FIEH CHAN WILL soon begin his new job as assistant principal of Middlebury Union Middle School.

MIDDLEBURY — Fieh Chan, one of four siblings, was born soon after his parents emigrated from Hong Kong to the U.S. during the 1970s.

“One of the main reasons my parents left everything behind was so my brothers and I could attend American schools,” Chan recounted during a recent email exchange. “I understood from an early age how powerful education can be in shaping lives and expanding opportunities. That belief, along with my own positive school experiences, inspired me to become a teacher and eventually led me into educational leadership.”

Now Middlebury Union Middle School students and faculty will benefit from Chan’s inspiring backstory and the skills he’s learned along his life’s journey. Chan on July 1 will officially succeed Zach Jerome as MUMS assistant principal. Since 2019 he has served in that same role at Milton Elementary School.

Prior to that, he was assistant principal at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington (2017-2019); interim assistant principal of Rutland Middle School (2016-2017); assistant training coordinator for the Vermont Agency of Education (2015-2016); Summer & After School Programs Coordinator for the Stafford Technical Center in Rutland, where he also served as STEM Academy and Outreach coordinator (2014-2016); and a math teacher at Rutland High School.

Chan got his professional start as a math teacher at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md., not far from Washington D.C., where he was born and raised.

What was it about the MUMS job that prompted him to apply?

“I lived in Forestdale for over a decade and have always loved the Middlebury community,” he said. “As I learned more about MUMS, the school’s vision deeply resonated with me, especially its focus on belonging, empowerment and empathy. As a leader, I’ve always hoped to return to the secondary grades that first inspired me to become a teacher, and everything about MUMS felt like the right fit.”

The attraction was mutual. Addison Central School District officials said they were impressed with Chan’s extensive resume, including his experience with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), school administration and as a classroom educator.

“In addition to all the other things he brings, (Chan’s experience teaching secondary-school math) is really something that made his candidacy perfect for this moment in time for MUMS’s trajectory,” ACSD Superintendent Wendy Baker said.

Michaela Wisell, principal of MUMS, also detailed Chan’s many qualities.

“Fieh comes to us with years of experience as an assistant principal and experience in middle school, which is valuable to us as we continue to design the middle school experience that we hope to provide all ACSD students,” she said in an email. “Fieh is a good listener, strong communicator and willing collaborator, all of which are important characteristics of an assistant principal. I look forward to getting to know him better and working beside him in the coming years to continue to strengthen our community of learners here at MUMS.”

MUMS serves Bridport, Cornwall, Middlebury, Ripton, Salisbury, Shoreham and Weybridge students in grades 6-8. It’s a school in which students plunge more deeply into the International Baccalaureate program while getting prepared for high school.

It’s clear Chan has a lot of energy, both for work and his family/personal time.

“Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my wife and two sons, whether it’s exploring the outdoors, cooking together, or supporting my children at sports events. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to me, and I prioritize self-care and exercise to recharge and rejuvenate in order to bring my best self to my school community each day,” he said.

Chan is ready to hit the ground running.

“My diverse background and experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities of education and a passion for fostering positive change within schools and communities,” he states in his bio. “Additionally, my work experience across K-12 settings has shaped my understanding of the transitions students face as they journey through their education. This has reinforced my belief in the importance of the middle school years in shaping student outcomes.

“My leadership philosophy reflects a commitment to equity and high-quality instruction, and my experience across grade levels ensures I can support teachers in preparing students with the skills they need to succeed now, and in the future,” he added.

John Flowers is at [email protected].