The Decision Behind an International Education Leader Joining Concordia Ningbo

The Concordia Principal Interview Series endeavors to shape the field's development through the perspectives of educational leaders, fostering exceptional and innovative talents, leveraging education to transform the world, and nurturing future visionaries.

In August 2023, Dr. Zhou Zejun, motivated by his unwavering commitment to education, officially joined Concordia Ningbo as the Campus-wide Academic Principal and CISN Principal. Here, he will lead an exceptional team of educators from both Eastern and Western backgrounds to redefine Concordia's educational vision for the future.

Our Esteemed Guest:

Dr. Zhou

Campus-wide Academic Principal

CISN Principal

· Holds a Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education from Indiana University, USA.

· Boasts nearly 30 years of educational experience.

· Has 17 years of teaching experience spanning primary and secondary education.

· Carries 13 years of managerial experience in private education.

· Holds administrative roles in prestigious international institutions such as Shanghai Pinghe Bilingual School, Victoria Shanghai Academy in Hong Kong, and King's School Canterbury Shenzhen.

In today's discussion, we engage in an earnest conversation with Dr. Zhou, an experienced educational leader, to share his professional journey, educational philosophy, and his connection with Concordia.

Belief in Concordia's Role in Future Education

Q1: Dr. Zhou, having worked at Shanghai Pinghe Bilingual School and serving as an administrator at Victoria Shanghai Academy with nearly 30 years in education, what drew you to Concordia School Ningbo?

A1: Though I'm in my third week in Ningbo, I have a profound connection with Concordia. My eight-year tenure at Shanghai Pinghe Bilingual School, from starting as a primary school English teacher to becoming the Director of the Foreign Language Centre, instilled in me a deep admiration for Concordia's educational ethos. During my time at Pinghe, I interacted with Concordia International School Shanghai as Pinghe's foreign affair officer, my first encounter with the Concordia family. Witnessing small class sizes, passionate students, and dedicated teachers nurturing holistic development sowed the seeds of "whole person education" in my heart.

After pursuing a Ph.D. at Indiana University, I focused on how IB education shapes future-oriented global citizens in China. This global era necessitates character-building in students who will shape our society. As Vice Principal at Victoria Shanghai Academy in Hong Kong, I honed my understanding of the IB Curriculum.

Choosing Concordia Ningbo aligns with my interest in the IB Programs, Concordia's philosophy, and my connection to Ningbo. The city, where my father served as a naval officer, offers a unique blend of modernity and history. I see Concordia as the ideal platform to shape future education. Returning to Concordia feels like coming home, bridging tradition with modernity and embracing the essence of whole-person education.

Dr. Zhou's advocacy of "whole person education" resonates with Concordia Ningbo's philosophy, embracing holistic development and realizing each student's full potential. This ethos propels us to be an exemplary international school, recognizing each child's uniqueness and potential.

The Significance of "和" (Harmony) at Concordia

Q2: Throughout your extensive international education journey, the word "harmony" has frequently surfaced. How does "harmony" align with Concordia's motto?

A2: "和" (harmony) stands as a cornerstone of Concordia's ethos, rooted in both traditional Chinese philosophy and modern practice. This concept was vividly illustrated during the Beijing Olympics' opening ceremony, where Zhang Yimou's visual representation resonated globally. "和" embodies balance, peace, and harmony. Concordia's ideal education lies in holistic education: nurturing minds, bodies, and spirits. A balanced approach fosters students' future success.

Concordia Primary School's curriculum reflects this harmony, melding the national curriculum with the IB-PYP curriculum. This fusion cultivates cultural cross-pollination, integrating Chinese and Western influences. Our aim is to establish an open, inclusive, diverse international community where students thrive with personalized high-quality education, anchored in both China and the world.

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Cultivating Proficient Educators and Amplifying Their Unique Contributions

Q3: As ChatGPT and AI advancements reshape the landscape, how do you view these changes, and how should schools adapt?

A3: While technology offers advancements, overreliance on technology risks dehumanization. The dominance of AI risks diminishing human thinking. Amidst this AI era, classic whole-person education and pioneering IB programs remain even more irreplaceable. These disciplines nurture humanistic care, critical thinking, and independent inquiry.

Distinguishing right from wrong, efficient and effective learning, and instilling values remain rooted in classics. Concordia adheres to whole-person education while integrating IB through self-reflection and student core capability development. This approach fosters students' holistic growth and empowerment, ensuring that they remain independent and ethical individuals. Concordia's proactive stance encourages students and educators to integrate ChatGPT as a learning tool, positioning us at the forefront of educational evolution.

Wisdom, depth, and warmth radiate in Dr. Zhou. His vast experience, along with his thoughtful and innovative approach, positions him as a positive force guiding Concordia toward new horizons. With his guidance, Concordia students will thrive in this rapidly evolving world.