Globally Experienced Educators

With more than 40 years of experience in international education, Tammy Murphy has led some of the world’s most respected schools, including Dubai American Academy, Montecito Union School District, Ross School District, and Cherry Hill School District, where she served as Assistant Superintendent.

A highly respected educational leader, Tammy has been recognised with numerous state and national awards in the United States for her contributions as both an educator and a school leader. She brings deep expertise in the International Baccalaureate, having overseen the development and implementation of multiple IB programmes across primary and secondary levels.

Tammy is widely known for inspiring strong school cultures built on collaboration, continuous improvement, and high expectations for both students and faculty. Her vision and leadership continue to guide XCL World Academy in delivering an education that prepares every learner for future success.

With more than 30 years of experience in international education, Maria Sweeney has taught and led in schools across the United States, Italy, and China. She began her career in 1990 as a Grade 5 teacher and has since taught nearly every primary grade, as well as middle school English, Social Studies, and English as an Additional Language. Her deep classroom experience later expanded into leadership roles, including Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Elementary Principal.

Maria most recently served as Director of Curriculum at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School in New York City. Before this, she was the Founding Head of an independent school in Southern California, shaping its academic vision and community from the ground up.

A dedicated advocate for student-centered learning, Maria believes that every child should feel valued, known, and supported in order to grow and succeed. She brings extensive experience in International Baccalaureate (IB) education and a personal connection to the programme as the spouse of an IB teacher and the parent of three IB Diploma graduates. Maria is committed to creating warm, nurturing, inclusive, and high-performing learning environments at XCL World Academy, where she champions an Early and Primary Years experience that inspires children, builds their confidence, and empowers them to flourish.

Mark Petterson has been a valued leader within the XCL World Academy community since 2016, first as Deputy Principal and, since 2020, as Secondary Years Principal. With more than a decade of experience across educational leadership, counselling, and teaching in both Australia and Singapore, Mark brings a strong blend of academic expertise and student-centered leadership to the secondary school.

He holds a Master of Educational Studies, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Queensland, as well as a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School. Mark also contributes to the global education community as an accreditation evaluator for the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Mark’s leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to fostering a dynamic, high-performing secondary school environment. At XCL World Academy, he continues to champion a learning experience where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to grow as globally minded, resilient, and purpose-driven young adults.

Michael Fletcher brings extensive international experience to XCL World Academy, developed through years of teaching and living in the UK, Thailand, and Singapore. He serves as IBDP Coordinator and Head of Grades 11 and 12.

He holds a MA in Education, a BA (Hons) in Business, and a PGCE, combining strong academic training with practical teaching and leadership skills.

Michael is a passionate advocate for the International Baccalaureate and is committed to guiding students through the final, critical phase of their secondary education. He blends academic rigour with real-world business and economic insights, helping students build the skills and mindset needed for success at university and beyond.

Sreedharan brings extensive expertise in inclusive education and student wellbeing to his role at XCL World Academy. Based in Singapore, he has also lived, studied, and worked in diverse educational contexts, enriching his understanding of cultural awareness, adaptability, and community engagement.

He holds a Master’s in Inclusive and Special Education from Monash University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Sreedharan began his career supporting students with specific learning differences and has since expanded his experience to teaching English, Math, and Student Support. He has led initiatives in social-emotional learning, behavior support, safeguarding, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensuring that classrooms are inclusive, supportive, and student-centered.

At XCL World Academy, Sreedharan focuses on fostering student wellbeing, inclusion, and a culture of learning readiness. He works closely with teachers, students, and families to embed social-emotional learning, PSHE, and inclusive practices across the Early and Primary Years, helping every child feel supported, confident, and ready to learn.

Claire has over a decade of international teaching experience, having worked in the UK, Doha, and Singapore. She brings a broad perspective to her role as Dean of Student Life at XCL World Academy, overseeing the holistic development and wellbeing of students across the school.

Trained as a Visual Arts and Design Technology educator, Claire has taught Art, Design, Drama, PHE, and Early Years Primary, and previously led the Visual and Performing Arts department. She holds a BA (Hons) in Product Design and Printmaking and a PGCE in Secondary Design Technology.

At XCL World Academy, Claire focuses on creating enriching experiences that support students’ personal growth, creativity, and engagement beyond the classroom. She champions programmes and initiatives that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging, helping students develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Alejandro brings extensive experience in international and American education to his role as Dean of Students at XCL World Academy. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he has lived and worked across the USA, China, Hawaii, and Singapore, giving him a rich global perspective on student development.

Alejandro holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from ITESO University in Mexico, a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University, a Master of Educational Leadership from Trinity University, and completed Instructional Coaching training at RELAY School of Education. He has taught Spanish, Math, and Social Studies, and served as Assistant Principal in American public schools for over a decade.

At XCL World Academy, Alejandro focuses on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaging school environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. His approach combines high expectations with guidance and care, ensuring every student has the space to progress.

Leslie is an experienced university and career guidance professional,supporting students as they navigate academic pathways and prepare for higher education opportunities worldwide. Originally from Maryland, USA, Leslie has lived and worked across the United States, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, gaining a deep understanding of diverse educational systems and global university landscapes. Leslie has been part of teams setting up new international schools (Shanghai, Zhuhai) and has developed the University Guidance departments at 2 new school (Hong Kong, Singapore). She is an IB Diploma graduate herself and is tri-lingual in Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and English.

She holds a Master of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Leslie works closely with students, parents, and educators to provide personalised guidance, enhance university readiness, and support scholarship planning.

At XCL World Academy, Leslie helps students identify their strengths, explore opportunities, and make informed decisions about their academic and career pathways. She is committed to empowering learners to achieve their goals and realise their potential on a global stage.