Karen Turdeich
Karen Turdeich
Year 6 Teacher & Head of Primary English
Karen Turdeich brings a wealth of experience to Wellington College Shanghai as a Classroom Teacher and Head of English. With a teaching career that began in 2008, she has worked across various age groups in both New Zealand and China, holding leadership positions such as Team Leader, Head of Department, and Acting Deputy Principal. From 2019 to 2022, she led a Year 8 all-boys class within a co-educational setting, implementing a focused vision to re-engage underachieving students through high expectations, healthy competition, and teamwork. Her leadership and teaching philosophy emphasize a balance between academic excellence and student wellbeing, creating supportive and high-performing learning environments.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Waikato in New Zealand and completed additional professional training in 2023, earning TEFL and TESOL certifications through ITTT. These qualifications reflect her commitment to continual professional development and her adaptability in diverse educational contexts. Her approach to teaching centres on fostering environments where students feel valued, safe, and empowered to reach their full potential both academically and personally.
Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, Karen has embraced life in China, now calling it her family’s home away from home. She is passionate about health and wellbeing, regularly practicing pilates and strength training. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, cooking for friends, and travelling. A dedicated fan of the performing arts, she finds joy in attending musicals and live theatre, with Frozen being a recent favourite.
