Current Subject/Grade Level
Grade 4 Spanish

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2014

What year did you start teaching?
2007

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I always loved the idea of ​​talking to people to be able to learn and teach. With students, that happens every day. While we learn, we get to know each other, share different points of view and experiences, investigate new topics, and we ask ourselves questions that lead us to new points of view. 

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
I love the culture that is breathed into the school. Hearing different languages ​​in the hallways, sharing different traditions, and having a multicultural team, in addition to the inquiry processes, the questions, the connections, and the experiences we make at school, make WIS a perfect environment for learning.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
WIS is exceptional for building learning relationships between teachers and students, validating different points of view, and valuing learning experiences.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you? 
In addition to being a teacher, I also have a diploma in journalism and communications, so in my classes there are always stories to tell, news to share, and my students like to participate in the "Sra. Bernal Show."

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Grades 1-5 Physical Education

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2020

What year did you start teaching?
2010

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I have always enjoyed being in a space of creativity and various learning experiences. Students who are fully engaged in a specific activity or having fun exploring a new perspective or idea is most rewarding as a teacher.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
WIS is a very unique school community with a diverse group of students, teachers, parents and administrators. It is a warm and kind space where I feel highly valued and appreciated.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
All of the students are unique with various local and global views. I'm always fascinated about the questions they ask and how they attempt to answer them.

Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you?
I'm from Vancouver, Canada, with a Masters of Art in Education.

Current Subject/Grade Level
Grade 3 English

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2023

What year did you start teaching?
1989

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I've always been drawn to helping others. After my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I started teaching and I love it! 

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
Having taught overseas for 29 years, I was delighted to join an international school with a dual language program and inquiry-based learning. Teaching at WIS is an opportunity for me to engage in continuous growth and improvement.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
Our students are curious! They ask great questions and love learning.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I am very sentimental. I've travelled the world with a teddy bear that I received when I was just two months old!

Current Subjects/Grade Levels Taught
Grade 1 Spanish

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2024

What year did you start teaching?
2022

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
Children bring so much joy and positivity into every day. They see the world with such optimism, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them learn, grow, and make new connections. I have always believed that learning is lifelong, and I want to cultivate that same love of learning in young students. Many of my own teachers inspired me with their passion and care, and their impact made me want to create that same experience for others.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
I’ve always remembered how close-knit and welcoming the community is at WIS. As a WIS lifer, I had a feeling I would feel right at home here, surrounded by the same sense of belonging I experienced as a student. I also love being part of a community that celebrates and embraces the diversity that multicultural families bring.

What do find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
I think WIS's deep focus on fostering interpersonal intelligence and empathy in every student is amazing. From a young age, students learn to be compassionate, open-minded, and appreciative of the people and the world around them, which are such essential pillars of building a peaceful and caring planet. At WIS it’s not just about academic learning — it’s also about nurturing our personal growth and our ability to care for each other, and develop a strong sense of purpose in the world.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I love all things animals, nature, and outdoor adventures and I am a certified Wilderness First Responder.

Current Subject/Grade Level
Grade 5 Spanish

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2008

What year did you start teaching?
1987

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
At the age of five, when I was in Kindergarten, I loved my teacher and I think she was the one who guided my decision. In elementary school, I started to play at being a teacher. I used a black painted board, my mom bought me the chalk, and my students were all around me. Later, I understood that I liked to interact and explain everything to everyone.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
Being a teacher in Argentina, I always felt that something was missing. The educational system was not attractive, independent, comprehensive, or innovative, and no matter how hard I tried to change some things, I did not feel satisfied with what I was doing, and I could not find answers or help to find other ways or different methodologies. When I arrived in this country, and after a few years I started working at WIS, I discovered the PYP and everything changed for me and for my students. I had found the change I had been looking for and at that moment, my own learning process began. WIS means a lot to me. Here, I found a bit of my culture, my language, my customs. I love the international component at WIS. Here I can be me: a Latina proud of her roots, but accepting and learning from all the very unique people around me. Finally, as a mom, I am very glad that my only daughter has studied and graduated from WIS. That preparation gave her a fantastic foundation for her higher education. WIS is part of my life and my family.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
The exceptional part of WIS is our approach, the way we guide our students to think, reflect, discuss, analyze and take action on what they believe needs to be changed. I love the freedom with which I work and the fact that I can keep my language and my Argentine accent when I teach Spanish.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
When I was a kid I practiced figure skating, which required a lot of discipline, but I preferred to race and feel free with the wind in my face.

Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you?
Only that it is an honor to be working in this beautiful and particular school, where people, religions, customs, languages and races mix, creating a very harmonious environment where we all feel included and respected.

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Grades 3, 4, & 5 Design Technology; Grade 1 Art

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2020

What year did you start teaching?
2011

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher by almost by accident. A friend asked me to create an art curriculum for an international after school program and I decided to share what I know with children. The difference I could make in the students' knowledge and integrity is another aspect of teaching that I really like.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
I have always loved WIS! I lost my art teacher program and position in another private school during the first year of the pandemic, but luckily WIS needed a Design Technology and Art teacher, and I was happy to be accepted.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
WIS is exceptional in everything, with a diverse student and teacher population and a very open minded environment. Students are exceptionally knowledgeable. The many languages teachers and students speak is amazing. I love how caring everybody is to classmates or colleagues. 

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I was an interior designer for 10 years before becoming a teacher. One of my paintings is in the private collection of the Watergate prosecutor who still lives in DC. 

Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you?
I have lived in DC area for 23 years.

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Early Years and Grade 3 Music

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2008

What year did you start teaching?
1981

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to become a teacher. I pretended to be a teacher and made my younger sister act as a student. I believe that a teacher is someone who demonstrates a principled way of living with a high morality. I also thought that teaching would be the most fun thing to do for my entire life.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
I am always interested in diverse cultures. Ethnomusicology was included in my graduate study for that reason. WIS has allowed me to explore the world of diversity.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
Being a minority is valued at WIS and I learn so much about different cultures and music from my students and colleagues every day. WIS even offered me the opportunity to learn another foreign language, French, this year!

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I taught at a public elementary school in South Korea for three years before I immigrated to the United States. My daughter-in-law is Brazilian and I have a granddaughter who is learning to speak Portuguese, English, and Korean.

Current Title
Primary School Math Coordinator

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2018 

What year did you start teaching?
2001

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I've always loved teaching, even as a child. My first teaching experience was when I was 9 years old. My babysitter's son was about 6 years old and we loved to play school. I was teaching him math and it was great fun until his parents came to me and asked me to stop, because they were afraid he'd have to skip a grade if he got too far ahead. I've always been drawn to making learning fun and effective.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
The inquiry approach was a huge draw for me. I am a deep believer that student curiosity can be a major driver of learning, and that student agency really develops a strong sense of ownership of learning for students. Additionally, as an internationally-minded, bilingual educator with experience teaching and living abroad, I knew that Washington International School would be the best place for me to continue my teaching career.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
WIS is an exceptional place to teach. When I first started at WIS, I was struck by the level of engagement and enthusiasm from the students. The inquiry approach really focuses students curiosities and enhances learning.   WIS creates a real culture of thinking, and the learning experiences drive deep conceptual learning. I love how open-minded our students are, and how willing they are to consider other perpectives.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I actually started out my career as a High School Spanish teacher, and I was also a Spanish Immersion teacher prior to working at WIS.

Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you?
WIS is an amazing place to teach and learn!  My son has been here since Kindergarten and will graduate in 2029. It has been so wonderful to see my son grow academically in two languages.

Current Subject/Grade Level
Grade 2 Spanish

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2008 

What year did you start teaching?
2002

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
When I was in middle and high school, I always liked playing with kids. I had three younger siblings, so I was used to being surrounded by kids who needed help with something. After my senior year, I decided to pursue a career in educational psychology. I studied six years and graduated in 1995. Until 2001, I worked as an educational psychologist in a preschool and tutored students in all grades. While I was tutoring, I realized that teaching was my passion. Helping my students succeed was extremely comforting. I decided to switch gears in my career and here I am.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
I studied in a school where you needed to memorize everything. There was not much time for asking questions because teachers didn't make space for students wondering about different topics. If you could memorize lots of books you succeeded, but if you couldn't you failed grades. When I read about Washington International School and the PYP program, I got super interested and kept reading information in the website. I decided to apply to WIS during the winter of 2008.

As soon as I walked into the Primary School building for my interview, I felt a part of this community already. Listening to teachers speaking other languages was fun for me. The staff was friendly and welcoming. I got the position for the upcoming school year as a Kindergarten teacher and I was extremely happy. Meeting teachers and families from different parts of the world and learning about different cultures is fascinating. Teaching in a school environment where students can ask questions that sometimes I don't know the answer to and I start looking at different resources to learn along with my students is always engaging.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
Every group of students is completely different, so my teaching and learning is different each year. I love seeing students who can transfer their knowledge between subjects because teachers create learning experiences that aim for it. Hearing parents sharing about their kids talking about the units we are teaching and initiating actions at home to change something is always gratifying.

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Kindergarten Spanish

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2021

What year did you start teaching?
2010

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because my passion for education began in high school when I started teaching English to younger children in Colombia. I found immense joy in helping them learn and seeing their progress, which inspired me to pursue teaching as a career. After graduating, I realized that my expertise in English could be a powerful tool to give back to my community. I wanted to be part of a larger effort to improve education and make a positive impact, especially in areas where access to quality teaching is limited. 

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
I decided to work at WIS because I found a place where children can truly understand the world and be part of an amazing community. The school fosters an environment that encourages students to think critically and deeply about the world we live in, which aligns with my own values as an educator. The multicultural mindset at WIS is something I deeply admire; it allows students to appreciate diverse perspectives and embrace differences in a way that enriches their learning experience. 

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
WIS has played a crucial role in my growth both as a professional and personally. The school has continuously encouraged me and provided me with the tools and resources I need to succeed in my teaching and in my personal life. From professional development opportunities to a supportive work environment, I’ve been able to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined before. I feel safe, valued, and empowered here!

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
The WIS community would be surprised to learn about my ability to adapt and take on new challenges. I thrive on stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing each challenge as an opportunity for both professional and personal growth. 

Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you?
Proudly Colombian, I carry with me the values, resilience, and warmth that define my heritage.

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Grade 5 English

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2000

What year did you start teaching?
1996

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
A genuine connection with children. Their curiosity, unfiltered honesty, and unique perspectives bring a vibrancy and energy to my daily work that's unlike any other profession (and I tried a couple of others!). Elementary-aged children keep me young, make me want to keep learning, and give me a purpose every day. What is better than that?!

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
Diversity. I am not American. I like America but I don't want to be surrounded by American teachers and children all day. I love the PYP. Although I am still monolingual, I love being surrounded by all the languages spoken in the corridors and in meetings. 

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
The focus on lifelong learning. The love of learning. The sense that coming to school for children is about striving for joy in finding out about how the world works—in all of its simplicity and its complication. 

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I've been here so long that there probably isn't much! I like cricket. I'm not sure that is so surprising or unexpected. I also swim and row. Again, not particularly interesting! 

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Grade 3 English

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2018

What year did you start teaching?
2014

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
My child development teacher in high school nominated me for the Asian American Education Association Scholarship in Montgomery County Public Schools and I won! This was a major part in my path to becoming an educator. I became a teacher for the excitement and rewarding experience of educating young, eager minds and the family-friendly nature of the career.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
The faculty, staff, families and students are from so many different countries (101 countries) around the world that bring in so many enriching cultures and languages.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
WIS is exceptional for its bilingual Spanish/French language program, diversity and global mindset.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
I am trilingual: Vietnamese, Spanish, and English.

Current Subjects/Grade Levels Taught
Grade 2 English

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2003

What year did you start teaching?
1998

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
What initially drew me to teaching was my genuine love for school and learning itself. I have such fond memories of my own elementary school experience, and I believe those early positive interactions with teachers were formative for me. In fact, I am still in touch with a few of my own childhood teachers in the Netherlands, which speaks to the lasting impact educators can have.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
My initial connection to WIS was based on a professional interest in native language instruction. When I was searching for schools in this area, I noted that WIS offered Dutch to native speakers. I began by teaching Dutch in the after school program, eventually working in various roles, including Primary School Learning and Technology Coordinator. Although I briefly left the school, I happily returned and joined Grade 2, where I have been teaching ever since.

What do find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
I appreciate the intellectual curiosity that defines the WIS experience, particularly how easily and fluently students use language. I love how WIS students have the opportunity to learn in two languages and frequently speak even more. This commitment to multilingualism is one of our school’s many strengths. On a personal level, I find it highly rewarding to work alongside faculty members who come from all over the world. This diverse, international atmosphere not only helps me keep up with my French but has even inspired me to take Spanish classes!

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
Many of my students are surprised to learn that I didn't grow up speaking two languages as they do. My own journey into bilingualism began in Grade 5 when I started learning English. For the first two years, we only had one English class per week, which makes witnessing the vibrant, multilingual environment here at WIS all the more meaningful to me.

Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you?
As a true Dutchie, I confess I run on coffee! It's a non-negotiable part of my cultural identity. If you ever stop by my room, you'll see evidence of this commitment: I've created my own little, fully-stocked coffee bar right in the classroom to ensure maximum energy and enthusiasm for Grade 2!

Current Subjects/Grade Levels
Pre-Kindergarten Spanish

What year did you start teaching at WIS?
2022

What year did you start teaching?
1998

What drew you to teaching? Why did you become a teacher?
I am proud to be the third generation of teachers in my family. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in education. As a lifelong learner, teaching has always felt like a natural fit for me. My passion for early childhood education has driven me for over 20 years, ensuring that my approach remains fun and nurturing.

Why WIS? What made you want to teach here? Why do you stay?
Working in an international school with an IB program has always been appealing to me, and WIS offers everything I always wanted. Additionally, it's located in Washington, DC, a city I truly love. Teaching at WIS in DC feels like a privilege—it's like two dreams coming true! I couldn't be happier here.

What do you find exceptional about the WIS experience, either as a teacher or what you observe in your students?
What I find truly exceptional about WIS is the nurturing approach extended to all students and their families. The administration and co-teachers are truly wonderful, creating a supportive atmosphere. While no environment is without its imperfections, WIS stands out as one of the most heartfelt places I have had the privilege to work.

What is something our community would find surprising or unexpected about you?
My family holds the title of "Marquis of Linares," which became well-known in Spain due to stories of ghosts haunting the palace years ago.