Name: Jen Long

Hometown: Hamilton, Canada

Role: Teacher Director

Favourite Quote/Words to Live by: "Knowledge is not passively received from the world or from authoritative sources but constructed by individuals or groups making sense of their experiential worlds." -Kaya Yilmaz

Do you have a favourite place you’ve travelled?

Cambodia is one of the most interesting places I've ever been. Gorgeous ruins of a lost civilization posed in stark contrast to the modern suffering of its people. Definitely a place that inspires you to dig deeper than the conventional tourist experience.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Be open to new experiences! This advice from an early mentor inspired me to leave my hometown behind to experience life in different countries, where I was able to develop my career and build friendships all over the world!

What’s the best thing about Taiwan?

The people! I have never felt more welcome anywhere else I've ever been. Taiwanese people are warm, helpful and polite. I can't count the number of times I have fumbled with the language or lost my way only to have strangers approach me to offer assistance.

How do you support Foresight teachers in your role as Teacher Director?

As Teacher Director, I'm here to help the teachers with their academic needs. Teachers come to me to find out more about instructional strategies that they can use in their classrooms. I provide professional development opportunities for teachers to continue to evolve their teaching practice. I spend my days popping into classrooms to support the teachers to better meet their students' needs. If a teacher comes to me with a question, we co-plan effective strategies to meet the students' learning goals.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

I love seeing the development of the teachers over the course of the school year. Seeing their confidence grow as they support their students towards success always fills me with excitement for the future.