Dixon Liu

Chairman of the Board

Dixon Liu is the founder of JUST Education, originating from the beautiful city of Dalian, China. He earned his degree from the prestigious Dalian Maritime University and later pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Technology Sydney. Dixon spent three years teaching IELTS at IDP in Sydney before moving to the United States, where he worked for four years and founded CIE Education. This venture focused on helping outstanding young people, both domestically and internationally, plan their educational paths and gain admission to their dream universities.

In 2014, Dixon returned to China and co-founded JUST Education alongside his partners. The team at JUST Education is comprised of graduates from top 100 universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, all bringing a wealth of educational experience. Dixon places a strong emphasis on Project-Based Learning (PBL), a core element of his educational philosophy. He is a firm believer in holistic education, prioritizing the comprehensive development of students beyond traditional academics. Through PBL, Dixon aims to equip students with problem-solving and teamwork skills, preparing them for the challenges of the future. (Read more about PBL here.)

Dr. Robert Sawyer

Principal and Humanities Teacher

With over 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Robert E. Sawyer holds a B.Ed. in general education, an M.A. in TESOL, a Doctorate in Education, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.

Dr. Sawyer’s career has spanned multiple continents, shaping his diverse approach to education. He has authored more than nine textbooks and several teacher’s manuals for primary, secondary schools, and universities. His work emphasizes balancing inquiry-based and project-based learning, with a focus on a Systems Approach to Skills-based education.

Having served as both a teacher and school principal, Dr. Sawyer is highly skilled in curriculum development and has played a key role in helping numerous students achieve academic success. His global experience and dedication to educational innovation provide him with a thorough understanding of the educational landscape. His approach skillfully integrates traditional methods with modern, student-centered theories, fostering an environment of mutual respect and accountability. (Read more about Dr. Robert’s philosophy here.)

Steven Van Staden

Vice Principal & English / Humanities Teacher

Steven Van Staden holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Systems Analysis, an OSSE-certified American teaching license, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership in Education. With eight years of diverse teaching experience, he has taught subjects including ESL, IELTS, TOEFL, debate, psychology, business, physical education, health and nutrition, sociology, and artificial intelligence. Steven is a dedicated and compassionate educator who is passionate about creating a supportive learning environment. He is committed to empowering students to achieve their full potential by bringing his extensive knowledge and skills to the classroom.

Amy Wang

Math and Science Teacher

Amy Wang earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCLA. With experience in labs at the University of Washington and Dalian University of Technology, Amy has taught middle and high school math and science courses. She is deeply passionate about both learning and teaching, and with her international background, she brings a unique perspective to her students. At Elite Preparatory Academy, Amy strives to make science fun while helping students develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for their future success.

Amber Chen

Art History Teacher

Amber Chen, a Dalian native, earned her Master’s degree from the LuXun Academy of Fine Arts, specializing in the Exchange of Art History with a focus on mythological artistic images between Ancient China and Europe. During her postgraduate studies, she won the second-class national scholarship and worked as an intern editor for the national core periodical Art Work, publishing several interview articles. Her research has been recognized at the Chinese National Art History seminar, and she was invited to attend the Central Academy of Fine Arts’ annual Art History Conference in 2017. Amber excels at making Art History engaging, transforming complex historical knowledge into captivating stories.

Kevin Wang

Math & Science Teacher

Kevin Wang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering (Honors) and has four years of experience teaching science and English. He is committed to fostering curiosity and critical thinking in his students by making complex scientific concepts engaging and accessible. Kevin teaches courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, incorporating hands-on experiments and real-world applications into his lessons. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing sports, using his scientific knowledge to stay safe and active.