At CIS, we are committed to“Academic Excellence, Caring Community.” In addition to our international homeroom teachers, we have a unique group of dedicated educators—Learning Partners (LPs)—who support not only academic progress, but also students’ emotional, linguistic, and social development. Today, we invite Ms. Jessica to share her story and offer a closer look into this meaningful role.
CIS Elementary School LP
Master of Education, University of Sydney, Australia;
TESOL Certification in English Language and Literature;
5 years of experience in English teaching, including 3 years as a primary school English teacher and homeroom teacher.
What is a LP?
A Unique Role of
Holistic Support at CIS
Every CIS class has a Learning Partner who works closely with the homeroom teacher to support students’ daily learning and development.
Second left:
Jacqueline Abul, Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Ms. Jessica clearly summarized the core of the LP’s work：
“We are the bridge between school and home, and the advocates for students on campus.”
LPs are not just teaching assistants—they are culturally fluent educators who understand the nuances between Eastern and Western learning styles. Through daily communication, observation, and personalized support, they build a strong safety net to ensure no child’s needs go unnoticed.
Language Support:
Guiding ELE Students
Step by Step
For non-native English speakers, adapting to an English-language curriculum can be challenging. LPs play a key role in supporting English Language Learners by:
Adapting materials to match each student’s language proficiency;
Using visual aids, keywords, and step-by-step instructions to support comprehension;
Helping students overcome language barriers in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Jessica explains:
“We work closely with teachers to identify learning gaps and adjust teaching approaches, ensuring students truly understand and succeed.”
With a deep understanding of Chinese students’ learning habits, LPs build cultural and linguistic bridges that help students thrive.
Emotional Support
&
Communication Hub:
Creating a Safe, Trusted Space for Every Child
True learning begins with emotional safety. LPs at CIS go beyond academics to support students’ well-being .
Regular emotional check-ins and daily observations;
Working with the counseling team to create personalized support plans when needed;
Sharing daily updates with parents in class groups;
Sending bi-weekly growth reports through a “triangular communication” system (Parents–Teachers–LPs).
Jessica emphasizes:
“Every student deserves to be heard. Building trust and a sense of safety is at the heart of our work.”
Empowering Through Character Education:
Helping Students Discover Themselves and Serve Others
LPs also co-create meaningful, values-based programs. Jessica, for instance, designed a leadership course for primary students focused on four pillars:
Awareness: Interviewing school leaders to explore different forms of leadership
Practice: Proposing improvements and engaging in service projects
Empowerment: Gaining confidence through public speaking and teamwork
Perspective: Broadening horizons through cross-cultural exchanges and mock UN events
This course helps children find their own voice and also learn to listen to others. As Jessica said:
"Leadership is not just about speaking on stage; it's about the ability to serve and influence."
More Than Support
LPS Shape the Heart of CIS
Jessica once led a beginner choir that had never performed before—and within three months, they won gold in the CIEO group competition. More than a trophy, it was a journey of growth, courage, and connection.
In Jessica's eyes, what truly touched her was not the awards, but:
"The students' eyes shone with light as they took the initiative to share their small progress with me. That was the moment I cherished the most. "
It is precisely because of the LPs that CIS truly implements "holistic education": academic and language improvement, emotional and social support, respect and guidance for individual differences... These subtle yet profound daily companionships form the most solid backing for children on their growth journey.
In CIS, a Learning Partner is not merely a position but a belief in accompanying growth. With understanding and professionalism, they illuminate a more suitable growth path for each child. It is precisely because of their existence that CIS can truly integrate "Academic Excellence" with "Caring Community".
