加入NACIS创校团队，实现人生下半场的教育梦想Join the NACIS Founding Team and Pursue an Educational Dream in the Second Chapter of Life
2015年，一次为期一个月的海外学习，改变了Fiona老师的人生轨迹。哪怕是已经过去十年，Fiona老师仍然记得那些转动了她命运齿轮的经历和触动。初冬的阳光透过窗棂照在Fiona老师的脸上，她分享时眼里的亮光分外夺目而温暖。
In 2015, a one-month overseas study programme altered the trajectory of Ms. Fiona’s life. Even a decade later, she recalls the experiences that set the wheels of her destiny in motion. As winter sunlight streamed through the windowpanes, illuminating her face, the spark in her eyes shone with warmth and clarity as she shared those memories.
郑熙彦Fiona老师：那年作为闵行区的骨干教师，我得到了去英国华威大学培训的机会。那时我已经在公立小学做了近20年语文老师，职业生涯有了很多积淀。在华威大学一个月的学习，我们是没有休息的，每天探访英国的各种学校，幼儿园、小学、初中、职校和大学。我们走了很多课堂，打开了一扇新世界的窗——原来书还可以这样教！
Ms. Fiona recalled: As a core teacher in Minhang District, I was given the opportunity in 2015 to receive professional training at the University of Warwick in the UK. At that time, I had already taught Chinese in public primary schools for nearly twenty years and had accumulated substantial professional experience. During that month, we had no days off. We visited a wide range of educational institutions every day including kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, and universities across the UK. We observed countless classrooms, and a window to a new world was opened for me. I realised that teaching could be done in such different ways.
即便是下雨天，幼儿园的小朋友穿着套鞋，不穿雨衣不戴帽在泥巴地里玩。老师也站在雨里看着孩子玩，等雨下大了，把孩子们叫回来。幼儿园这样的训练，孩子的生存能力会很强，包括协调能力。这在中国家长眼里是不太能接受的。
Even on rainy days, kindergarten children would wear rain boots and play freely in the mud, without raincoats or hats. Teachers stood in the rain watching them, only calling the children back when the rain grew heavier. Such experiences cultivate children’s survival skills and coordination abilities. Yet, from the perspective of many Chinese parents, the approach would be difficult to accept.
到了小学，一个老师从头上到尾，他是包班的，什么都会：简笔画、弹琴唱歌……我突然发现——天呐！我们除了教语文好像其他都是盲区！
When it came to primary school, one teacher would guide the class throughout the entire day. The teacher was like an all-rounder - able to draw simple sketches, play musical instruments, and sing. At that moment, I suddenly realised that we seemed to have blind spots in so many other areas apart from teaching Chinese.
那时我就在想：老师可不可以让自己的生命更有色彩一些？自己就非常迫切想换一种活法。正好NACIS创校，我觉得我可以在新的一方热土开始人生下半场的教育梦想。
I began to ask myself: could a teacher’s life be more colourful? I felt an urgent desire to live and teach in a different way. Coincidentally, NACIS was founded at that time, and I felt that I could begin my educational dream for the second half of my life on the new and fertile ground.
当时面试我的是创校英国女校长Sarah，很瘦很高，穿着高跟鞋走路带风。当时NACIS吸引我的一个点，但凡学生要用的东西，都是以学生的身高体重为标准，而不是以我们成年人的。我最惊讶的就是一年级的小马桶、洗手台，一二年级桌椅的尺寸和三四五年级是不一样的。
The interview was conducted by Ms. Sarah, the founding principal, tall, slender, and walking briskly in high heels. One aspect of NACIS that impressed me was that everything designed for students was based on children’s height and physical development, rather than adult standards. What surprised me most were the details: the child-sized toilets and sinks for grade 1, and desks and chairs of different sizes for Grades 1-2 compared with Grades 3-5.
所以你就会发现，在这里孩子是最重要的。
Therefore, it becomes evident that children are of paramount importance at NACIS.
在双语学校，语文老师是一种什么样的存在？有多重要？Why Chinese Teachers Matter in Bilingual Schools?
郑熙彦Fiona老师：我觉得从NACIS创校以来，语文在这个学校一直是最重要的。首先，这所学校办在中国的土地上，在我们上海闵行。其次，小朋友之所以选择NACIS是因为首先要深耕母语。如果我们的孩子连中国字中国话都不能掌握得得心应手，其实英语我看也一定是半瓶子水晃荡。
Ms. Fiona believes that since the founding of NACIS, Chinese education has been one of the most important subjects in the school. First, NACIS is located on Chinese soil - in Minhang District, Shanghai. Second, families choose NACIS because they believe it is essential for children to develop a strong foundation in their mother tongue. If students cannot master Chinese characters and the Chinese language with confidence and fluency, their English learning will inevitably remain superficial.
我们的语文老师都是学校的顶梁柱，尤其是小学部，我们要打造沉浸式的语言环境。语文老师基本上要教两个班，都是班主任，还有很多语文老师担任年级组长。从学科地位、职务职责和家长沟通来讲，语文老师都是非常重要的，因为他是一座桥梁。
In her view, Chinese teachers are the backbone of the school, particularly at the primary level. We are committed to creating an immersive language environment. Most Chinese teachers teach two classes, serve as form tutors, and many also take on the role of grade leaders. In terms of subject importance, professional responsibilities, and communication with parents, Chinese teachers play a vital role because they serve as a crucial bridge between students, families, and the school.
让小孩子爱上阅读，是一件不容易的事。我们从创校开始就做了一个和体制内学校非常不同的项目：阅读分享会。我们所有的书都是按照班级人数来买的，一套一套的买，做上记号，每天有书目的要求。老师要给到感染力，吸引孩子走进文本里。
It is not easy to help children love reading. From the very beginning, NACIS introduced a programme different from those in traditional schools: the Reading Sharing Programme. All books are purchased in complete class sets, clearly labelled and organised, with daily reading requirements. Teachers are expected to inspire and engage students, drawing them into the texts.
好，讲到一个非常精彩的地方戛然而止，小朋友你们觉得后面会发生什么？不同的孩子给你的结局不一样，有的喜欢悲剧，有的喜欢喜剧，有的喜欢情节冲突。OK，你听他们说。那作者是怎么写的，小朋友回去自己看一看，其实就是有节奏地带着他们读。
At particularly compelling moments in a story, teachers intentionally pause and ask: “What do you think will happen next?” Different children offer different endings. Some prefer tragedies, some like comedies, and others are drawn to dramatic conflict. Teachers listen attentively and then invite students to return to the text to discover how the author developed the story. In this way, students are guided into reading with rhythm and anticipation.
从分享的书目来讲，包括海报，包括分享的形式，有美术的，有音乐的，有文字的，都是小朋友以团队的形式来完成。然后把爸爸妈妈邀请进来，一起参加我们的阅读分享会。随着我们的学校越来越成熟，我们有了必读书目、选读书目，还有了动态和静态的分享，最能呈现过程性的成长。
In terms of reading sharing, students work in teams to present their reflections through diverse formats including posters, visual art, music, and written expression. Parents are invited to participate in the Reading Sharing Event, experiencing the joy of learning together. As our school continues to mature, we have established required reading lists, optional reading selections, as well as both dynamic and static sharing formats - approaches that showcase students’ growth as an ongoing process.
新挑战，融合班一年级班主任A New Challenge: Serving as a Form Tutor of The Grade 1 Integrated Class
郑熙彦Fiona老师：这学期，我担任新创的融合班一年级班主任，对我来讲是一个非常大的挑战。今年是我职业生涯的第30个年头，过去10年在NACIS都是带小学高年级，眼下这群小宝宝是我第一届一年级。我接到这个任务后忐忑了两个月，以前我是“班主任妈妈”，现在我像一个“奶奶”去看一年级。
Ms. Fiona said: “This semester, I have taken on the role of form tutor for a newly established Grade 1 Integrated Class, which has been a significant challenge for me. This year marks the thirtieth year of my teaching career. Over the past decade at NACIS, I have primarily taught upper primary grades, and the group of very young learners is my first cohort of grade 1. After receiving the assignment, I felt apprehensive for nearly two months. In the past, I was known as a ‘homeroom mother’; now, I feel more like a ‘grandmother’ returning to teach Grade 1.”
暑期的时候，我们对于这个班型的课程，做了团队深度再深度的落实，形成了清晰的认知。一年级有两个融合班，四个国际班，我们是团队作战集体备课。甚至每个教研组同课异构，一个老师上第一课时，一个老师上第二课时；第一课时用国际班上，第二课时用融合班上。在语文目标的落地上，国际班讲的是视野、灵活；融合班讲的是夯实基础，写出来的字是方方正正有笔锋的，口头语言表达是流利清晰的。
During the summer break, extensive and in-depth discussions were held regarding the curriculum design and teaching approaches for the new class model, leading to a clear and shared understanding among the teaching team. At present, there are two Integrated Classes and four International Classes in Grade 1. Teachers work collaboratively as a team, engaging in collective lesson planning. In some cases, the teaching and research group adopts a “same lesson, different designs” approach, exploring diverse teaching strategies for the same learning objectives. In terms of achieving Chinese learning goals, the International Classes emphasise perspective and flexibility, while the Integrated Classes focus on building solid foundations - students develop well-structured handwriting with confident strokes, and their oral expression is fluent and clear.
如果说国际班的孩子未来瞄准的是国际赛道，那融合班的孩子就是两条腿走路，未来既可以凭借夯实的学术深度走国内路线。同时，也可以结合自身的状况，在最合适的阶段选择转轨到国际班就读。在NACIS融合多元，创新明辨的氛围下成长起来的孩子，眼界更广、选择更多。
If the International Classes prepare students primarily for an international academic pathway, students in the Integrated Classes are supported to develop along two pathways. With a strong academic foundation, they may pursue a domestic educational route; alternatively, based on individual readiness and development, they may choose to transition to the International Classes at the most appropriate stage. Growing up in our inclusive, diverse, and innovative environment, students gain broader horizons and a wider range of future options.
我带的融合班的小白，送给我一个手工礼物，中间有一个“白”字。我说，小白很独立，“白”是什么结构的字？他立马说“白”是独体字。我觉得这种学习也是非常快乐的。
“One of my students from the Integrated Class, Xiaobai, once gave me a handmade gift featuring the character ‘白’, I asked him, ‘Xiaobai is very independent - what kind of character structure is ‘白’? He immediately replied that it is a single-component character. I find this kind of learning deeply joyful.”
小白手工礼物的落款“您的学生儿子”。小朋友日常和我在一起学习生活会有依赖，他们习惯早上进校就要拥抱你。我觉得这种感情的建立，就是学校里的妈妈和孩子们的亲密无间。
The handmade gift was signed, “Your student son.” In daily learning and life together, young children form a sense of attachment; they are accustomed to greeting their teacher with a hug each morning upon arriving at school. Ms. Fiona believes that this emotional bond reflects the close, nurturing relationship between a teacher - like a mother at school - and her students.
教育是一种双向照亮，职业幸福感的来源Education: A Journey of Mutual Inspiration and Fulfillment
郑熙彦Fiona老师：我觉得这种双向照亮除了我个人之外，还有团队给我的，学生和家长给我的。NACIS创校的那一年，我是小学部的语文学科负责人。当时我们的团队还非常年轻，老师来自各个学校，每个人的思维方式带着之前的很多学科认知等等。作为一个HOD（学科负责人），我要做的就是陪着他们一起往前走。
Ms. Fiona said: I believe this “two-way illumination” extends beyond my personal experience; it is also something I receive from my team, as well as from students and parents. In the founding year, I served as Head of Primary Chinese. At that time, our team was still very young, composed of teachers from various schools, each bringing their own prior subject perspectives and ways of thinking. As a Head of Department, my responsibility was to accompany them on their journey forward.
那时我是青年老师的带教，帮助有点教龄的老师如何突破瓶颈，还有一些资深的老师怎么去攻关，创新一些东西出来。这些老师为什么要和你在一起，因为他们有成长。
I mentored young teachers, helping those with some teaching experience to break through barriers, and supported senior teachers in tackling challenges and innovating new approaches. Why would these teachers choose to work closely with you? Because they could grow professionally.
他们成长的时候，我要想的是如何能更好的给予他们支持。所以那时我们会把全市各个区最顶尖的老师请进来，我也把老师们带出去，去听去学，给他们搭舞台。
When they grew professionally, my focus was on how to support them. To that end, we invited the top teachers from various districts to share their expertise, and I also arranged for our teachers to go out of school, observe classes, learn and gain experience - creating opportunities and platforms for their development.
做老师就是一颗为母心，Fiona妈妈在这里等你们回家With a Mother’s Heart, Mommy Fiona Awaits You Here
郑熙彦Fiona老师：我现在的微信头像，是一个叫陆子平的姑娘给我画的。他们5 Blossom 班是2017年入校的，我是他们五年级的班主任。孩子们爱你的方式非常特别，她给我画的头像，我问为什么是红色？她说你看你穿的是红旗袍。红旗袍是我的战袍，只有到非常隆重大型的活动我才会穿。
Ms. Fiona shared: My current WeChat profile picture was drawn for me by a student named Lu Ziping. The 5 Blossom joined NACIS in 2017, and I was their form tutor. The ways in which children express their affection are always deeply personal. When she drew the portrait, I asked why she chose red. She replied, ‘Because you’re wearing a red qipao.’ The red qipao is my ‘battle uniform’ - I wear it only on the most formal and significant occasions.
有个叫Patrick的孩子做了一个胸针送给我，他说你告诉过我们，我们每个人都是独一无二的，所以我也找了一个独一无二的东西给你。
One student named Patrick once made a brooch for me. He said, ‘You told us that each of us is unique, so I found something unique for you.’
我想对Patrick说，你也是独一无二的，你给我的东西我珍藏着。还记不记得你给F我的评价：Fiona有一双神奇的手/她平时总是不声不响地站着/但是一旦她出手/马上风平浪静。
I would like to say to Patrick: you are also unique, and everything you have given me is something I cherish deeply. Do you remember the evaluation you once wrote for me? You said: ‘Ms. Fiona has a pair of magical hands. She usually stands quietly, but once she steps in, everything immediately becomes calm.’
22年那一届的孩子，做了一个杯子给我。上面每个小娃娃都是他们的自画像，长发短发，中英文名字都在上面，一个都不缺。那一年我们也经历了一个特殊时期，但是孩子们给我的爱非常深沉。杯子有个谐音“一辈子”，这个杯子已经被我用了很多年了。
“The class of 2022 made a cup for me. Every little figure on it is a self-portrait drawn by the students - some with long hair, some with short hair - with their Chinese and English names, and not even one missing. That year, we went through an especially challenging period together, yet the love the children gave me was profound. In Chinese, the word ‘cup’ carries a homophonic meaning of ‘a lifetime.’ I have used the cup for many years now.
现在11年级的徐凯洛，是我带过的学生，最近他在淮海路的k11画廊办个人画展，今年暑假爱奇艺还播放了他主演的电影《等你回来》。其实他小时候话不多，就是那种看着听着，只有到关键时刻才会表达的学生。还有常博文，他们俩是一个班的，去年得了IG数学满分获剑桥卓越奖，今年作为iGEM校队成员得了全球金奖。13岁入选国家青训队的杨子辰，也是我的学生。他从三年级开始练铁人三项，每次站上领奖台，总是整齐穿着NACIS校服。看到他们现在发展得这么好，我也觉得很幸福。
“Xu Kailuo, now a Grade 11 student, was once my pupil. Recently, he held a solo art exhibition at the K11 Art Gallery on Huaihai Road, and this summer, a film in which he starred, Waiting for You, was released on iQIYI. As a child, he was not very talkative; he was the kind of student who observed and listened carefully, choosing to express himself only at critical moments. Another former student, Chang Bowen, was in the same class. Last year, he achieved a perfect score in the IGCSE mathematics examination and received the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award; this year, as a member of the iGEM team, he won a Global Gold Award. Yang Zichen, who was selected for the national youth training team at the age of 13, is also my former student. He began training in triathlon in Grade 3, and every time he stands on the podium, he wears NACIS uniform. Seeing how well they have grown fills me with a deep sense of happiness.”
每一次学生毕业的时候，我都告诉他们：希望你们能够在顶峰相见，Fiona妈妈还在这里等你们回家！我觉得做老师其实就是一颗为母心，就能想得到很多看得到很多，主动地去做很多。我的学生有的去了加拿大、美国、英国，回国的时候都会来看我。孩子们飞得再远，妈妈总是在原地看着他们。
At every graduation, I tell my students ‘I hope you will meet again at the summit of your journeys. Mommy Fiona is still here, waiting for you to come home.’ I believe that being a teacher, at heart, is an act of motherhood. With such a heart, we can think more deeply, see more clearly, and act more proactively. Some of my students have studied in Canada, the US, and the UK, and whenever they return to China, they come back to visit me. No matter how far the children fly, their mother is always there, watching over them.
作为一名教龄30年的教师，Ms. Fiona的眼中还是常常会闪现出非常清澈的光芒，这是一名不仅仅把“教师”看作一份职业的人才拥有的独特气质。所有过往，皆为序章，对于Fiona老师来说，教育永远没有终点，前路漫漫亦灿灿，坚持梦想，终见璀璨！
With thirty years of teaching experience, Ms. Fiona’s eyes still shine with a remarkable clarity - a quality unique to those who embrace teaching not merely as a profession, but as a lifelong calling. All that has passed is but a prelude. For Ms. Fiona, education knows no final horizon; the path ahead stretches far yet glows with promise. Steadfast in her dreams, she continues to watch brilliance unfold.
