Ariana Rehu
Head of PYP, PS Student Support Leader (K-5), PYP Physical Education
Bachelor of Teaching & Learning (Education)
Originally from New Zealand, I have been teaching for 14 years and have spent the past 10 years involved in International Education in the Middle East and in Singapore. I have been a teacher at ISS International School for the past 7 years and now hold the position of Head of PYP. I am committed to helping students become who they want to be. I believe in providing and guiding meaningful learning experiences for the students so that they know what they are learning, how they are learning and, most importantly, why they are learning it.
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Jessica Hoffmann
Grade 1-2 Kampong Teacher
Bachelor of Primary Education
After my first day of school as a young child, I came home to my parents and confidently let them know that I was going to be just like my Kindergarten teacher when I grew up. I stuck with this dream and now have the incredible opportunity to teach at ISS. I spent my first few years of teaching at an IBPYP school in Sydney and before this briefly studied abroad for my teaching placements in the UK and Sweden. I am a motivated, engaging, and dynamic teacher and I enjoy catering for all students’ needs and personalities. I strive to build strong connections within the classroom to ensure that everyone feels safe, happy, and confident.
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Matt Sowul
Grade 3 Kampong Teacher
International Postgraduate Certificate in Education
TESOL - 230H in Class Certification
Master of Art - English Philology
Bachelor of Arts - English Philology
I am an experienced primary teacher with a diverse background in international education and language arts. My expertise lies in curriculum design, project-based learning, and pastoral care. I take pride in my ability to foster a positive learning environment and implement innovative teaching approaches. Languages and literature are my passions, and I am committed to promoting holistic student development. Beyond academics, I am enthusiastic about sports and love coaching football extracurricular activities. I also enjoy exploring various interests such as singing, playing classical guitar, and juggling. As an educator, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and research-informed learning experience for young learners.
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Valerie Foo
Grade 4 Kampong Teacher
Master in Education with Reading Intervention
Bachelor of Elementary Education
While I was born in Singapore, I’ve had the opportunity to live and teach in different parts of China and the US. Being immersed in various education systems and environments has allowed me to practice and hone my craft as an international educator. In my classroom, I develop deep connections with my students and support them through their academic and social-emotional growth, both in the school community and in the real world, through inquiry-based learning. Being a third culture kid myself, I strive to make sure my students feel seen and heard as important individuals in my class. Aside from teaching, I love to travel to explore new cultures, along with cultivating hobbies that involve the arts, cooking and staying active!
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Shagun Batlaw
Grade 5 Kampong Teacher
Master in Teaching, USA
It is frequently believed that some teachers leave a mark on their students. In my case, every batch of students has brought a memorable experience. Learning is a life-long process and I have learnt something new from every group of students that I have taught, whether it was in the public school system in America or in international schools in Singapore. I love the interaction with my students. They make me smile and occasionally take my breath away with the clarity of their thoughts. I suppose being a mother to two teenagers helps because I love to be in their company. We connect our learning with current news events around the world, and this is a topic close to my heart. There is nothing more satisfying than watching my students’ learning curve.
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Cynthia Tan
PYP Visual Arts
Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching)
Master of Arts (Art History)
Bachelor of Arts (Architectural Studies)
Diploma in Botanical Art
My goal as an educator is to develop creativity and confidence in students through the study of Visual Arts & Design. I have over 15 years of teaching experience, having taught ages 6 to 22 in Art, Art History, Communication Practice, and Cultural Awareness. My teaching philosophy emphasises inquiry-based learning and the cultivation of critical thinking skills through interactive learning activities. Having previously lived in the US and UK, I value diversity and enjoy learning about different cultures through Art & Design.
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Ho Kit Ying
PS EAL Specialist
Post-Graduate Diploma in Education - English as a Second Language
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English for Professional Communication (Minor: Spanish Studies)
Having completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and being a registered teacher in Hong Kong, I have gained valuable experience teaching English as a second language in two different local secondary schools. These three years of teaching experience honed my skills in effectively engaging students and creating an inclusive learning environment. My journey then took me to Germany, where I immersed myself in the language and culture while working as an English teacher in a bilingual kindergarten and primary school aftercare program. This opportunity allowed me to broaden my perspective on early education and parenting, leading me to publish a book on German early education practices.
Having learned multiple foreign languages myself, I understand firsthand the struggles and triumphs that accompany language acquisition. This personal experience fuels my empathy and allows me to relate to the challenges faced by English language learners. Joining the ISS family, I aim to empower students to become confident, lifelong learners and global citizens.
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Lingesh Gunasekaran
PYP Physical and Health Education, K-12 ECA and Sports & Activities Coordinator
Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)
Diploma in Physical Education
FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
As a physical educator and coach, I have been fortunate to combine both my passions of sports and teaching. Having been teaching and coaching for over a decade, I have been able to share my knowledge and experiences with many students through a variety of fun and engaging ways. I believe in the power of sports and games and the immense impact it has on the betterment of students’ physical and mental well-being. With the right guidance, they will be able to achieve their best and excel.
In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching various sports, engaging in CrossFit workouts and playing futsal to stay healthy. I also love watching movies and indulge in my other passion of music (drums and DJing) when I can. Most importantly I love spending quality time with my family. I hope to meaningfully contribute and make a positive difference in the ISS community. I hope to bring the joy of learning to students and create many happy lifelong memories with both staff and students.
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Robert Choi
PYP Performing Arts
Master of Music in Performance and Literature
Bachelor of Music
Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers (CIDTT)
Born in the vibrant city of Chicago, music flowed through my veins thanks to my Korean parents. While excelling in the scientific realm at the University of Michigan, my heart yearned for the art of music. Specialising in piano under Dr. Blythe Owen and Zeyda Suzuki, yet my soul found its true resonance with the cello’s haunting melodies. Salzburg, Austria, beckoned me, where I immersed myself in the renowned Mozarteum, collaborating with exceptional soloists and chamber musicians, leaving a trail of mesmerised audiences across Europe.
Beyond the confines of traditional notation, I embarked on an audacious journey into jazz and Baroque improvisation, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of my artistry. As a mentor, I’ve had the privilege to inspire students from diverse backgrounds, from the United States to Europe and Southeast Asia. The International Baccalaureate (IB) music program, with its celebration of diverse cultures and genres, deeply resonates with my soul.
Now, as a music teacher at ISS, I am thrilled to cultivate a thriving musical culture and ignite the creative flame in every student, helping them discover and nurture their unique artistic voice. Together, we shall paint the world with the colours of symphonies and unlock the limitless potential of musical expression.
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Suzanna Chuang
PYP Mandarin
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Diploma in Communication
With over two decades of experience in education, I am a dedicated teacher passionate about fostering young minds. I hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne. My passion lies in teaching language through storytelling. As a proud Singaporean, I’ve had the privilege of shaping the next generation of learners in our vibrant city. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me immersed in books, exploring new destinations with my two teenage daughters and painting.
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Berna Esendemir Sekhon
K-12 Counsellor
Master Degree in Counselling Psychology
I am a registered and certified counsellor with ISCA and SAC. Originally from Türkiye, I have been residing in Singapore since 1994. With extensive experience working with third-culture kids who navigate different countries throughout their educational journeys due to expatriate life, I bring a unique perspective to my role. My passion for education and student well-being stems from a deep curiosity and commitment to helping students achieve their full potential in a supportive environment. I firmly believe that every student deserves an equal opportunity for education, regardless of the challenges they face. I have over ten years of experience working with children and adolescents with special needs. My lifelong goal is to support those experiencing difficulties by providing a holistic approach to their development and well-being.
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Yael Arad
PS Learning Support
Master of Art in Child Development
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education combined with Special Education
I am a dedicated learning support teacher with extensive experience in primary education and student development. Over the past decade, I have worked in various educational settings, focusing on enhancing the skills and knowledge of educational teams and supporting young children’s developmental needs. My background also includes parental guidance and consulting, where I worked closely with families to address daily routine challenges and suggest appropriate solutions. As a teacher, I managed daily curricula, supervised educational assistants, and collaborated with parents to ensure a nurturing learning environment. With a strong commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive educational settings, I look forward to bringing my expertise in student development and learning support to the ISS school community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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