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 33 years of professional experience, including 18 years of administrative roles. She worked as a History Teacher in many private schools, notably as 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 traveller on the learning path.

Principal – Ms. Katherine Coban

Katherine Coban is the Principal of MEF International School, Izmir. With over 20 years of experience in education across Australia, England, and Turkey, Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education from the University of Technology, Sydney. Katherine has been a dedicated member of the MEF community for the past 15 years, where she has served in various capacities, including classroom teacher, Primary School Curriculum Coordinator, and most recently, Deputy Principal for the past two years. Katherine is passionate about fostering a strong, supportive community where communication is key. She believes that positive relationships among all members of the school community are essential for achieving common goals and creating a dynamic learning environment. In her free time, Katherine enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Deputy Principal – Mr. Kelby Ryan Benedict

Kelby Benedict is in his first year the Deputy Principal of MEF International School, Izmir. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration both from Colorado State University. Prior to his time in Izmir, Kelby has 18 years of experience in education as a teacher, lead teacher, Mathematics curriculum facilitator, Assistant Principal, Principal, and District Director. 

Kelby is passionate about creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and confidence in students. His purpose is to empower students to pursue their interests, develop critical thinking and life-long learning, and achieve their goals in the rapidly changing world of work and technology. 

In his free time, Kelby enjoys traveling, playing on the water, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

IB Coordinator – Mr. Wissam Malaeb

Wissam is the IBDP Coordinator and Head of the Mathematics Department at MEF International School, Izmir. With over 25 years of experience in education across Dubai, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Türkiye, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, and his teaching experience spans from the third grade to the twelfth grade, encompassing various educational systems such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Cambridge International Education (A level, AS level, and IGCSE).

Wissam believes that learning should be encouraged by incorporating class discussions, open-ended questions, and cooperative learning, fostering a highly interactive and inquisitive class atmosphere. He has been affiliated with the IB Diploma Program since 2004 and has served as an IB Diploma Examiner since 2007.

Wissam is committed to the principles of the IB learner profile, which emphasizes the development of students as inquirers, thinkers, and communicators, among other attributes. He understands that fostering healthy relationships between students, teachers, and the school community is crucial in educating the young generation, as it creates a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes holistic development and lifelong learning.