Head of School
Originally from Minnesota, USA, Mrs. Copple is an experienced and qualified educator with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on international education. She has lived and worked in Cambodia in the education sector for over 30 years. She was one of the founders of ISPP, worked as a teacher and the school’s curriculum director for many years. She has worked at Northbridge International School in curriculum and teaching. At both schools, Ali worked on their first WASC applications and successful accreditations. Ali has been on many WASC visiting teams reviewing international schools in Southeast Asia.
Ali, together with Mrs Sandra Chipps, started East-West International School in 2006. Ali trained teachers and worked on the curriculum and resources at East-West. She has been an East-West Board member for 5 years and continues as a member of the board.
Ali has also been involved in Cambodian National Education for more than a decade offering training to Cambodian teachers in Phnom Penh and the provinces. She is an education consultant who has worked with numerous NGOs with educational programs, as well as supporting the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports in curriculum development, leadership development and training.
Ali’s own children grew up in Phnom Penh and graduated from Northbridge before returning to the USA for university. While they had graduated from high school long before East-West began, they both returned to Cambodia and enjoyed the opportunity to teach at East-West.
Quote from Ali:
“East-West has been part of my life for nearly twenty years, and I am delighted to continue to support the school. The vision and goals guiding East-West make this school a very special place to learn, work and teach in. My role this year is to continue to encourage the growth and development of the school – students, teachers and all staff, and to ensure East-West’s ongoing progress of living the school’s vision and goals.”