On behalf of the Hangzhou International School’s community, Search Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jeff Hart as the new Lower School Principal, beginning in July 2024. This significant appointment was the result of an extensive global search. As he thanked teachers, parents, and students in the community who took part in panel meetings, Superintendent, Mr. Jeffry Stubbs added:
We are thrilled that the concerted search process has resulted in the successful appointment of Jeff Hart… Both Dr. Ayers and I feel this process was particularly successful in galvanizing support for our school to move forward with specific targets and next steps for our school.
For over 25 years, Mr. Hart has been a devoted teacher and leader in the U.S., UK, and around the world. Current Head of School at Clavis International Primary School in Mauritius, Mr. Hart oversees the implementation of the Primary Years Programme. His extensive background, including expertise in data-informed instruction, school leadership development, and student digital portfolios, will be valuable additions to Hangzhou International School (HIS). Jeff shares his excitement:
I am thrilled to join the vibrant community of Hangzhou International School. The school's remarkable commitment to learning, shaped by over two decades of hard work, is truly inspiring…As new research and resources supporting student learning are expanding rapidly right now, I'm eager to collaborate with a school that is continuously exploring how to better meet the needs of its students and staff…Having already connected with some of the leadership, teachers, parents, and, most importantly, the students during the interviews, Melanie and I are eager to meet everyone else.
Jeff Hart’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at York University, Toronto, Canada, where he majored in English and minored in Humanities. He then pursued a Bachelor of Education (Primary-Junior: PreK-6) from the University of Toronto (OISE), Canada. Furthering his commitment to education, Jeff obtained a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, England.
Joining Jeff in Hangzhou is his wife, Ms. Melanie Hart, a highly skilled and experienced educator who is joining HIS as an Early Years teacher. The couple looks forward to learning Mandarin and immersing themselves in Hangzhou’s rich culture, with “its unique blend of tradition and modernity.” Wherever he lands, Jeff is eager to go outdoors, either for “the quiet contemplation of camping and canoeing in the wilderness or the technical navigation of mountain biking down a difficult track.” At home, he pursues his passion for digital creations, such as photography, graphic design, and producing short videos—typically about his outdoor adventures. Jeff has been teaching himself guitar for 30 years, a process he describes as fun, frustrating, and satisfying. When times are tough, he evokes these thoughts: It will all be okay in the end. However, if it’s not okay, then it’s just not the end yet.
Hangzhou International School and Search Associates wish to thank each of the candidates who expressed interest in this important position, and everyone who contributed to the success of our extensive search process.
