Head of School – Ms Elvan Tongal

Elvan Tongal is the Assistant General Manager of MEF Schools and the Head of School of MEF International Schools Istanbul and Izmir. She has 32 years of professional experience, including 17 years of administrative roles. She worked as a History Teacher in many private schools, notably the Founding Director of SEV American College. Specializing in the IB Diploma Program, Ms. Tongal has been the IB Workshop Leader since 2013. She also completed her certification program and was entitled as the IB Evaluation Team member in 2023. She has been working as a part-time instructor at the Teachers’ Academy Foundation (ÖRAV) since 2010. She has taken part in important projects such as ‘Sabancı University Alternative History Book Writing’, ‘No Teaching Limit’ and ‘Digital European Union: Turkish E-Book for High School and Primary School students. A graduate of Marmara University, Department of History, Ms. Tongal holds Sabancı University Alternative History Books and Bahçeşehir University Education Management and Supervision Master’s degrees. Elvan Tongal is a digital immigrant and a hopeful traveler on the path to learning.

Secondary School Principal – Mr. Malcolm Ringo

MEF International Schools in Istanbul and Izmir have emerged as distinguished schools in Turkey and the region. For 15 years, Malcolm Ringo served on the MEF International School, Istanbul campus as the IB Diploma Programme and Cambridge Coordinator and as the Secondary Principal for three years. Afterwards, beginning in the 2020-21 academic year, Malcolm served as the Whole School Principal and IB Diploma Coordinator at MEF International School, Izmir. Malcolm now returns to our Istanbul campus as the Secondary Principal.

During his career, he has taught History, Geography, English, and Theory of Knowledge. Malcolm has completed two MA degrees, one of which was in History and the second of which was in Teaching English as a Second Language. He has overseen IB Diploma Programme evaluations and an authorization as well as Council of International Schools’ and New England Association of Schools and Colleges’ evaluations.

Malcolm feels a strong connection to Turkish culture and society. He enjoys sports and fitness, literature and history, writing, conversation, and language learning. As a school leader, Malcolm’s primary role is to ensure that education is accessible and challenging for students both inside and outside the classroom, so he works closely with his teaching staff, families, and students to reach this goal. Malcolm believes that it is essential that parents, teachers, and administrators collaborate with children to set meaningful goals that facilitate growth. It is with a shared vision, positivity, and determination that children are able to reach their ‘unique potential’ and obtain academic success and well-being, which will allow them to contribute to the global village. It is a privilege for Malcolm to be part of the Istanbul school community, and he feels confident that the community will achieve its shared vision this year and in coming years.

Primary School Deputy Principal – Mr. Carlos Isern

Mr. Carlos Isern is the Deputy Principal of Primary School, leveraging over 15 years of international teaching experience. His career has allowed him to engage with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds, teaching Spanish across primary, secondary, high school, and university levels worldwide. Additionally, Carlos has made significant contributions as an International Baccalaureate (IB) examiner for Spanish over the past five years.

Carlos is dedicated to creating an engaging and effective learning environment through teamwork and collaboration. His educational approach is founded on empathy, adaptability, communication, patience, encouragement, and support, all of which have played a crucial role in his success as an educator. He is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic atmosphere where students can excel academically and personally.

His commitment to professional growth is reflected in his academic achievements. Carlos holds a university degree in Law, an MBA, and has completed two master’s degree programs in education. His qualifications are further underscored by his certifications and his authorship of four influential educational books on the Spanish language, which have been published and widely read in Turkey.

Outside of his professional life, Carlos is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring and immersing himself in different cultures. He finds these experiences both enriching and inspiring. He also stays active with outdoor sports and cherishes the time spent with friends and family, which brings him joy and a strong sense of grounding.

Primary School Principal – Mr. Brett Warfield

Mr. Brett Warfield proudly serves as the Primary School Principal for MEF International School in Istanbul, marking his fifth year with the institution. With over a decade of international school leadership experience, including nine years within the International Baccalaureate framework, Brett is passionately dedicated to nurturing the academic and personal growth of every student under his care.

A staunch advocate for constructivism, inquiry-based learning, student agency, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Brett is committed to creating an environment that inspires, nurtures, and challenges students to realize their unique potentials. His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in participatory leadership, democratic values, and strong home-school partnerships, actively engaging with students, teachers, parents, and fellow leaders to foster a positive and effective learning community.

Brett’s dedication to professional growth and educational excellence is reflected in his academic achievements. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bath, a Bachelor of Education from Missouri State University, and a Certificate of School Leadership and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Brett is an avid nature and travel enthusiast, valuing the diverse perspectives these experiences offer. Whether exploring new countries or enjoying quiet moments outdoors, he finds inspiration and renewal in these activities. Above all, Brett cherishes time spent with his friends and family, which grounds him in his values and purpose.

Secondary School Deputy Principal – Ms. Lauren Henrietta Fajobi

Ms. Lauren Fajobi serves as the Secondary School Deputy Principal as she enters her fifth year at MEF IS Istanbul. Lauren brings to MEF IS a wealth of experience leading challenging international and standards-based academic programs, directing teaching and learning, and supporting the smooth operation of Middle and High School divisions. Lauren has served in various leadership roles at MEF IS and beyond including Head of Upper School at The Ellis School, Associate Director of Upper School at the Thaden School, and Academic Dean, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, and Cambridge Coordinator at MEF IS Istanbul.

In these roles Lauren has guided wise change in schools to achieve strategic goals, led the implementation of standards based grading to engage students in the process and products of their learning, facilitated professional development to enhance approaches to teaching, and established reflective and restorative discipline practices to build a positive school climate. Lauren’s commitment to professional growth and school improvement has seen her serve on accreditation team visits with MSA-CESS and NEASC at schools around the world.

Lauren’s teaching expertise spans sciences and languages, and she enjoys facilitating authentic, student-centered learning across Middle and High School. She has taught Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Physical Science, and Spanish. She has also supported teachers making the transition to classroom teaching in the MAT program at the University of Mississippi – Oxford. Lauren holds a BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Physiology and Neurobiology and a BA in Spanish Language, Literature & Culture from The University of Maryland – College Park. She was a Banneker/Key Scholar at the University of Maryland – the most prestigious merit based scholarship awarded to select Honors College students. She also holds a Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction from The University of Mississippi – Oxford.

IB PYP Coordinator – Ms. Hala Hajj Sleiman

Ms. Hala Hajj Sleiman serves as the IB PYP Coordinator at MEF International School, currently in her third year with the institution. This role marks her eighth year in international education, encompassing both teaching and pedagogical leadership.

With a passion for inquiry-based learning, Hala is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes skill development, dispositions, and nurturing students’ curiosity. She firmly believes that students should be at the forefront of all educational endeavors, ensuring their growth and engagement are prioritized.

Hala’s academic background underscores her commitment to educational excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Teaching Diploma from Haigazian University of Lebanon and is currently completing a Certificate of School Leadership and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In her role at MEF IS, Hala oversees the entire PYP curriculum from Preschool to Grade 5. Working collaboratively with teachers, she has revamped the curriculum to align with the school’s needs and ensure it meets IB standards. Her focus is on promoting diversity and equity, making the curriculum relevant to students, and encouraging them to take meaningful action.

Beyond her responsibilities at MEF IS, Hala also serves as an educational consultant, partnering with non-governmental organizations to support teachers and schools in integrating technology into their classrooms. She has led numerous workshops across various schools, coaching teachers on different aspects of the PYP program and inquiry-based learning.

Outside of her professional life, Hala cherishes her time in nature. Movement is an integral part of her daily routine, whether through yoga, exercise, or surfing. She also has a passion for traveling, embraces minimalism, and finds joy in the simplest moments. As an activist, Hala is dedicated to amplifying the voices of others and advocating for social justice.

IBDP & Cambridge Program Coordinator – Mr. Piers Smettem

Mr. Piers Smettem is delighted to be returning to MEF IS Istanbul after a ten-year hiatus to take on the role of IBDP and Cambridge Program Coordinator. As a former teacher of high school English, TOK, and Head of Department at the Istanbul Campus, he is familiar with the progressive, student-centered culture of learning that is a hallmark of education at MEF IS.

Since working at MEFIS Piers has diversified his career, including time spent in Central Asia and Central Europe, as well as working in postsecondary education in Canada in both administrative and instructional roles, and being a stay-at-home father for a couple of years. He is an assessment specialist (fittingly, the title of one of his roles in Canada), being a senior examiner for a component of the IBDP Language A: literature course, and an experienced examiner for a component of IBDP language and literature.

Piers is a self-confessed literature geek and holds a BA in literature and an MA in Shakespeare and Education, in addition to his secondary school UK teaching qualification. His educational philosophy is founded upon the key principle of inquiry-based learning, giving students the opportunity to explore content and concepts in an independent manner in a safe and secure environment.

Outside of his professional hours Piers likes to read, travel, exercise, relax with his family, and is an amateur musician of some mediocrity. Piers used to enjoy playing sports and in his middle age now enjoys watching sport instead. He is an enthusiastic follower of the fortunes of Liverpool F.C. and, more locally, Beşiktaş J.K.