Sobre
TESTIMONIALS
Throughout my journey as an educator, I have had the privilege of working, learning, and growing alongside remarkable people. These testimonials offer different perspectives on my work and reflect the relationships, experiences, and meaningful connections built along the way.
Those Who Shared the Journey
Jesse Akers
Former Elementary School Student | Music Business & Recording Graduate from the University of Colorado
"Early in my musical journey, José showed me the profound joy and connection music brings. Watching him build community from setting up drum circles among my peers to spontaneous jam sessions with musicians he had just met, instilled in me a lifelong love of playing music with and for others."
Sangalo´s family
School´s family
Watch the video above
Andrea Basílio
School Principal | Suzhou Singapore International School
"José Leal is one of those teachers who really makes a difference. His positivity is contagious, and he has a special gift for inspiring children and bringing people together. He works collaboratively not only within his own division but with the entire school, always ready to help and unite the team. José brings an atmosphere of lightness and joy wherever he goes. He's fun, cheerful, and a natural connector of people. I feel so lucky to have worked with him for so many years."
Gabriela Pessoa
ECC Portuguese Teacher | PASB
"I have worked with Zé for several years, and throughout this time of collaboration and professional partnership, we have built a collection of truly special and meaningful memories.
Always willing to collaborate, share his knowledge, offer guidance with wisdom and calm, and bring his creativity and expertise to our projects, Zé has an incredible ability to make everything feel simpler, possible, and special. With him, it feels as though there is nothing we cannot create, build, or learn together.
Zé is an exceptional professional who treats everyone with respect, generosity, kindness, and a genuine sense of warmth. He is always willing to contribute and add value to every initiative and, without a doubt, elevates the quality of everything he does and everything we build together at school.
For me, it is an honor to work alongside him, learn from him, exchange experiences, and share so many meaningful moments. Through working with Zé, I have also learned that a sense of lightness can transform our days, bring calm to the journey, and make our work even more meaningful.
What a joy it is to have Zé as part of this journey!"
Fernanda Souza
Art Teacher and Maker Space Teacher | PASB
"Zé is a highly engaged educator with a strong drive to turn ideas into action. He is always looking for ways to contribute, while seeking new perspectives, resources, and educational opportunities."
Luciana Duarte
ES Social Studies Teacher | PASB
"Mr. Leal is a committed partner in academic and interdisciplinary work, making meaningful contributions to our work in Portuguese Language and Brazilian Social Studies by using music to create learning experiences that connect different areas of knowledge.
It is worth highlighting that this partnership was especially significant during one of the most challenging periods in recent years: the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, he joined forces with our team, and together we created an online Festa Junina that brought joy to the entire school community while keeping alive one of Brazil’s most important cultural traditions.
Since then, Mr. Leal has remained actively involved, developing projects that bring together students, teachers, and, above all, families. It is especially meaningful to see the pride children feel when they watch their parents performing in the band, one of his projects that fosters connection and a strong sense of belonging to the city and country.
His sensitivity and professionalism make music an important bridge for connecting knowledge, people, and different generations. Our partnership strengthens collaborative work and makes learning experiences even more meaningful, contributing to an increasingly connected, engaged, and inclusive school community.
Over the years, this partnership has continued to expand learning opportunities while strengthening the presence of Brazilian culture in everyday school life."
Sam Whitney
School Principal | XIS
"Ze is a fantastic educator who makes learning fun and engaging for students. He brings tremendous school spirit, regularly leading shows, participating in productions and school-wide initiatives, and always being willing to step in and help wherever needed. He is a wonderful colleague who consistently goes above and beyond, and it was a pleasure working with him."
Meliza Kuo
ECC Classroom Teacher | PASB
"What I value most about Mr. Leal is his creativity and his passion for music. He has a special ability to transform a simple activity into something meaningful and engaging, whether he is working with children, teenagers, or adults. I truly admire his patience, dedication, and the way he inspires his students to be involved and committed. I believe our festivals and school events are a beautiful reflection of his experience and talent, especially when we see the discipline and teamwork he helps children develop as part of a band. I really enjoy seeing his work and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with him."
Suzette Youngs
HS English Language and Literature Teacher| PASB
"I really enjoyed learning about music with Leal. He is incredibly welcoming, patient, warm and creative. Leal gave me the unforgettable experience of playing drums in a percussion band. I really loved it! I have appreciated the way he brings everyone together, inspiring us to play different instruments every week and have lots of fun! He is a wonderful teacher and I learned a lot from him. Thank you so much! "
Mateus Jones and Katie Jones
Physical Education Teachers | AIS Kuwait
"José Leal is one of those people I’ve had the privilege of knowing both professionally and personally. Our friendship goes well beyond the school environment. My wife and I are proud to be godparents to his son, which says a lot about the trust and friendship our families have built over the years.
I’ve seen firsthand his passion for music, whether through his many years as a music educator, performing professionally with local bands, or sharing Brazilian music and culture through international experiences.
What makes Zé special is the way he brings all these experiences together. He doesn’t just teach music; he shares culture, creativity, real-life experiences, and a genuine love for what he does. That authenticity comes through in his work and in the connections he builds with students, colleagues, and the wider community."