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, 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 – Mr. Kelby Ryan Benedict

Kelby Benedict is 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. Kelby has 20 years of experience in education as a teaching assistant, teacher, lead teacher, Mathematics curriculum facilitator, Assistant Principal, Principal, and District Director. 

Kelby’s philosophy as an educational leader is rooted in creating a supportive and empowering environment where both students and staff can thrive. Experience as a classroom teacher taught him the power of student voice, collaboration, and high expectations. He believes in inspiring others by setting a compelling vision and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. This is achieved by building strong community partnerships and ensuring a space where educators can take risks and grow. 

At the core of his work is a dedication to creating student-centered learning environments. He believes every student deserves access to authentic, interdisciplinary learning opportunities that are tailored to their unique needs and interests. By promoting inquiry, exploration, and hands-on experiences, we can empower students to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. This approach, informed by a global perspective developed through international experiences and collaboration, ensures that all students are prepared to be empathetic and adaptable lifelong learners who can make a positive impact in our ever-changing world.

In his free time, Kelby enjoys traveling, playing in and on the water, and spending quality time with his wife and two kids. Just as he empowers students, he is always curious about the world and the connections between humans in it.

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.”

IBDP Coordinator – Wissam Malaeb

Wissam is the IBDP Coordinator and Head of the Mathematics Department at MEF International School, Izmir, where he is currently in his fifth year. With over 26 years of experience in education across Dubai, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Türkiye, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, and his teaching experience spans from third to twelfth grade, covering various educational systems such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Cambridge International Education (A Level, AS Level, and IGCSE).

Wissam has been affiliated with the IB Diploma Programme since 2004 and has served as an IB Diploma Examiner since 2007. He is a passionate advocate for the IB learner profile, which fosters the development of students as inquirers, thinkers, and communicators, among other key attributes.

Believing that learning is most effective when it is engaging and student-centered, Wissam fosters a classroom environment rooted in inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking. He integrates class discussions, open-ended questions, and cooperative learning to create a highly interactive and inquisitive space where students are encouraged to explore ideas and take ownership of their learning.

Wissam is also deeply committed to building strong, positive relationships within the school community. He understands that a supportive and inclusive environment is essential not only for student success but also for cultivating a thriving professional culture among staff. In his leadership roles, he emphasizes collaboration, open communication, and continuous professional development, all of which contribute to a shared vision of holistic education and lifelong learning.