UWCSEA Staff

Ellie Alchin, Director of Teaching and Learning, Dover Campus

This is an incredible place to work. Having worked in a number of different (and excellent) international schools around the world I can say hand on heart, that the way in which the Mission informs what we do and how we do it here is pretty unique. 

The Mission has both shaped my values and now reflects them. I am in education because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, and the difference I want to make is very much in line with the UWC Mission of uniting people to bring about more peaceful and sustainable futures. In fact, I firmly believe that education is the only way to do this.

I cherish working with thoughtful, committed colleagues at UWCSEA who approach their work in a spirit of curiosity and craftsmanship. Whether it is a highly collaborative relationship with my counterpart at our sister campus, supportive relationships with academic and administrative leaders here at Dover, or working closely alongside teams of teachers as they develop teaching practice, I am constantly struck by the energy, capacity, creativity and commitment of the people with whom I work. 

Our students are of course central to our work. The opportunity to engage with students, and especially our national committee scholars, is an absolute highlight of working here. 

This is a can-do place where we aspire to genuinely walk the walk and not just talk the talk. There are incredible opportunities for professional learning and leadership (both formally and informally). Yes, you will work very hard, and being surrounded by lots of people who are very good at what they do can be daunting, but you will be well supported and the opportunities for professional growth are amazing.

Shruti Tewari,  head of university Advising and Assistant Houseparent, Dover Campus

From the 4 year olds in Kindergarten to the 18 year olds in Grade 12, our students live the UWC values every day, supported by our staff. We are united as a kind and caring community, concerned about the environment, who strive to make the world a better, more peaceful place one day at a time.

Vikneswaran Krishnan Murthi, Head of High School Learning Support, East Campus

Personally, the mission has given me the drive to do my best for the main stakeholders of the school - the students! 

I feel that community spirit is the best part of working at UWCSEA. Everyone is unique as an individual and this is well acknowledged here. I feel safe and secure to be myself as I am accepted for who I am. That is a honestly the gift of UWCSEA. 

Aman Singh Chauhan, Head of Facilities and Operations

My connection with UWCSEA is a unique one. I was busy climbing a so-called corporate ladder until I realised that I was slowly moving away from my values. My values are very close to UWCSEA's values. There is a unique sense of a united community which I cannot explain in words, truly it can only be experienced by being part of the remarkable culture created by the communities on both campuses.

This organization has impacted me personally and professionally in so many positive ways, and I am very grateful for the fact that I have an opportunity to be a part of its mission. Education, Sustainability and Peace are very close to my heart and the members of UWCSEA showcase their commitment to these values in action, day-in day-out - which I find inspiring!

Dr Erin Robinson, former middle School Principal, East Campus

I often refer to UWCSEA and the wider UWC movement as my “dream school”. I feel incredibly fortunate to a part of an organisation that is so deeply committed to Kurt Hahn’s vision for reaching a peaceful and sustainable future. While I am currently the Middle School Principal and teach social entrepreneurship, my career began as a high school Biology teacher, and prior to UWCSEA, I was a school leader in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and the United States. 

Leading learning at UWCSEA feeds my soul; there’s no greater joy than seeing how the collaborative approach we have embedded in our leadership and our classrooms impacts so positively on student learning, supports the craftsmanship of my colleagues, and builds a positive culture and community.

I am inspired by this coming together of our diverse community members which empowers students who will go out into the world and challenge and disrupt the status quo in order to pursue an equitable, humane, and sustainable future. 

Erin was a senior leader at UWCSEA, sitting on the Learning Leadership Team at the College and the East Campus Leadership Team. Read more about Erin's professional experience here.

Jeremy Tong, Outdoor Education Specialist, East Campus

I joined UWCSEA for the amazing opportunity to grow personally and professionally in a full-time international outdoor setting. The opportunity to work with students throughout their UWCSEA career was what appealed to me and that I could be part of the catalyst to see them grow in their little outdoor moments was something I did not want to miss. The passion for the outdoors simply starts with a single moment!
 
I’ve been involved in the Singapore outdoor adventure industry since 2010. Immediately prior to joining UWCSEA, I was climbing on the slopes of Mount Everest and reached her summit on 22 May 2019. I hold a Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Learning and a BSc in Sports Science and Management from Nanyang Technological University. From 2010, I held instructor and management roles in Outward Bound Hong Kong, a climbing gym, a corporate team-building company and a local expedition adventure company. I am also a sports climbing instructor and hold kayak, sailing, rescue3 and lifesaving qualifications.

Hugh Pollard, Head of Grade 5, Dover Campus

I teach at UWCSEA because I can help to mould really decent young people. As a young adult, no one cares very much about the grades you got at school, but they care very much about the kind of person you are. I think UWCSEA helps to shape the right kind of young people and I'm proud to be part of that.

Dr Jensen Hjorth, Former High School Vice Principal and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Dover Campus

Lorena Ferreira, Grade 3 Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator, Dover Campus

Sarah Song, Teacher of Humanities and English in Middle School