Akbar Hussain
Deputy Academic Director of Teaching and Learning (K-12), Head of DP (G11-12), Head of Faculty - Mathematics and Science, DP Mathematics AA Teacher
Master of Education (Curriculum and Teaching)
Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Mathematics with Business
Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers
Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)
My passion for teaching began from my high school days where I used to run tuition classes while I was studying. My love for Mathematics deepened then, that I went to pursue a degree in Mathematics and graduated with a first class honours degree. Since then, I have worked in various international schools, including serving as a school principal in a renowned school in Indonesia. My experience in teaching international students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
As an educator, my dedication and passion for teaching continue to inspire those around me, and my experience in teaching international students has enriched my teaching practice and made me a more effective educator. I’m proud to be part of the ISS family and contribute to the vision of educating to make a difference.
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Paul Crozier
Head of Faculty - Multimedia, PYP and MYP Physical and Health Education Teacher, Athletic Director, and ECA Coordinator (G6-12)
Bachelor of Science (Sport Science)
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Physical Education)
My teaching career began following completion of a Sports Science degree and Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Brunel University in London. Over a number of years I progressed successfully within a small but varied group of London schools. These ranged from an international environment at The American School in London through to a PE Subject Leader role at a diverse and challenging inner London school.
I enjoy a huge number of sports in both team and individual events, with my personal favourites being football and cricket, which I have enjoyed playing to a high level.
Through choice, opportunity and encouragement I believe that every student can unlock their own personal and individual sporting potential to benefit from the positive effects that sport will bring.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I am now able to teach within the ISS community.
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Mary Ann Shelley
Head of Faculty - Language Arts and MYP English and Mother Tongue Language and Literature Teacher
Bachelor Of Arts (Asian Studies)
Diploma of Education
A career in teaching has brought both professional and personal rewards. I have been fortunate to teach in countries in Asia and the Middle East as well as in my home, Australia. These experiences have allowed me access to a range of geographical environments as well cultural diversity which have helped me relate to those with whom I have contact in an educational environment. I am a firm believer in a holistic approach to education and after many years teaching, remain committed to working with students and their families.
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Lucy Atkinson
MYP and DP Visual Arts Teacher and G11-12 Grade Level Leader
Diploma Of Art (Graphic Design)
Graduate Diploma Education (Art)
Returning to Singapore and ISS is a delight. I have worked as an art and design educator with extensive experience working both in Australia and internationally for over 20 years. My interest and specialist skill is in teaching creative and critical thinking including interdisciplinary project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, digital technology and fabrication programs. I have been a leader as Departmental Head of Arts, Design and Technology and I return to lead the Year 11 & 12 team in Pastoral Care and to teach Visual Art IB MYP and DP. Focusing on the whole student (personal, social, and academic) is of vital importance to me. I am Australian and a mother to 4 happy and successful sons and a grandmother to 2.5 children. I am passionate about art as a practitioner and viewer.
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Bruno Alen-Lebon
MYP French and Drama, DP French B Teacher, and G9-10 Grade Level Leader
Licence En Lettres D'Enseignement (Anglais)
Degree in Teaching Literature (French / English)
Master of English (Hons) (Elizabethan Theatre & English Stylistic), Université De Rouen
I have been teaching at ISS International School since 2001. Originally from France, I taught English for the French Ministry of Education and French as a foreign language in various UK and Australian Schools and Universities. Always linking the study of foreign languages and theatre, I was in charge of the cultural activities at the French Institute of Scotland in the 80’s in Edinburgh and served as Deputy Director of Alliance Française in both Sydney and Singapore in the 90’s. I have always had a passion for Musical Theatre, which is shared today with my Drama students and the school community through theatre appreciation outings and full-scale productions. I attended my latest professional development workshop in New York in 2014 where I was fully trained and accredited as part of the MTI Broadway Teachers international team to develop musical theatre education and projects in secondary schools.
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Petrina Krishnan
MYP English Language Acquisition, HSD English for Academic Purpose Teacher, and G6-8 Grade Level Leader
Bachelor Of Business Management
Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Certificate in Teaching International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
My passion for teaching started from a young age when I was often asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. After a brief working experience in the financial industry , I realised that only teaching could bring me the satisfaction and motivation I was looking for. Over the years, I have taught toddlers right up to high school students from various cultural backgrounds. When they thank me for providing them with the knowledge and support they look for, that motivates me to do better. With my experience, I hope to work towards the total development of the students and instil an appreciation for English. Outside the classroom, I love travelling and spending time with my family.
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Nurudin Sadali
MYP English Language and Literature, DP English Language A Teacher
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Specialisation in teaching at Secondary School Level)
Bachelors Of Arts (English Literature)
I come to ISS having previously taught the GCE ’N’ and ‘O’ syllabus in several secondary schools in Singapore. In my years spent teaching, I have had the privilege to work with students from a myriad of backgrounds whose abilities ranged across the spectrum.
My interest in children’s education is not just limited to teaching in the classroom. I have spent time working as a writer for What’s Up, a publication that presents complex world issues in easy-to-understand formats for Primary and Lower Secondary students.
Aside from education, I have also previously pursued a career in music and the arts — having worked as a producer, sound designer, and music director. These experiences have afforded me the opportunity to travel the world and work with several festivals and organisations.
I am relishing the opportunity to work with young people again and am excited to contribute to the ISS community.
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David Loo
DP and HSD Mathematics Teacher, EdTech Leader
Bachelor of Science (Applied Maths & Statistics)
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
Diploma in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)
After graduating from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, I moved onto the National Institute of Education to undergo the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) so that I can commence on my teaching journey.
My teaching experience of close to 15 years includes teaching Maths at MindChamps (a motivational institute), GCE ‘O’ Level Elementary & Additional Maths at local schools under Singapore’s Ministry of Education and IB DP Maths at ACS International, Jakarta and One World International School. At MindChamps, I was Head of Maths in-charge of developing their Mathematics programmes. In between my teaching journey, I have also represented 3P Learning Australia Pty Ltd (an international e-learning company) in marketing their flagship e-learning platform Mathletics to international schools in both Singapore and Malaysia when I took a break from teaching for three years.
I am passionate about the International Baccalaureate philosophy and firmly believe that every individual has the potential to be great in life and desires to help people whom I come into contact with unleash their potential. With my keen observation, effective coaching and distinctive evaluation and teaching methods, I am able to assist my students in achieving their best!
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Sharanya Samuel Tensingh
MYP Mathematics and DP Computer Science Teacher
Master of Technology [Embedded Systems]
Post Graduate Diploma in International Education [PGDIE]
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults [CELTA]
After a period of working with computers, I found out that I had a passion for experiential learning and stepped into the world of education. My experience with IB teaching across disciplines revolve around the axis- to impart and to learn.
Now in Singapore as a Mathematics and Computer Science Teacher, I feel elated as I share knowledge with my students which enhances their understanding of the world. This inculcates an inspiration and to me, that’s all about teaching- to inspire, to live and love. I trust Albert Einstein’s words- Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty and I’m a teacher mantled with happiness.
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Wesley Whitehead
MYP Science, DP Environmental Systems and Societies, HSD Science Teacher, and CAS Coordinator
Bachelor of Science in Biology Education
I have been teaching since 1992. I taught in the Louisiana public school system from 1992 until 2006 when I began teaching at the ISS International School. I was an elementary school teacher from 1993 until 1999. I have been teaching high school since 1999. I currently teach science and am the DP CAS Coordinator. I have a BS degree in Biology Education from Louisiana College. I enjoy mountain biking, tennis, soccer, downhill skiing and hiking.
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Cynthia Gian
DP Biology and Chemistry, MYP Science Teacher
Bachelor Of Science (Biological Sciences)
Bachelors Of Biomedical Science (Honours)
Master Of Teaching (Secondary) - Biology and Chemistry
I was born in Singapore, and spent 8 years living and working in Australia, before coming back to Singapore to teach for ISS International School.
After studying and working in the Science industry on various research projects, I felt a lack of impact and satisfaction in the work that I was doing – there was a lack of human interactions! I started looking for another industry in which I could carry on my passion in Science, and decided that teaching was an excellent way that I could marry my love for Science, inspire and educate the next generation, while still having plenty of human interactions. I started my teaching career in Australia, with experience in both IB and the Australian Curriculum during my Masters, as well as teaching Science and Biology as a qualified teacher once I graduated.
I believe and am committed to fostering positive teacher-student relationships through my teaching and learning practices in order to increase student engagement, and will continue to do so at ISS International School.
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Daniel Xu
MYP Science and DP Physics Teacher
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honors)
Master of Education (Curriculum and Teaching)
I was born in China and came to my second Home, Singapore during my teenage years. I discovered my passion for education through peer tutoring and relief teaching experiences. Prior to joining ISS, I spent several years teaching Physics under the Cambridge IGCSE and CIE curriculum for international students. Physics has been my favorite subject since my secondary school days and I enjoy applying the scientific concept to explain all kinds of phenomenon in everyday life. Learning Physics through an inquiry-based approach and practical hands-on experiments would be the more effective and interesting way to acquire knowledge and inquiry skills.
I believe students can be nurtured in differentiated ways based on their learning patterns and profiles.
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Kelly Millar
Deputy Academic Director of Pastoral (K-12), Head of High School Diploma (HSD) (G11-12), HSD Social Studies Teacher
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Bachelor of Education
Master of Education
I am from Canada, and since 1999 I have had teaching experiences in the following countries of Japan, Thailand, China, and Indonesia. I have gained valuable teaching experience within the International Baccalaureate in the Middle Year Programme and Diploma Programme teaching DP History, Theory of Knowledge, and Individuals and Societies. My professional interest revolves around the concepts of motivation, leadership, and team-building. I have formulated my philosophy of education, which is based on motivation and communication that is student-centred, as it seeks to improve teaching and learning standards in collaboration with students.
My wife and I are very excited to join the ISS learning community and experience the wonderfulness of Singapore.
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Taila Mueller
MYP Individuals and Societies and DP Geography Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Honours (Political Science)
Master of Arts (International Development & Corporate Finance)
Post Graduate Certificate of Teaching in Secondary Education
I am an American Citizen, born in India and raised in New York and Singapore. I graduated from the Singapore American School, studied political science at Cornell University, and later pursued a Master of Arts at Johns Hopkins University. I have lived and worked in China, Germany, and the U.S. and moved back here in 2017.
Prior to my teaching career, I spent 15 years in Investment Banking, Philanthropy, and Impact Investing. I believe my passion for and experience in poverty alleviation, sustainability and business brings the Integrated Humanities subject areas to life for my students.
My priorities as an educator are to help students to discover their purpose, find joy in learning, and hone their unique learning styles and skills. I underscore compassion, balance, and inclusivity in the classroom.
Outside of the classroom you will find me with my two awesome daughters, husband, friends, and family. I enjoy fitness, dancing, football, quiz nights, bike rides, being outdoors and traveling.
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Vanya Nario
MYP Individuals and Societies, DP Psychology, DP Theory of Knowledge, and Grade 11 Teacher
Master of Arts in Psychological Services with Diploma in Counselling
Bachelor in Psychology
I am from the Philippines and have worked in IB schools for almost 10 years. I have worked with high school students for 15 years and I have positively transformed many students’ lives. My vast educational experience involves being a counsellor, activities coordinator, student council advisor, curriculum coordinator and a Psychology and TOK teacher. I have worked in IB schools in the Philippines and China.
I always encourage my students to use their real life experiences as part of their learning and apply the same principles in the subjects I teach. I want my classes to be relevant and dynamic through open communication and discussions while learning. I place great value in getting to know my students and colleagues well. I am looking forward to getting to know the ISS community and share what I know and can do.
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Yuki Ozuka
MYP English Language Acquisition, DP and HSD English Language B Teacher, and Personal Project Coordinator
Bachelors Of Arts (English and American Literature)
Master Of Art (English Education)
I was born in Japan and had English education there; however, I had opportunities to live in Switzerland and Canada before I started my life in Singapore. When I first came to this lovely and lively country in 2016 with my husband and daughters, I joined The Japanese School Singapore and taught English Language to elementary school students for three years, as HOD of English. My philosophy of teaching, with my long-time experience of teaching ESL to students from elementary school to university has been the same; and it is that “Students show the biggest improvement in their language acquisition when they are interested or having fun.” I love to see students’ improvement, especially when I see the students who struggled in the beginning could flourish their English skills after they made steady efforts. Language is language – it is useful only when you use it. I am looking forward to teaching ISS students and to seeing their effort fruit.
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Ayda Alp
MYP English Acquisition, HSD Elective, and Grade 8 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts English Language and Literature
Diploma Certification for Teaching/Education
I am very happy and excited to rejoin the wonderful ISS community. After seeing some of my former awesome students graduate with great success this year, I am looking forward to meeting and bonding with new ones. I have been teaching English and ESL since 2000 in International schools in Singapore. I am most passionate about creating a learning space where each student is cherished, valued, encouraged and supported to be able to achieve their highest potential. Having a calm, relaxed and FUN class is what I try to achieve every day. Witnessing shy students bloom and succeed is a teacher’s best dreams come true.
Originally from Turkey, I have chosen Singapore as my permanent residence and I have been living here since 1993. I have 3 adult children who are in higher education. I am also an artist and love creating.
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Sarah Jeyaram
DP Business, HSD Social Studies, MYP Individuals and Societies, and University Advisor
BA Honours in History
BA in Business Studies with a PGCE from Durham University, UK.
Originally from Oxford in the UK, I have been teaching for 26 years, 24 of which have been in international teaching vocations in Singapore and Oman. As an experienced MYP Integrated Humanities Teacher and DP History and Business Management teacher, I value supporting students from all of our programmes in extending their knowledge, exploring conceptual learning and developing their skills. I currently teach Grade 10 I&S, Grade 11 and 12 Business Management and High School Diploma Social Studies. In these roles and as a University Advisor, I encourage students to explore their interests and take risks in our close knit community and to pursue their passion to support their own and our planet’s future.
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Cynthia Tan
PYP Visual Art, MYP Visual Art, and MYP Design Teacher
Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching)
Master of Arts (Art History)
Bachelor of Arts (Architectural Studies)
Diploma in Botanical Art
My goal as an educator is to develop creativity and confidence in students through the study of Visual Arts. I have over 10 years of teaching experience, having taught ages 6 to 22 in Art, Art History, Communication Practice, and Cultural Awareness. My teaching philosophy emphasises inquiry-based learning and the cultivation of critical thinking skills through interactive learning activities.
Having previously lived in the US and UK, I value diversity and enjoy learning about different cultures through Art.
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Chen Qing
MYP Mandarin Acquisition and DP Chinese B Teacher
Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other languages
I have more than 16 years of IB teaching experience and am truly passionate about teaching the Chinese language. I believe that by embracing a particular culture, students are able to grasp the language with better fluency. My philosophy is to create a joyful environment for the students to learn in.
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Yu Jin
PYP Mandarin and MYP Mandarin Acquisition Teacher
Master of Education (Teaching and Learning Chinese)
Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Studies and Guidance and Counselling
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
I have over 13 years of teaching experience prior to joining ISS. Teaching is a calling. Every student I meet is a life that is entrusted to me; a personal obligation and responsibility. There are no higher forms of satisfaction when I see my students getting excited about learning while developing the desired values and attitudes towards a fulfilling life. I treasure my special role as an educator where I’m able to help students excel in their own ways and be a blessing unto others.
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Lichun Rong
MYP Mandarin Language and Literature, DP Chinese Language A Teacher
Master of Arts (Teaching Chinese as an International Language), Singapore
Master of Arts (Chinese Modern & Contemporary Literature), China
Bachelor of Arts (Chinese Language & Literature), China
My teaching career began in 1997 after graduating from Yanbian University. I have taught courses like Intensive Chinese, Chinese Listening, Speaking and Writing for students from different countries in the universities for more than ten years in China.
I moved to Singapore in 2013 and have taught for 3 years as an elementary school Mandarin teacher and Bilingual Class Teacher at Eton House International School. Teaching Chinese at IB school has inspired and motivated me to explore more about IB teaching and learning.
I am excited to join ISS International School and to be a part of the school community. My teaching philosophy always encourages me to keep on improving myself to meet students’ needs.
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Reiko Sogabe
MYP Japanese Language and Literature, DP Japanese A
Master of Arts in International Studies, University of Warwick, UK.
Postgraduate Diploma in Politics and International Relations, Lancaster University, UK
Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Literature in Waseda University, Japan.
I started my career in International telecommunication sales and marketing, working for Japan Telecom, Australian Telstra and British Telecom, where I learnt how to work and cooperate with people from different cultures. I realised soon after that my calling was elsewhere and teaching Japanese Language and Culture was what I was truly passionate about.
I was awarded the licence of Japanese Teacher for Middle School and High School from Waseda University, Japan. I was trained by Former ISS Japanese Teacher, Miho Tsumura on IB Japanese A Literature through the IB workshop.
I was the representative of the parents association for the Japanese Community at another private school in Singapore for 7 years. I also taught the Japanese Home Language Programme to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 there.
As an educator, my goal is to support students to develop their interests, knowledge and understanding of their mother tongue and their culture by making real life associations, and fostering their identity and dignity.
My ultimate aim is to enable my students to lead creative and happy lives by developing their aspirations to realise their potential, and be active participants in the community. I focus on cultivating critical thinking through inquiry-based and interactive learning activities. I believe that I can contribute to world peace by developing student interest in understanding not only their culture but also appreciating different cultures, based on my experiences living in Japan, UK, Hong Kong, and now Singapore.
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Jimin Kim
MYP Korean Language and Literature and DP Korean A Teacher
Bachelor of Business Administration
Korean Language Education
Over my last 15 years in Singapore, I have taught students of various ages and profiles in institutions of higher learning, schools and a government-operated organisation. My wealth of teaching experience helps me understand students’ challenges and needs in mastering the Korean language. While the language may be learnt as a tool for communication, I believe that mastering it requires an intimate understanding of its culture, as well as knowledge of societal and historical backgrounds.
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Christopher Garden
Deputy Academic Director of Teaching and Learning (K-12), Head of DP (G11-12), DP Music Teacher
Bachelor Of Music
Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary Music)
Master Of Theology
I am a passionate IB leader, educator and musician with vast experience in international and Australian schools, specialising in Music, Theory of Knowledge and Religious Education. A passionate musician with extensive experience leading ensembles, my leadership philosophy stems from a desire to achieve excellence through team building. My core motivation is seeing improved teaching and learning for all students through developing meaningful collaborative cultures within school settings. A strong belief in constructivist and inquiry-based learning leads me to be an advocate for the IB frameworks, with experience in both the Diploma and Middle Years Programmes. Leading students and teachers into the unknown world of the 21st Century through developing core ‘soft skills’ and positive psychology is certainly an exciting venture.
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Wong Yoon Foong
MYP Music Teacher
Masters of Music
Bachelor of Music
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Music and Biology)
Diploma in TESOL
Sharing music is my passion, and this led me to teaching. Before coming to ISS, I have taught both Cambridge and IB music syllabi in Singapore schools, I have also lectured in music colleges and universities. I am still lecturing in a local university, and I believe that IB is the best a student can have before embarking on higher education, as it inculcates the skills of critical thinking and independent learning, which are essential to university education.
In addition to teaching, I am also the exams representative for the London College of Music Examinations for both Singapore and China, delivering internationally recognized music certification with UCAS tariff points to students in both countries. It is immensely satisfying as a music educator to see young people be able to play their own music, and I look forward to contributing musically to the ISS community.
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Berna Esendemir Sekhon
K-12 School Counsellor
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism & Public Relations
Masters in Counselling
I am originally from Turkey and have been living in Singapore since 1994. I have a vast experience on third culture kids who live in different countries throughout their education lives due to the expatriate life requirements.
My interest in education and students well being derives from curiosity and hunger that I have felt, to make them achieve their best potential and to provide them a conducive environment to do so. I believe every student has equal chance and right for education, no matter what the difficulties they are facing.
I have years of experience working with children and adolescents with special needs and my lifetime goal is to reach out to those who have difficulties and help them along the way by providing a support with a holistic approach that they rightfully need.
I have 2 wonderful teenagers who are continuously helping me to be the best I can.
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Patty Winpenny
HS Learning Support
Bachelor of Arts (Russian Language and Literature)
Master of Education (Special Education)
Master of Arts (Soviet and East European Political Economics)
My teaching career began with languages and travel. I directed US-USSR programs: CIEE’s College Exchange, Children’s Art Exchange, and Citizen Exchange Council educational trips. As a learning specialist in Vermont, I coordinated services with therapists, speech language pathologists, and neurologists. Wanderlust brought me to Asia, and years in Shanghai deepened my resolve to engage students with diverse challenges in inclusive environments.
Discovering meditation through tragedy (widowed and losing a son), I am grateful for life’s gifts. One son is an engineer, married to a Russian dancer; the other is a commercial beekeeper in Hawaii, married to a teacher. Joy is winter holidays with grandchildren in Hawaii and summers together on our Vermont farm.
Cyclist, swimmer, kayaker, skier, Pilates enthusiast, and dancer, I believe in the transformative power of wellness to help us achieve our best. An optimist, I consider myself a teacher diplomat, and am honored to work at ISS.
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Rosie Short
EAL Specialist
PGCEi (Postgraduate Certificate Education (International))
Bachelor in Modern Language and Business & Management (Spanish)
Advanced TEFL
Singapore has become my new home after having lived in Spain, Italy, China, Malaysia, and of course, the United Kingdom. I have been teaching EAL in Asia over the past 8 years and these experiences have been varied and life changing; from setting up EAL Summer camps for young students in Shanghai to the Western Etiquette training of the Miss Universe China competition. These particular opportunities have given me insight on how culture plays into language, how we express ourselves, and has formed the framework of my approach to teaching English to students from varied cultures.
I am a firm believer that students need to be given opportunities to have fun, collaborate and be as creative as possible. As a lifelong language learner, I understand the challenges faced when learning a language, and I enjoy helping students find ways to overcome these hurdles.
I am thrilled to be joining ISS to lend support to the ESL students, teachers and the school as a whole.
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Maycee Guallar
EAL Specialist
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature
Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education
Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
I come from the beautiful country of Philippines. During my bachelor’s fellowship, I was honoured with “The Most Outstanding Student Teacher Award”. I was a scholar of the UNICAF organisation and did my Master of Arts in English Language and Literature at UNICAF University via external correspondence. My degree in this scholarship programme is fully accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Higher Education Institutions. I am a certified TEFL/TESOL teacher, a certificate holder in Counselling Children and Adolescents, and a delegate for the Asia Conference of the Harvard College for Asian and International Relations Committee.
Along with professional training and a profound knowledge of the English language, I can educate students of all ages and backgrounds in a lively and motivating manner. I tailor activities to maintain the interest of my students and adapt to diversities with ease. For me, the true satisfaction in teaching is the ability to touch the lives of students while awakening their curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn and relate to others. Therefore, it is essential to develop their emotional skills and build their confidence for their posterity.
I pursue a balance between facilitating academic excellence and shaping confident, ethical, and empathetic individuals.
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