Head of School – Ms. Elvan Tongal

Ms. Elvan Tongal has served as Head of School for MEF International School Istanbul and MEF International School Izmir since August 2019. With more than 35 years of experience in education, including nearly two decades in senior leadership, she is a passionate educational leader dedicated to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and student well-being.

Ms. Tongal began her career as a History teacher and has held a variety of leadership positions in respected independent schools throughout Türkiye. Prior to joining MEF, she served as the Founding Director of SEV American College, where she played a key role in establishing a strong culture of academic excellence and international-mindedness.

An experienced International Baccalaureate educator, Ms. Tongal has specialized in the IB Diploma Programme for many years. She has served as an IB Workshop Leader since 2013 and, in 2023, became an accredited member of the IB Evaluation Team, supporting schools around the world in maintaining the highest standards of IB education.

Committed to the continuous professional growth of educators, Ms. Tongal has also been a part-time instructor at the Teachers’ Academy Foundation (ÖRAV) since 2010. Throughout her career, she has contributed to a number of influential educational initiatives, including Sabancı University’s Alternative History Textbooks Project, No Teaching Limit, and the Digital European Union Project, which developed digital learning resources for primary and secondary school students.

Ms. Tongal holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Marmara University and two master’s degrees: one in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bahçeşehir University, and another from Sabancı University, where she focused on the Alternative History Textbooks Project.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Ms. Tongal describes herself as a proud “digital immigrant” who continues to embrace innovation while remaining deeply committed to the human connections at the heart of education. She believes that every student deserves an inclusive, inspiring learning environment that nurtures curiosity, integrity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

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, she brings a broad international perspective and deep expertise to her leadership 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 16 years. During this time, she has served in a range of roles including classroom teacher, Primary School Curriculum Coordinator, and Deputy Principal. Her long-standing commitment to the school and its values has given her a thorough understanding of its culture, strengths, and potential.

As a leader, Katherine is committed to fostering a strong, supportive school environment where communication and collaboration is key. She believes that positive relationships among students, staff, and families are the foundation for a successful and dynamic learning community. Katherine is passionate about student wellbeing, academic excellence, and continuous improvement, and she actively supports professional learning, innovative teaching, and student agency.

Outside of school, Katherine enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her personal and professional values are deeply aligned—rooted in connection, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.

Deputy Principal & IB DP Coordinator – Wissam Malaeb

Wissam is the Deputy Principal and IB DP Coordinator at MEF International School, Izmir, where he is currently in his sixth year of leadership. With over 27 years of international educational experience spanning Dubai, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Türkiye, he brings a wealth of global insight and strategic expertise to the school community.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Beirut Arab University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies from the University of Bath. Throughout his career, Wissam has taught across Grades 3 through 12, developing extensive familiarity with prominent international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB DP and MYP) and Cambridge International Education (IGCSE, AS, and A Levels).

A dedicated IB educator since 2004 and an active IB Diploma Examiner since 2007, Wissam is a passionate advocate for the IB Learner Profile. He believes deeply in nurturing inquiring, reflective, and open-minded lifelong learners.

In the classroom, Wissam cultivates an engaging, student-centered environment driven by inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration. By encouraging open discussion and active problem-solving, he empowers students to take genuine ownership of their learning journey.

As a school leader, Wissam prioritizes building strong, inclusive relationships across the entire school community. He fosters a professional culture rooted in open communication, continuous growth, and collaborative leadership—ensuring both students and staff have the support they need to thrive.

Primary School Coordinator – Jason De Roma

With over two decades dedicated to international education, Jason brings a wealth of experience from classrooms and leadership roles across the Philippines, Thailand, Kuwait, and Türkiye. His journey with MEF International School began in Istanbul, where he spent three years as both a classroom teacher and Activities Coordinator. For the past five years, Jason has been an integral part of MEF Izmir, where his passion for educational innovation truly shines.

In previous roles, Jason has served as a PYP Coordinator and Primary Team Leader, supporting schools in implementing inquiry-based learning, fostering student agency, and developing collaborative teaching practices. His leadership is rooted in building strong relationships, supporting professional growth, and creating an inclusive environment where both students and educators thrive.

His leadership style believes in building trust, encouraging deep reflection, and ensuring every teacher feels empowered to adapt their practice to meet each student’s unique needs. His teaching philosophy centers on the power of meaningful connections, recognizing that when students feel truly seen and when educators feel genuinely supported, extraordinary learning happens naturally.

Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Education, His global perspective, rooted in his Filipino heritage, infuses his work with a deep commitment to culturally responsive education that honors every student’s background and story.

When he is away from school, Jason finds inspiration in life’s quieter moments. Whether he’s traveling to discover hidden mountain towns, hiking through peaceful trails, or simply finding a scenic spot for reflection and renewal, he brings this same sense of wonder and mindfulness back to his educational practice.

“When we nurture independence, creativity, and authentic connections, we discover that true learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives in the world around us.”