HOME > ABOUT > FACULTY > ADMINISTRATORS
I am looking forward to starting at SCIS this school year, my 26th year in education. I am passionate about enhancing learning opportunities for all students, both in the academic and social/emotional areas. I hold master level degrees in special education instruction, school psychology, and educational leadership. I believe that students thrive in an inclusive learning community when provided the appropriate challenge and support.
My husband Jeff and I are coming to Shanghai from Copenhagen and are originally from the Seattle area. Together we have four children and five grandchildren all living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States. We enjoy travel, food and meeting new people.
Welcome to SCIS! I have been at the ECE campus since 2012 and am looking forward to another year at SCIS working with our youngest learners and their families. For over 20 years, I have taught in the United States as well as international schools in South America, Europe, and the Middle East before moving to Shanghai. While I have had the pleasure and privilege of working in many schools at various grade levels, none have offered the unique experience of our ECE campus. In addition to my extensive classroom experience, I hold a Reading Specialist, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an ESL certification. I love learning and am always looking for ways to improve my understanding of child development, the ways in which children learn and the most current teaching practices. I am excited to be returning to my role as the ECE Campus Vice Principal and believe my years of education and experience will enable me to continue to support our students and faculty! When I am not working, I enjoy reading, running, cycling and practicing yoga. My weekends are spent exploring Shanghai and all this great city has to offer.
I am so very pleased to be part of the SCIS community as the Upper School Principal at our Hongqiao campus. I am originally from Canada and have held a number of teaching and leadership roles in Hong Kong, Toronto, and most recently Bangkok. I have an Honour’s B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Toronto, did my teacher education at Canisius College in New York, and received my MBA Ed. with distinction from Keele University in the U.K. I have spent a large part of my career working in IB schools and working directly with the International Baccalaureate Organization as a workshop leader, author, editor and resource developer, in particular with the IB Middle Years Programme. I was so very proud to be a part of the team that successfully brought the MYP to SCIS as we recently became a three-programme IB World School. My wife Jenna teaches at the ECE Campus and my children are receiving the very best education and all the opportunities SCIS has on offer with service, athletics and the Arts.
Greetings ECE families, I am thrilled to continue leading the SCIS ECE team and appreciate its commitment to impacting students early in life. My work and travels throughout the US, Europe, and parts of the middle east have prepared me well for this far east adventure. I have been teaching and leading early childhood/elementary students for over 20 years, both in private and public schools. My formal schooling is with James Madison University where I received my Early Childhood degree and Virginia Tech where I received my Administrative degree. My commitment is to collaborate with parents and teachers to hone an incredible learning environment for our students. My professional focus of observing, connecting and interacting with students and teachers at all levels continually influences our school instructional decisions and goals. Through our new accreditation as an IB Primary Years Program (PYP) we are expanding our student’s curiosity, interest and inquiry skills. In addition, we are strategic in developing students executive functions and conceptual understanding so they are better prepared for this exciting, challenging and dynamic world. Kevin, my husband, and I have four grown children that are living and working throughout the U.S. Therefore, the two of us are enjoying the rich cultural experience and adventures available throughout China and surrounding countries.
I am Amy Valerio and with my husband Peter and my two children in the Upper School at SCIS, I am delighted to be a part of the warm community that is SCIS. I have served in many roles in very diverse school environments over the past 28 years. I have taught in grades 3-12 and been a Grade Level leader and Department Chair, Director of Student Affairs and Middle School Principal. Most recently, I was the Middle School and High School Vice Principal in Seoul, Korea. Although I am originally from the Washington D.C. area, I have lived in many regions of the United States. From a very early age, I knew I wanted to be in education and I have never thought I would rather be in any other field! I received my Master’s Degree from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. After about 10 years in schools, my next stop was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. My goals have always been to ensure that there are strong relationships between teachers and students in an environment that promotes happy, supported and involved students.
Hongqiao ECE Campus
2212 Hongqiao Road, Changning,
Shanghai, China 200336
Tel: 86-21-6295-1222
Fax: 86-21-6261-4639
Hongqiao Campus
1161 Hongqiao Road, Changning,
Shanghai, China 200051
Tel: 86-21-6261-4338
Fax: 86-21-6261-4639
Pudong Campus
198 Hengqiao Road, Zhoupu,
Pudong, Shanghai, China 201315
Tel: 86-21-5812-9888
Fax: 86-21-6261-4639
Hongqiao ECE Campus
2212 Hongqiao Road, Changning,
Shanghai, China 200336
Tel: 86-21-6295-1222
Fax: 86-21-6261-4639
Hongqiao Campus
1161 Hongqiao Road, Changning,
Shanghai, China 200051
Tel: 86-21-6261-4338
Fax: 86-21-6261-4639
Pudong Campus
198 Hengqiao Road, Zhoupu,
Pudong, Shanghai, China 201315
Tel: 86-21-5812-9888
Fax: 86-21-6261-4639