ABOUT VIA

Leadership & Faculty

Academic leadership, program directors, and faculty who support VIA's college-preparatory education.

VIAGRADES 9-12

LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

Academic and Institutional Oversight

The leadership team of Vermont International Academy provides academic oversight, strategic direction, and institutional governance for the school's college-preparatory program.

School leadership oversees curriculum implementation, faculty development, student academic progress, and the integrity of academic records. Its academic leadership and international education partnerships support an academic environment focused on preparation for university study.

The school's key academic leaders also serve as official institutional contacts for their respective areas of responsibility.

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

Leadership Team

Head of School

James Cross, PhD

Dr. James Cross provides overall academic leadership and oversees VIA's college-preparatory curriculum and institutional academic standards. He has held leadership and academic positions in international and higher education, including Vice President for International Affairs and Associate Provost at Champlain College and roles at several universities and international organizations. His work at VIA focuses on academic governance and preparation for university study.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Harry Chaucer, PhD

Dr. Harry Chaucer leads curriculum design and instructional strategy. His honors include White House Distinguished Teacher, National Biology Teacher of the Year, Columbia University Klingenstein Fellow, and Apple Fellow in Education. A specialist in the U.S. Common Core Standards, he created the Da Vinci Curriculum Model, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, creativity, and high academic expectations. At VIA, he oversees curriculum development and alignment with college-preparatory standards.

Executive Director and Founder

ZJ Chen

ZJ Chen founded Vermont International Academy and serves as Executive Director. Since 2012, he has led the development of the VIA international education system and worked closely with the Vermont Agency of Education to support American high school programs in China. He is a Lead Evaluator for Cognia, has led accreditation reviews and international school improvement initiatives, and serves as an expert advisor for the High-Quality Chinese Schools evaluation system, a national research project under the Chinese Society of Education. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Iowa State University.

Director of College Counseling

Trevor Wattrus

Trevor Wattrus works with students and families throughout the university application process, providing guidance on academic planning, university selection, and application preparation. His responsibilities include coordinating applications, preparing official school documents and transcripts, advising on academic and extracurricular preparation, and supporting documentation for students who participate in athletics. Individualized advising supports applications to universities in the United States and around the world.

Director of School Partnerships & Program Development

Edward Wang

Edward Wang joined VIA in 2020 and helps develop its international network and relationships with educational organizations. He has participated in international school accreditation services and evaluation processes across a range of institutions. His responsibilities include global school partnerships, international program development, institutional collaborations, cross-border educational opportunities, and strategic academic partnerships. This work supports the school's international education development.

STEM Program Director

Rong Zhou

Rong Zhou leads the strategic development of VIA's STEM, innovation, and project-based learning programs across the school network. His work includes curriculum frameworks, teacher professional development, student innovation projects, and implementation support for partner schools. He has more than 20 years of experience in STEM education, experiential learning, youth development, and program leadership.

Digital Learning Program Director

Lee Ming

Lee Ming leads VIA's digital learning team and the adoption of Canvas across the school system. His work covers digital curriculum, AI-enabled learning resources, blended instruction, differentiated learning, teacher training, and learning-data-informed school improvement. He has more than 20 years of experience in English study, curriculum support, learning technology, and language services.

OUR EDUCATORS

A Student-Centered Faculty

Vermont International Academy's faculty includes educators with varied academic backgrounds and professional experience. Their work focuses on student learning, intellectual curiosity, and personal development.

Teachers encourage students to examine ideas, ask questions, and apply knowledge within a supportive learning environment. Teaching assignments and qualifications are confirmed by each campus.

WHAT THEY DO

Faculty Responsibilities

VIA faculty support intellectual growth and academic standards through teaching and advising.

Course Design

Design and teach courses with clear learning objectives and academic expectations.

Student Assessment

Assess learning and academic progress through coursework and other evaluations.

Academic Advising

Provide academic guidance with attention to each student's progress.

Intellectual Curiosity

Encourage questions, independent research, and sustained exploration of ideas.

High Standards

Apply consistent expectations for academic quality and student achievement.

FACULTY PROFILES

Teaching Team

Selected faculty roles and qualifications are listed below. Actual teaching assignments vary by campus and academic year.

Principal, International Division

Zora

Master of Education earned overseas.

Director of Teaching · English

Chris

Teaches English, with master's-level study in psychology and English literature.

Social Studies

Alex

Teaches social studies and holds a Doctor of Education.

Physics · Chemistry · Learning Methods

David

Teaches physics, chemistry, and learning methods, with a doctorate in biology.

English

Ian

Teaches English and holds a master's degree in English literature.

Mathematics

Miao Jiacheng

Teaches mathematics and holds a master's degree in mathematics earned overseas.

IELTS

Deng Chao & Han Wei

Teach IELTS preparation and both hold master's degrees in English.

Physical Education

Guo Qiwang

Teaches physical education and holds a master's degree.

Art

Guo Sihang

Teaches art and supports students' creative development.

Psychology

Zhao Lijiao

Teaches psychology and supports student understanding of human behavior and learning.

EXPERTISE & DEVELOPMENT

Faculty Qualifications

VIA faculty hold advanced degrees or professional qualifications in their subject areas and participate in ongoing professional development. Teaching assignments and qualifications are confirmed by each campus.

The faculty profile includes advanced academic study, regular professional workshops, and engagement with international teaching standards.

ACADEMIC ADVISORY NETWORK

Group Academic and Advisory Expertise

VIA's academic advisory network brings together expertise in school leadership, curriculum, research, and education policy.

Academic Committee Adviser

John Collins, PhD

Advises VIA's academic committee, with prior leadership experience in graduate education and the education library at Harvard University.

Senior Adviser and Partner

Ann McCormick, EdD

Contributes experience in basic education, international education, and school development, with a doctorate in education from the University of California, Berkeley.

Child Development and Policy

Walter S. Gilliam, PhD

A Yale Child Study Center faculty member associated with the Edward Zigler Center, contributing expertise in early childhood education, intervention, and policy analysis.

GLOBAL NETWORK

About Vermont Education Group

Vermont Education Group is an international education organization engaged in education management, operations, and investment. Its work includes school development, international curriculum programs, educational consulting, and digital learning initiatives.

Since its establishment in China in 2011, the group has worked with international schools and educational institutions on K-12, digital learning, and post-secondary programs.