Jason Reagin Returns To China After 20 Years To Work At WAB

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jingkids welcomes new expatriate families who have made the brave decision to travel from overseas to the capital city for an fresh adventure. Welcome to the friendly Beijing community, we can't wait to see you around the neighborhood!

Hi! My name is Jason Reagin and I am the current MYP Coordinator at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB).  This is my first year working at WAB, but not my first time to live and work in China.  I am here with my two sons, Zander (13) and Aaron (11).  My wife will be joining us in Beijing next summer after she completes her work in Korea.  I have been in education for 25 years; 19 years of which in IB schools. The majority of my career has been overseas in international schools. I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, in the USA and my wife is from Dalian (大连) in Liaoning province.  When we are not at school my family enjoys playing board games, trying new foods, and traveling.

Welcome to the 'Jing! What brings you and your family here?

My wife is from China and while we have lived all over the world for our careers we feel it important that out two sons are immersed, not only in the every day language opportunities, but in the cultural atmosphere that Beijing provides. 

How has Beijing changed since you were here last?

In 1999, I was hired to teach at the Beijing Institute of Technology (北京理工大学 Běijīng lǐgōng dàxué) and after one year I returned to my home in America.  I have lived and worked in China four other times since then but in other cities.  I am so excited to be back in the city where my international experience began!  So far my return to Beijing has been very smooth and to see all of the development in 20+ years is so mind blowing.  While so much has changed, the environment still feels very much as it did over two decades ago...

What are you most looking forward to this time around?

Being in China is very important to me and my family.  Living in Beijing affords many access points for our family to explore the city and the surrounding area easily.  Being a hub for the region serves as a jumping off point to visit other places as well.  I am most looking forward to revisiting places I went to in 1999, but now experperiencing these with fresh eyes through my children.

What made you choose to work at WAB?

Having lived and worked in and out of China for most of my career, WAB has always been a place that I have 'known'.  As an experienced 'IB Educator' I have always wanted to work at WAB and, more importantly, I have my children attend school here.  I have many past colleagues that have had some sort of connection to the school and this has only fueled my passion to be connect to WAB myself.

Know a new family fresh off the boat? Tell us if they would like to be featured in jingkids as our way of welcoming them to our community!

Images: Courtesy of Jason Reagin

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