Assistant General Manager

Elvan Tongal is the Assistant General Manager of MEF Schools. She has 30 years of professional experience, including 15 years of administrative roles. She worked as a History Teacher in many private schools, notably the Founding Director of SEV American College. Specializing in IB Diploma Program, Ms. Tongal has been the IB Workshop Leader since 2013. She has been also 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.

Principal

MEF International Schools in Izmir and Istanbul have developed into distinguished schools in Turkey and the region.  For the past 15 years leading into the 2020-21 academic year, Malcolm Ringo served on the MEF IS Istanbul campus as the IB Diploma Programme and Cambridge Coordinator and as the Secondary Principal for the past three years.  Malcolm will serve as the Whole School Principal in Izmir this year.  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.  Residing in Turkey for the past 19 years with his wife and three children, Malcolm feels a strong connection to Turkish culture and society.  Malcolm enjoys fitness, reading literature and history, writing, and conversation.  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 and families.  As part of this process, parents, teachers, and administrators must collaborate with children to set meaningful goals that facilitate growth.  Malcolm believes that 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 world village.  It is a privilege for Malcolm to be part of the Izmir school community, and he feels fully confident that the community will achieve its shared vision this year and in coming years.  May this year be one of enrichment and growth for the Izmir community.

Deputy Principal

Brett Warfield is our Deputy Principal for MEF International School in Izmir. He comes to us with 6 years experience in international educational leadership, including four years in the International Baccalaureate programme. Brett graduated with a Bachelors of Education from Missouri State University and is currently working towards a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bath, and a Certificate of School Leadership and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Brett brings to us his passion and expertise in Project-Based Learning, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which will be utilized to ensure our students are supported and inspired to realise their unique potentials. He looks forward to working collaboratively with students, teachers, parents, and leaders to this end.