Interviewer and Editor by: Frankie Yeh

VIS Junior High PBL teacher Sandra Chan's journey at VIS began with a desire to bring her international teaching experiences to her home country, leading her to the doors of VIS, with its experimental and progressive curriculum catching her attention. Offered a chance to implement a wellness curriculum focusing on student mindfulness, Sandra saw the ideal place to explore her teaching career.

Sandra's students are active participants in their local community, with one notable project involving upcycling old clothes and organizing a fashion show to promote mindful consumption. The students took the initiative to donate leftover clothing to local charity organizations, showcasing not only their empathy but also ability to collaborate with external organizations and leadership skills in a public space.

Critical thinking extends beyond academic skills. Sharing an anecdote about a clash of personalities between two students during a collaborative project, Sandra guided them to express their emotions and viewpoints, resolving their differences. This experience emphasizes emotional intelligence in critical thinking, testament to Sandra’s focus on student wellness in addition to academic performance.

VIS references the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to connect classroom learning with global issues, encouraging students to assess their actions in context of global social and political landscapes. With a diverse student body, students collaborate with peers from all walks of life, learning to accept and appreciate differences in background and experiences.

Sandra encourages her students to be socially and environmentally aware, to learn the importance of giving back to the community and taking responsibility for their actions. A notable event was a potluck where students had to share a piece of their culture and identity bringing together the school's community, showcasing how education can extend beyond the classroom and connect with the real world.