Year 2

Carla Williamson

Teaching was something I always wanted to do whilst growing up in Lincolnshire. Before moving to Chicago I taught in both Key Stages 1 and 2 in a highly successful school in the outskirts of Liverpool following my graduation from University there.In my spare time, I enjoy sports and keeping fit, taking part in many sporting activities.I am also a keen sports fan and enjoy going to professional sporting events; some of which I have attended include: the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Commonwealth Games. I love that Chicago is such a vibrant city with so much to do. I enjoy exploring the city and trying out lots of different restaurants and watching the local sports teams. The lakefront is one of my favorite places in Chicago.

Read full profile

Phoebe Kenny

Since a very early age I always dreamt of being a teacher, asking my father to write sums for me to mark! I always knew what I wanted and this drive and passion is what has got me here today. Knowing that I could make a difference to someone’s life is such a thrill!

I grew up in a small seaside town in East Sussex, England. After graduating from Canterbury Christ Church University College with a degree in Primary Education, I taught in East Sussex, Kent and most recently Hong Kong. All of these have provided me with new skills, new experiences and lots of fantastic teaching opportunities, which I look forward to sharing at British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park. 

I can’t wait to start with the Year 2 team and am excited to be joining such a forward thinking, creative and innovative school. Living and working in Chicago is an exciting thought, and I can’t wait to get to know the city and find out all that it has to offer.

In my spare time, I like to stay healthy and enjoy long walks in the fresh air and exploring new parks and places. I am also a creative person and am particularly interested in modern calligraphy and typography, I am looking forward to continuing my practicing and getting better at this!

Read full profile

Danielle Stone

I was extremely lucky to grow up in the beautiful county of Devon, surrounded by countryside and beaches. After qualifying as a teacher, I moved to teach in Newham, one of the most multicultural boroughs of London! I could not have asked for a more exciting and challenging start to my career - both with the exposure that London brings to new teaching initiatives, as well as my immersion into the culturally rich environment of school, in which over 60 languages were spoken. In 2011, I was thrilled to follow my dream of teaching and living in the US, and joined British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park. Outside of teaching, I love peaceful runs along the lake front as well as working out at the gym to keep fit. More recently, I have begun to learn the guitar, a slow but thoroughly rewarding task that reminds me of the many trials and rewards of learning a new skill!

Read full profile

Kate Thomas

I call Britain my home, however after graduating from university and completing my first few years of teaching, my husband and I decided we wanted to see a little of the world beyond the UK. It turned into the first step on a big adventure and we have since had the tremendous opportunity of living and working in many different countries including Nigeria, Oman, Spain, Turkey, the USA. I have been fortunate enough to build a broad set of experiences by teaching in international schools in all of these places, almost exclusively teaching the British National Curriculum with additional brief experiences of the US system and Montessori approach. I have taught all age ranges from nursery children to 11 year olds. It has been fascinating to see the difference in cultures but what remains the same is that teaching children is my passion.

I moved with my family, (husband, 2 teenage daughters and our chocolate Labrador Tegan), to Chicago in the summer. We have dived straight in and are enjoying as many of the opportunities this amazing city has to offer as we can, including the theatres, opera, museums, art galleries, amazing food and the of course the lake. I am a keen sports person and in my spare time you can find me either at the gym, running or simply walking the dog.

 

• Universities Attended: Sheffield Hallam University
• Degrees Earned: Bachelor of Education Degree (Honors)
• Professional Development Experiences: Return to Teaching Course ( Credits earned towards a masters in Education)

Read full profile

Rachel Armstrong

Read full profile

Marie Ansu

I was born in Sierra Leone West Africa. I moved to Chicago when I was in 3rd grade. My favorite part of Chicago is Woodfiled mall (Second largest mall in America). I enjoy maintaining a active lifestyle. I like working out daily and hiking once a month. I speak five languages including English. I am very passionate about fitness and learning.

Unique and global opportunities enhance every student's learning experience and open their minds to new and diverse ideas. It also allow the kids to learn about each other/ teachers ethic background and culture. Learning about each other experience and background give children the opportunity to make connection with their friends and families history.

 

• Universities Attended: Robert Morris University
• Degrees Earned: MBA
• Certifications Earned: Concentration in Health Care Administration

Read full profile

Jennifer Bertram

Read full profile

Jorge Abarca

I was born and raised in Chicago, but I enjoy traveling to new cities in the U.S. I love Chicago because of the population's diversity and the variety of food available here. We enjoy a great spectrum of weather too!

I believe learning should be personalized to each student in order to achieve success. Each child's needs are different and we must be cognizant of how best to tailor our methods and strategies, in order to benefit the child. There will always be a child or children that require that additional step or push and we must be prepared.

Read full profile