Our Teachers
Our Learning Leaders
At ISB we believe that the most significant indicator in student success can be traced directly back to the quality of teachers. In fact, at ISB this is at the very core of what we do.
Over the years we have created a diverse and talented community of learning leaders in our school. Once they become part of our community, they tend to stay.
Our teachers at a glance
OUR TEACHERS
OUR DEFINITIONS OF LEARNING
Conceptual Learning
This is happening when students are connecting new, potentially disruptive, knowledge to prior understanding and to important concepts; constructing and re-constructing theories of how things work and why things are the way they are; testing their evolving theories in different contexts to refine them so they have increased explanatory power and to see when, where and how they apply.
Competency Learning
This is happening when students are deconstructing expert performance and comparing it with their own; identifying the adjustments they need to make; and practicing a skill in order to refine it and make it increasingly automatic.
Character Learning
This is happening when students are considering what particular dispositions and values would ‘look like’ when applied in specific authentic contexts; acting as a result of these considerations; and reflecting on the effects of these actions.
Learning Principles
Learning is maximized when individuals own the process through
personal relevance, choice, autonomy, and creation
Learning involves ongoing construction of meaning through
a constant cycle of inquiry, critical thinking, feedback, and
reflection
Learning is enhanced through connections, communication, and collaboration across diverse perspectives.
Learning in a rapidly changing landscape requires high levels of information fluency, media literacy, and technology integration.
TEACHER PROFILE
An ISB teacher understands that ...
- conceptual understanding develops when students have opportunities to develop their own theories and relate their learning to the world beyond school.
- learning must take into account individual student starting points, interests and learning profiles.
- a well-structured digital learning environment empowers students to think, create, innovate, and collaborate.
An ISB teacher is able to ...
- design and deliver relevant student-centered instruction and assessment
- empower him- or herself and others to collaborate around improving student outcomes
- purposefully reflect upon pertinent learning evidence (data) and model this for others
An ISB teacher demonstrates ...
- passion for teaching and learning. • commitment to meeting the learning needs of every student.
- awareness of and openness towards multiple perspectives and their place within the classroom.
- a growth mindset towards teaching and learning.
We believe that learning should extend beyond what we read in a textbook or hear about in school. Our High School Math teacher, John, gives students the tools they need to experiment, explore, and learn from their mistakes. By harnessing the power of technology, he helps students experience learning in new and innovative ways.
Michele understands that as a teacher, children look up to her as a role model in the classroom and in life. This is why she welcomes them with a smile each morning, nurturing the development of the whole person and encouraging them to think critically and work collaboratively from a very young age.
Science is all about embracing the unexpected. Joelle, our Middle School Science teacher, wants to make science accessible and relatable to each one of her students. She cares about nurturing authenticity and curiosity in the classroom, encouraging everyone to challenge themselves and take risks.
Alan believes in the value of collaboration. He believes in helping students understand the world around them from a place of humility. In his High School history class, he approaches learning as a collaborative process that opens the mind and nourishes the soul.
Heidi understands the power of storytelling. As a Librarian in our ISB Lower School Library, she speaks directly to the children and enjoys witnessing how stories connect them to one another. She nurtures their love of reading and encourages them to find truth in every story.
One of the wonderful things about Art is that it’s accessible to everyone. Sophie, our Elementary School Visual Arts teacher, recognizes that every child can leave their own mark in the world. She creates experiences that allow them to explore creative pathways and take pride in their growth, and the process of their work.
As an Elementary School Homeroom teacher, Sybil focuses on her student’s social-emotional learning and wellbeing. She believes in the power of nature to promote happiness and a sense of wellness in each child, helping students learn how to nurture and strengthen the relationships in their lives.
Alan has been a High School Theatre teacher at ISB for over 33 years. He recognizes that his craft has evolved over time and that today, it has become more vital than ever to teach his students the skills of communication, collaboration, and risk-taking both on stage and behind the scenes.
Michelle, our High School CAS coordinator, has the wonderful job of getting to know her students outside of the classroom, connecting them to projects that align with their passions and interests. She enjoys watching them develop positive relationships, while helping them implement ideas that inspire them and help them make the world a better place.
Physical education is about more than just the body. Kelley wants students to recognize their potential by focusing both on the power of their bodies and on their social and emotional growth. She helps them learn how to collaborate more closely together to develop courage, risk-taking skills, and a greater sense of community.
In his film class, Tom strives to develop young artists who own their vision and voice. He helps them find ways of expressing their feelings and ideas through the power of filmmaking, allowing them the creative freedom to experiment, create, and revolutionize their work.
Music is universal. Tony, our cross-divisional Band teacher, believes that music can help students communicate and engage with each other and with the world in more meaningful ways. He works to help students learn empathy through the power of music, making them better people as well as better musicians.