Stepping into the science department at Collegiate International School, I quickly realized that most of our team is new to the school or has joined within the past year. It’s an exciting challenge to build something fresh with a group of passionate educators. My journey in education has always been as much about my own growth as it has been about guiding learners to discover the wonders of science. At my previous school, which was just in its second year, I was the sole science specialist. I wore many hats, teaching multiple subjects, developing and implementing a new curriculum, and ensuring our learners received a top-notch education. This role stretched me in ways I never imagined—it required quick thinking, innovation, and a hands-on learning approach that became central to our school’s identity. It also deepened my appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and the importance of nurturing a lifelong love of learning.Now, as the Head of Science at CIS, my role has shifted from being a one-person department to leading and inspiring a whole team. We’re not just teaching; we’re building a dynamic science curriculum from the ground up, one that integrates US and IB standards. Part of this exciting journey involves rebuilding the high school curriculum and creating meaningful connections between the Middle Years Programme and New York State standards for our middle school learners. This work is essential to ensure a seamless and enriching educational path from middle to high school, supporting our learners at every step.I’m truly excited about this new chapter. Together at CIS, we are fostering an environment where learners are encouraged to explore, question, and discover the world around them. It’s about more than just science—it’s about helping my colleagues and our learners grow into the curious, critical thinkers that science embodies.

As the Founding Science Specialist at Hanoi Toronto School, I dedicated myself to enhancing science education and fostering collaboration within our academic community. I established a comprehensive laboratory inventory, advocated for a dedicated lab technician, and streamlined procurement processes, ensuring our learners had the resources they needed to excel. I implemented innovative programs like the ISP Scientist initiative to promote inquiry-based learning and explored partnerships with organizations like WildChina to enrich our curriculum. Through community engagement efforts, including inviting guest speakers and integrating outdoor education, I broadened our learners' scientific horizons. Central to all these endeavors was a commitment to team collaboration, fostering unity and purpose among department members through regular meetings and collaborative projects. These efforts created a supportive environment where everyone thrived, driving the growth and success of science education at Hanoi Toronto School.

During my time here, I was fortunate to collaborate with a diverse cohort of more than 120 learners enrolled in the renowned BASIS curriculum. My primary responsibility was identifying their individualized needs and tailoring my teaching to foster their readiness for a future in STEM. To thrive, learners must have a firm grasp of world dynamics and how their actions can impact it. Therefore, my approach primarily revolved around equipping them with technological skills through platforms like Google Docs and Microsoft Office, facilitating a deeper understanding and application of their learnings.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I managed to obtain the necessary documents to enter China successfully.

During my time at this institution, I had the opportunity to work as a residential science educator. My job involved teaching science to learners living on campus, away from home. The learners I worked with were from diverse backgrounds, coming from more than 60 different countries, and it was an incredibly enriching experience. As I worked with these learners, I realized I wanted to expand my horizons and work in an international school in China. China is one of the most significant global education markets, and I knew this would be an excellent opportunity to grow as an educator. Driven by my desire to become an international educator, I boldly decided to relocate and pursue my dream in China.

As an educator in Qatar, I strived to enrich learners' understanding of the natural world through instructional media and collaborative interdisciplinary activities. Through hands-on experiments, learners were able to delve into the unique geographical features of our location, such as mangroves, sabkha, and dunes, and gain a real-life understanding of scientific concepts. Together with my fellow educators, we enhanced the scope and quality of the learning experience, making it engaging and impactful for our young learners.

While developing myself as an educator, this company allowed me to satisfy my requirements for my master's in teaching. This is where I learned to take risks. Qatar, here I come! My first international teaching job.🛫

During my time as a STEM Camp Instructor in Aranya, Qinhuangdao, I designed an immersive short-term program focused on environmental science, specifically ocean ecosystems. I led a diverse group of learners through a variety of engaging activities, experiments, and coastal field trips. Their infectious enthusiasm and eagerness to explore the biodiversity of the area made every moment unforgettable. I strived to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where questions were encouraged, and ideas were fostered. Our time together was not just about learning about the ocean, but also about personal growth and intellectual curiosity.

This is where my experimentation with teaching led to my desire to be a lifelong learner and embrace a worldwide approach to education and instructional design. This company launched my rocket ship into education.🚀