Elementary School Management

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

Resie Fernandez, Head of Elementary School

My name is Resie Fernandez, currently serving as the Head of Elementary School. I come from the Philippines but have been living in Cambodia for the past 17 years. I was a teacher for 21 years and promoted to different school leadership positions. The experience honed my skills in equipping and building the capacity of the people around me, especially my team. After completing my master’s degree in 2003, I moved to Cambodia and taught university students in the area of principles and methods of teaching.

For eight years, I worked with my students in reaching their communities; providing English classes to children, and working alongside them in small community development projects. Following these eight years of working with students, I managed a Singaporean owned language school. I led a team of national teachers and trained them to implement the Cambridge English Program and Singapore Maths.

I believe education is transformation. When a real learning process takes place, it changes the person’s perspective about himself/herself, family, community, and the world. I believe it is important to develop students’ mindset and their ability to think. Change of perspective begets a change of behavior that results in a transformation of life.

In 2016, I joined the CIA FIRST International School community as a teacher. Being a part of the CIA FIRST International School leadership now is truly a privilege. I am drawn to CIA’s commitment to “envisioning new heights of achievement for the individual learner and everything within his/ her reach and power to influence: family, community, the world…” Every student is created with unique potential and ability. I also believe that each student has a dream, ambition, and aspiration in life. I envision elementary students, learning to think and stand up for themselves as they move up to Middle School and High School, yet humbly listen to the wise guidance of their elders and teachers.

Matthew Allen, Dep. Head of Elementary School

My name is Matthew Allen, currently serving as the Deputy Head of Elementary (Sen Sok). I come from the UK and have been living in Cambodia for the past 7 years. I have graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Chemistry with honours and spent four years working in the chemical industry for major global companies. I am currently studying a PGCert with the University of Essex.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Cambodia, it is a wonderful country rich in culture and kind hearted people. Everyday I am inspired to be as dedicated as I can to inspire the next generation of Cambodian citizens. I am passionate about guiding our young learners on their journey to achieve their full potential. I have especially enjoyed my time teaching here along with the massive learning curve that came with it. It has been a personal learning journey, and one that I have always been open to continuous learning, and striving for self improvement.
I feel proud and privileged to work at CIA FIRST and am fully committed to fostering the school’s vision and mission. The school is full of dedicated educators who are skilled and knowledgeable in delivering 21st century learning. Our spacious and well equipped campuses are the perfect places to nurture a child’s educational journey.