As a student-centered educator, my mission is to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose in my students. With 25 years of experience teaching diverse K-12 learners in international schools across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, I have consistently contributed to building positive and inclusive school cultures by working closely with leaders, colleagues, and parents. My goal is for every learner to feel valued, supported, and prepared for success both in school and in life.Professional References"Your professionalism, work ethic, and organization in managing five diverse class sections are impressive. You handle the demands with efficiency, appreciated by both students and parents. Your willingness to differentiate lessons for various English levels and ensure all students feel included is commendable. Additionally, your organization of the Service Learning trip to the Philippines was a great success, benefiting our students immensely.” ~James Anderson, MSHS Principal, International School of Dongguan, China“Mario is one of those solid educators who are so valuable to a school. He is dependable and productive. He is caring, hard-working, and is always considering what is best for the students. It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked with him.” ~Dr. David Ottaviano, Director, AISB, Romania"Mr. Arana, There are so many little lessons I have picked up from your social studies class. These past 2 years with you, I've not only learned but also have grown. In your class, I have felt so free and safe to speak my mind about some intense global issues. Creating that environment is one of the best things you can do as a teacher. I loved hearing your personal stories combined with your knowledge of historic events. Thanks for being such a great teacher, that you made me a better student. I will never forget all the lessons I learned in your class." Pratiti Navam, high school student, ISD, China"Mr. Arana’s students' scores on the South Carolina's Palmetto Test were a testament to his strong teaching skills and his ability to motivate his students. While the average percentage of students scoring basic or above district-wide for sixth graders was fifty-three, Mr. Arana brought eighty-six percent of his students to that level. This was the highest of any sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher in our district." ~Christine Power, Learning Specialist, Charleston, SC, USA