotland in the UK, and attained a degree in Law (LLB Hons) from Edinburgh Napier University in 2012. Drawing from an extensive background in education, he is a strong believer in interactive learning, and the practical use of English with an emphasis on grammar. He believes that all students have their own styles of learning, and that everyone is capable of becoming an English speaker, given the right opportunities. Simon has lived and worked in China for more than three years now, and continues to enjoy teaching students of all ages.
Rob
Rob is from Scotland in the U.K. He has been teaching English for four years mainly in Japan. Having a wealth of teaching experience at all levels Rob believes that he can teach English in an effective and enjoyable way for all students. He appreciates the students learn in different ways. This is evident in the methods he uses within the classroom.
Rob graduated from the University of the West of Scotland with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies and attained his teaching credentials through a mix of practical experience as well as a 150hr online TEFL course. He has currently been living in Asia for four years and this gives him a unique insight into the cultural differences between different countries and the way that this can affect students learning. He is a strong believer in interactive and enjoyable classes where the students not only learn but also have fun doing it.
Beinn
Beinn is from a small market town outside the city of Leeds in northern England. Having previously worked as a diving instructor for several years, Beinn is now a highly competent language instructor at Summit. He very much enjoys teaching and can quickly develop an excellent rapport with students.
Beinn graduated from The University of Sheffield in 2012, majoring in French, Spanish and Catalan. He has been living and teaching in China for the past three years. Previously, he taught in France, Spain, other parts of China and also at summer camps in the UK. He has taught a wide range of students in a wide range of environments. He has a keen interest in Chinese language and culture and devotes most of his spare time to study. He enjoys travelling, outdoor activities and exploring the Chinese countryside.
Francesca
Francesca has been teaching English for four years in different countries across Europe. She enjoys working with students of all ages and learning about their cultures. Since she was younger, she has been passionate about foreign languages and for this reason she decided to pursue a career as an English teacher. She holds a BA degree in Intercultural Communication as well as a MA degree in Chinese Studies from SOAS University of London. In her free time, she loves travelling and often leads educational tours around Europe.