Administration
Christophe Bonnet
Head of School
email: christophe [dot] bonnet [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgphone: (512) 331-7806 extension 4
Languages: French, English
Christophe serves as the head of school of Austin International School after more than a decade of experience in small and large schools on both American coasts and in a mountain village in France. His most recent position prior to AIS was at the French American School of New York, where he worked from 2007 to 2010 as the head of the elementary school in Larchmont. Christophe developed an appreciation for the benefits of bilingual education while teaching at his first position in the United States,at the French American International School of Portland, Oregon, beginning in 1998. There, he trained in bilingual education by attending conferences and by taking on increasing responsibilities within the school, culminating in a promotion to assistant to the division head in 2004. Christophe stayed eight years at FAIS, followed by one year at the French American School of Puget Sound in Seattle, where he served as the head of the elementary school before relocating to New York. He began his career with a three year teaching post in a small Pyreenean village in France before setting his sights on the United States.
This professional trajectory is the outcome of a commitment to the field of education and a drive to provide strong academics to all his students. Christophe is a native of Toulouse, France. He studied economics in Toulouse and in Paris, and attained his master’s degree in mathematical economics in 1992. He studied French literature and completed his BA with a specialization in French as a Second Language; he is also a certified teacher. Christophe is passionate about the teaching of mathematics and strongly believes that every student can be successful at learning it.
When not at work, Christophe enjoys drinking (good) wine, reading (good) books, and eating at (great) restaurants. He may often be found spending time with his friends, running the trail around Lady Bird Lake, and strolling around downtown Austin. In fact, his favorite time is an early morning seated at the terrace of a great neighborhood coffee shop watching a city coming to life.
Christine Christy
Director of Admissions, Coordinator of English Pedagogy
email: christine [dot] christy [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgphone: (512) 331-7806 extension 2
Language: English
Christine is a native of Manchester, England, and has been in Austin since 2004. Christine began as an English teacher and coordinator of English pedagogy at Austin International School in August 2006. Christine’s work covers all facets of the educational experience at Austin International School: She has been the CM1 English teacher, and now works as the English Pedagogy Coordinator and Director of Admissions. As such, she coordinates the English component of our international curriculum and works closely with the head of school, the advancement department, and the pedagogical team. As director of admissions she meets frequently with parents and children interested in the trilingual immersion international curriculum at AIS.
Christine began her teaching career in 2001, first at the Broadoak High School in Pantington, Manchester, and later at Padgate High School in Warrington, Cheshire.
Education and Associations: BA in English Language Studies, University of Central Lancashire (UK), MA in Education (Leadership and Management), The Open University. Postgraduate certificates in education from Bolton Institute and from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Ester Muyot-Snodgrass
Deputy Director of Administration
email: ester [dot] muyotsnodgrass [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgphone: (512) 331-7806 extension 1
Languages: English, French, Tagalog, Spanish, German
Since 2002 Ester has been fundamental to the daily operations of the school as the director of administration. She also leads special projects such as the 2005 and 2011 accreditation by NAEYC and the 2010 Cycle 3 trip to France. She says she is amazed to witness how the children at AIS develop, and finds it refreshing to see life from their perspective. For her, making a difference in a person’s life is fulfilling work. She previously worked for the consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York City and as the cultural and school coordinator for the Alliance Française de Manille in the Philippines.
Education and Associations: BA in European Languages, University of the Philippines. Diplôme de langue française, Alliance Française. Certificate in Interior Design, Sheffield School of Interior Design, New York. Training courses in human resources; regular training at The University of Texas at Austin Child Care Center Directors’ Symposium.
Suzanne Krause
Marketing and Development Officer
email: suzanne [dot] krause [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgphone: (512) 331-7806 extension 3
Languages: English, French, Spanish
The marketing work at the school pairs Suzanne’s love of international experiences with her professional life in communications within a lively, multicultural workplace. She manages special events and maintains the varied communication needs of the school, including managing the website, creating newsletters and brochures, and public relations. A native Texan, she followed college with five years in New York City where she completed graduate studies, interned at several magazines, and worked as an immigration paralegal. She has also worked in France as an English language assistant. Suzanne loves to travel just about anywhere, to cook vegetarian food for her husband and friends, reading, riding her bicycle, and to volunteer with various organizations, including Austin Pets Alive!’s dog rescue marketing team.
Education and Associations: MA in Journalism and French Studies, New York University. BA in Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin.
Laurence Raud
Receptionist and Coordinator of Extracurricular Activities
email: laurence [dot] raud [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgphone: (512) 331-7806 extension 0
Languages: French, English
Laurence greets each student and visitor to AIS with a warm welcome. An interior designer for the last 20 years, Laurence brings her creativity and imagination to AIS as the coordinator of summer camp and after school activities. She is clever and crafty, enjoys making handicrafts using recycled materials, and spends many a Texas weekend hiking and camping. She previously lived in Chicago and Paris, and enjoys traveling abroad; she is at home within the international environment of AIS, its cultural diversity, and its spirit of community.
Education and Associations: BA in interior design, Academy of Applied Arts, Poitiers (France). Certified interior designer, National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Certified youth counselor, BAFA (French Ministry of Health and Sports).
Janet Shotwell
Accountant and Controller
email: janet [dot] shotwell [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgphone: (512) 331-7806 extension 1
Language: English
The controller for the organization’s accounts since 2008, Janet likes working at AIS because of the people, and because of the fun and friendly environment where the children always brighten up the day. She has 20 years prior experience as a controller within both non-profit and corporate environments. From 2002-2008 Janet ran an accounting business, Accounted For, Inc., and she worked as a controller for the healthcare industry from 1991 until 2002.
Education and Associations: BA, California State University (Longbeach). MA, Marylhurst University (Portland, OR).
Faculty
Marion Bigache
French Teacher, MS
email: marion [dot] bigache [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English, Italian, Spanish
Marion began at AIS in 2007 as a prekindergarten and kindergarten teacher after having started her career at elementary schools in Lille, France. Marion enjoys the rich cultural diversity of the school community, the professional team work, and the motivating class, grade, and school projects found here. Indeed, she has undertaken various special projects such as international week and organizing the end of the year performance. While training as a teacher, Marion spent three months in Romania and two months in Togo, and she has traveled independently to countries in Eastern Europe. Far removed from the overcast skies of northern France, Marion takes advantage of the Texas sunshine by walking outdoors and swimming in the natural springs and lakes of the Hill Country. She also enjoys listening to music from around the world and watching independent films.
Teaching philosophy: “Make the children grow and learn in a fun, creative, and involving atmosphere, while adapting to the personal needs of each child.”
Education and Associations: Licence in Mathematics, Université des Sciences de Lille (France); diploma of “Professeur des écoles”, IUFM de Lille
Ryan Blake
English Teacher, CP and CM2
email: ryan [dot] blake [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguage: English
The small classes and encouragement of exploration and curiosity at AIS are in lockstep with Ryan’s approach to the classroom, as this allows “not just the ability to individualize instruction and to have a dynamic classroom, but also lets you really get to know the students personally,” he says. He finds the staff to be overwhelmingly supportive and welcoming. He gets to know the students outside the classroom as well during the after school science club, and during Les Explorers summer camp. Ryan began his career in education beginning in 2007 at Hays CISD, first as a substitute teacher and behavioral specialist, and later as a 7th grade language arts teacher. Prior to this he worked as a benefits administrator for four years while living in New York City. Outside of teaching, Ryan enjoys reading, music, following news and politics, and working on his house. An avid bicyclist, he completed a three-week, 800-mile Pacific Coast tour in 2011.
Teaching philosophy: “Build a meaningful, personal relationship with each student and use it as the foundation to help them excel academically, grow personally and socially, and encourage responsibility.”
Education and Associations: BA in English, The University of Texas at Austin. Texas certified teacher (generalist 4-8). TEA Gold Star Award, 7th Grade TAKS writing.
Jessica Brickey
Library Intern
email: library [at] austininternationalschool [dot] org
“There is a children’s book about a mouse who is given a cookie as a snack and then wants to eat the whole fridge full of food,” Jessica says. “I hope that this applies to students in the library: if we give them one book, they will want to read everything in the library!” Jessica enjoys getting students excited about books while simultaneously learning about children’s books from different languages and cultures. She has previously worked as a circulation assistant librarian at Austin Community College and a camp education intern at the Austin Children’s Museum. One day you may even see her name in print as the writer and illustrator of a children’s book.
Education and Associations: BA in English, The University of Texas at Austin. MA in information sciences, The University of Texas at Austin (underway).
Lucia Eberle
French Teacher, GS
email: lucia [dot] eberle [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English, Greek
Lucia’s teaching career has taken her from Canada to Niger and to Austin, where she brings a personal love of cooking, crafts, and reading to her classroom. She taught 1st grade from 2007 until 2011. Her first graders undertook many projects such as recycling, learning life cycles (with frogs), following Flat Stanley, training for the acrogym, and being authors (they all write short books in her class). She is inspired by the international environment – for both students and adults – she experiences daily at AIS. This year she is excited to teach a new grade level, kindergarten (GS).
Teaching philosophy: “The child is at the center of my teaching. Lessons and projects are planned with the goal to help the student learn, grow in knowledge, and develop within a positive classroom environment. School should be a fun place to go to learn – always!”
Education and Associations: BA in Pre-K and Elementary Education, University of Montreal (Canada)
Charlotte Favrin
Lead French Teacher, GS
email: charlotte [dot] favrin [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, Spanish, English
Charlotte began at AIS as a teacher during our 2005 summer camp. She was hired as a kindergarten teacher in 2009 and now serves as the lead French teacher for both kindergarten classes. She served as the 2009 summer camp coordinator as well. A trilingual speaker herself, Charlotte appreciates the international community at AIS, where everyone brings a unique background and culture. Early in her teaching career Charlotte taught at the Académie Belle Colline in Austin, where she worked as a prekindergarten teacher from 2005-2006.
Teaching philosophy: “I believe that children should learn the joy of learning at school. I want the classroom to be a safe, positive, and exciting place for the children to grow and progress.”
Education and Associations: Licence in Literature and Language, Nanterre Paris X (France). MA in Latin American Studies, Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III.
Teresa Gisbert-Pomata
Coordinator of Spanish Pedagogy and Spanish Teacher, CE1 – CM2
email: teresa [dot] gisbert [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: English, Spanish
Teresa has been working in international and bilingual education for most of her teaching career, first in Spain and California, and now Texas. She says it is the multilingual and multicultural educational approach and the diversity of languages and cultures that sets AIS apart from other schools. At AIS she has been working to adapt the Spanish curriculum here to the European Framework of Languages. She is also developing and implementing strategies for differentiated instruction to support each student’s success. Before her recent relocation to Austin, Teresa worked for five years at Gabriel Garcia Marquez school in Madrid, Spain, where students learn in Spanish, French and English. Prior to that, she taught third grade at a bilingual public school, Schallenberger Elementary, in San Jose, California. She coordinated the newcomers program in the IES Alarnes in Getafe, Madrid for three years. Teresa enjoys playing with her two young children, taking long walks, traveling and watching movies.
Teaching philosophy: “My role as a teacher is to establish in my classes a student-centered learning environment that helps all my students to reach their maximum potential at both the academic and personal levels.”
Education and Associations: BS in Physics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain). MA in Education, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. California certified teacher; Spain certified teacher.
Cédric Hervé
French Teacher, CM1 and CM2
email: cedric [dot] herve [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English
Passionate about science and sports, Cédric leads classes full of energy and dynamism. He delivers the science and technology curriculum with creativity and engaging projects. Cédric sometimes has just a very few native French speaking students, so to understand the French language, students must work together to share and discuss their experiences. Prior to joining AIS in 2009, Cédric worked for four years at the École de Saint-Avit; he has even worked in a chocolate factory. Outside work, he enjoys sports, mainly basketball and hiking, and seeing concerts and films.
Teaching philosophy: “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.”
Education and Associations: Licence in Mathematics and Computer Science, Université de Pau et Pays de l’Adour (France). IUFM Pau et Bordeaux (France). Training in science and sports for teachers. Member of Objectif Science, an international science association for children.
Valérie Horne
Art Teacher, CE2 – CM2
email: valerie [dot] horne [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English, Spanish
Valérie has been teaching art at Austin International School since 2002, beginning with Brittany coiffes for the girls and little boats for the boys for Francophonie Day. She loves to work with recycled materials while creating art for the children. “What could you do with an empty pot of yogurt? A cardboard tube? A piece of wire? A bottle cap?” she wonders. ”People need to think differently about the world around us; don’t throw away what you could use to make everybody’s life prettier,” she says. Valérie teaches art and art history to the students, exposing them to mythology, art movements, themes such as women or kinetic arts, and all types of artists. “I constantly think about creating art with anything, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on this passion to the children.” She also works as a graphic designer of web and print materials for Texas Association of Realtors, and has previously held various art and graphic design positions in Paris, France, and Texas.
Education and Associations: CIP degrees in Fine Arts, Ecole Régionale des Beaux-Arts, Rennes (France). Various courses in Adobe, graphic design, desktop publishing.
Vikki Hutto
English Teacher, CM1
email: vikki [dot] hutto [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: English, Spanish
Vikki is an enthusiastic educator, whether that happens around English language and literature, environmental issues, finance, or yoga. She has worked with the Houston ISD and as a financial advisor in Houston, and more recently as an environment educator with Keep Austin Beautiful. She has also been a substitute teacher with Campfire USA and a teacher with Austin Monday Homeschool Co-op, which offers a social outlet for home-schooled students. Vikki enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, camping and hiking, and also yoga, reading, travel and community service. A language lover who has studied Spanish in Madrid and traveled throughout Europe, Vikki is inspired to teach this love of language and lifelong learning with her students, and is excited to be a part of the diverse team of educators and students that is AIS.
Teaching philosophy: “My goal is to help each student develop a lifelong love of learning. I strive to facilitate hands-on learning experiences that build on children’s natural inquisitiveness and allow students to develop their critical thinking abilities. It is important to me to develop a community of learners based on mutual respect, where each child’s uniqueness is celebrated.”
Education and Associations: BA in Economics and English Language and Literature, Rice University (Houston). Coursework in Spanish and international economics, Syracuse University and in language development and disorders, Texas Women’s university (Denton). Texas certified teacher in elementary education, special education (all levels), and English as a second language (all levels). Certified yoga instructor.
Katherine Jackson
English Teacher, MS and GS
email: katherine [dot] jackson [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguage: English
Katherine (Katie) loves the diversity of the AIS community and appreciates the effort that everyone puts in to understand and relate to each other despite their differences. This, she says, “is what AIS provides that will truly prepare our students for the future.” Currently a doctoral student in the education policy program at The University of Texas at Austin, Katie is passionate about social justice and spends free time in support of young vulnerable populations, such as victims of child trafficking. She has previously worked as a master teacher and Pre-K teacher at Mainspring School in south Austin, as a K-1st grade student teacher in Boston, as a Literacy Coordinator and Pre-K teacher at Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, and as an English language assistant at Lycée Montdory in Thiers, France.
Teaching philosophy: “I believe that all children have the will and ability to learn and that it is my job as a teacher to nurture curiosity and support each child’s developing skills.”
Education and Associations: BA in philosophy, University of Missouri (Kansas City); M. Ed. in early childhood education, Boston College (MA); PhD in education policy (underway) at The University of Texas at Austin.
Judith Kay-Cureton
English Teacher, CE1
email: judith [dot] kay [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: English, German
“AIS is a melting pot and a unique environment to work and study in,” says Judith. “It is fantastic to have the experience of working closely with so many talented and enthusiastic colleagues from around the globe.” A native of Scotland, Judith began at AIS in 2008 and works with different grades for their English and math classes. Prior to coming across the pond, she worked as a primary school teacher and an interior designer. She enjoys music, singing, reading and spending time with her family.
Teaching philosophy: “I believe that every student is an individual. They each have different needs and learn in different ways. My job as their teacher is to teach the way they learn best.”
Education and Associations: Bachelor of Design (Honours) from Glasgow School of Art; Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education, Catholic Teaching Certification, University of Glasgow. Certified Primary Teacher, General Teaching Council Scotland.
Yamilett Labastida
Spanish Teacher, PS and MS
email: yamilett [dot] labastida [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: Spanish, English
Yamilett has been working with children for many years, beginning in Nicaragua, where she taught basic life skills to underprivileged children and also with that country’s Training for National Literacy program. She has been at Austin International School since 2010, when she began as a Spanish instructor for summer camp. Yamilett finds the diversity and focus on different cultures and languages to be a special facet of the AIS experience. She says it is endlessly rewarding to meet people from other countries. Yamilett has also worked in Austin as a Spanish instructor with the ePromotoras early literacy program for preschoolers at Austin ISD and at Spanish Kaleidoscope, and as a Spanish teacher at Not Your Ordinary School, a charter school. At home, Yamilett loves planting flowers and working in her yard during the Spring, designing interiors for herself and her family and friends, playing tennis and hiking with her family, and volunteering in the community.
Teaching philosophy: “Every individual has a unique potential in this world, and I believe that by teaching the children in a respectful, caring and stimulating atmosphere where they can grow I will be helping the students to meet their fullest potential. For students to become lifelong learners, teachers need to emphasize that learning happens everywhere, any day and at any time.”
Education and Associations: Austin Community College. Early Childhood Education, Sacramento City College and Long Beach City College (CA).
Monica Mayen
Spanish Teacher, GS and CP
email: monica [dot] mayen [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: Spanish, English
As a Hispanic and a native of Mexico, Monica finds personal satisfaction in transmitting knowledge to children in her language and giving them the opportunity to communicate in another language – especially when she see the results over time. She has been at the school since 2005, first as a PS and MS teacher; she previously worked at a local Montessori school. She has taught at AIS summer camp for three years, and volunteers her time outside of work to educational events such as the local Feria para Aprender.
Teaching philosophy: “The preparation and the impetus to innovate, learn and develop alternatives is part of my life. I demand to be better every day both for myself and the people who trust my work.”
Education and Associations: Bachelor in Education, Escuela Normal Superior (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico). Child Development Associate national certification.
Sophie Mercier
French Teacher, CE1 and CM1/2
email: sophie [dot] mercier [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English
Previously a teacher and director of schools in Toulouse, France, Sophie brings years of experience to her classrooms. She enjoys working among the international community and with teachers who bring new perspectives on pedagogy. “My priority is to allow each student to develop as much as possible and have a secure environment in which to develop self-confidence and learn all skills with enjoyment,” she says. Sophie sings and plays several instruments, and enjoys swimming and walking in nature, and spending time with her husband and two young daughters while getting to know Austin.
Education and Associations: Licence informatique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (France). CRPE teacher certification, IUFM Toulouse.
Jean-Luc Pepin
French Teacher, CP
email: jean-luc [dot] pepin [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English
Teaching philosophy: “All the students are different but they are all children and they all can learn. My work as a teacher is to find means to help each student to learn the most and the best he can.”
Working in an international school in the heart of Texas is an enriching change of pace for Jean-Luc Pepin, who has many distinguished years of experience as an educator in France. What is special at AIS for him is “putting into place my experience as a teacher in a new context: a new school that works in a different way from the French schools, and above all where the students who, for the most part, are not native French speakers,” he says. “Teaching how to read, write and count to students who have not yet mastered the French language is a new and rich experience – and a true professional challenge.” With many years of experience, Jean-Luc has worked both as a teacher and teaching adviser. From 2007 to 2011 he was the teaching adviser for matters of admission applications and school assistance for 60 small and medium-size schools. Prior to this he taught for six years while also serving as a professional mentor for new teachers. For 16 years he was a teacher of all grade levels beyond Pre-K.
Education and associations: DEPP Sciences de l’Education, Université Toulouse le Mirail. Conseiller Pédagogique de l’Inspecteur; certified Maître Formateur.
Mathilde Pissonnier
Lead French Teacher, PS
email: mathilde [dot] pissonnier [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English, Spanish
With years of travel in Ireland, France, Switzerland and Spain, Mathilde’s own international experiences help her to open the minds of her students to the world’s cultures from their earliest formative years. She appreciates watching children grow and being able to provide them with the foundation of knowledge they will have for years into their future. An avid cook, Mathilde passionately incorporates many culinary projects into her lessons. She joined AIS in 2003 as a French and Spanish teaching assistant and at one time coordinated after school activities. Mathilde has worked as a French tutor at Austin’s Kirby Hall School and as a private tutor. She also enjoys reading, walking, hiking, and, of course, traveling.
Teaching philosophy: “Every student deserves the chance to succeed. Each and every child is unique, so it is important to play to their individual needs. Their success requires teamwork between teachers and parents, so we all must work together to ensure that children get the best education in the safest environment.”
Education and Associations: BA in Elementary Education, University of Phoenix (underway). Training in childcare at Austin Community College.
Fabrice Raud
Lead French Teacher, CE2, and Coordinator of French Pedagogy
email: fabrice [dot] raud [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English, German, Spanish
Fabrice is a lifelong advocate of French language instruction, having worked since 1987 as a French teacher and founding and directing a live-in full immersion French camp for children in Illinois. He began first in Paris and later at the French American School of Chicago, at the elementary grades, followed by ten years at the Lycée Français de Chicago as a computer science teacher in the middle school. Fabrice relocated from Chicago to AIS in 2010. He values making the trilingual immersion education environment work for the students, as well as participating in the growth of the unique AIS curriculum. Fabrice takes full advantage of his new southern climate by running and hiking, while fondly remembering days spent cross-country skiing. He marries his love of computer science and teaching as a proponent of technology in the classroom and implements this in the curriculum wherever possible.
Teaching philosophy: “Children should not just go to school – the school should go to the children.”
Education and Associations: French Teaching Certification, École Normale de Niort (France), Université de Paris 7.
Sandy Southwell
English Teacher of PS
email: sandy [dot] southwell [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguage: English
An Austin area teacher for more than 35 years and a proud native Texan, Sandy Southwell is a science enthusiast who imparts her love of all things geological and ecological to each of her students. She works with prekindergarten students for their English classes while specializing in math and science for the older grades. She also leads our annual science fair and teaches a popular after school science class. Sandy, who speaks some Spanish and French and whose grandmother emigrated from France after World War I, likes the friendly people and mix of cultures and languages at AIS, and she finds the students here eager to learn. Sandy began at AIS in 2009 after having retired from public school teaching. In her career she has taught elementary and science classes at Del Valle ISD, Austin ISD, and several other neighboring districts, and served as the science department chair in Dripping Springs for 11 years. She and her husband travel every summer in their 5th-wheel travel trailer to explore all of Texas and the USA, often camping and visiting state and national parks. She is an outdoors-woman who loves cycling, hiking, gardening, and reading.
Teaching philosophy: “I believe in teaching students at their learning level, in their learning style, and pace. Education should be child-centered, incorporating many methods that are focused on the student’s needs. I believe teaching should be a balance of motivation, fun, structure, content, and relevance to the student’s world. I believe a teacher needs to have a love for learning, a passion for teaching, the ability to simplify content, and a desire to make the world a better place, because children are our future.”
Education and Associations: BS in Elementary Education and MA in Science Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Texas certified in elementary education, middle school science, grades 1st through 8th math, secondary Earth Science, Biology, and Physical Science. Past president of the Texas Marine Educators Association and presenter at the Texas Conference for Science Teachers. Member of Science Teachers Association of Texas, Marine Educators Association of Texas, and National Association of Science Teachers.
Mélanie Vincent
French Teacher, CE1
email: melanie [dot] vincent [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English
Mélanie began at AIS in 2008 after having worked as a journalist and video editor for Universal Studios for several years. She trained in video editing and production and brings many creative ideas to her classroom using videos, photography and art. She finds working in an international school to be a great experience which allows teachers to discover and share pedagogical styles and to draw on each others’ knowledge and skills to improve their teaching. Mélanie once worked at a summer camp in Wisconsin, and loves reading and taking photos, enjoys a good game of tennis, and is learning to cast pottery.
Teaching philosophy: “Each child is unique. Teachers help children to grow by providing a safe environment for them to have initiative, to experiment, to be independent thinkers and to become autonomous. Teachers help students to develop and to communicate who they are and help them be successful.”
Education and Associations: Licence, Université de Rouen (France).
Assistant Teachers
Marie Claude De Caceres
Assistant Teacher, MS
email: marieclaude [dot] decaceres [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: French, English
Having been educated in applied foreign languages at college, it is no surprise that Marie Claude is endlessly amazed to see students’ improvement and fluency with the languages taught in the AIS classroom. “We learn from each other – the patience, how to listen and be attentive to others, how to solve behavior issues, to be natural and spontaneous,” she says of the special interaction she has with children from various cultures. Her most rewarding moment is to see the children’s expression and their smiles when they succeed and like what they are doing. A native of Montpellier, France, Marie Claude enjoys reading, and walking, hiking, swimming, camping and traveling with her husband and two teenage children.
Teaching philosophy: “Help the children to learn in a friendly and fair environment. Making the little ones feel happy and comfortable in our trilingual school and in their class facilitates their learning process.”
Education and Associations: License in Applied Foreign Languages, Université Paul Valery, Montpellier (France). CAP de Banque.
Houda Hanafi
Assistant Teacher, PS
email: houda [dot] hanafi [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic
Having worked for the Ministry of the Interior as a police officer for four years prior to entering child care, Houda has the skills to gently keep the classroom in order. “I like helping children discover the world and to teach them important values such as respect, work, and honesty,” she says. She is amazed how children see the wonder in everyday things – and how their imaginations know no limits. Houda has worked during our summer camp as well, which she values for seeing the pleasure children take in drawing, painting, and learning foreign languages. Houda enjoys interior design, cooking Moroccan food and pastries and teaching belly dancing.
Teaching philosophy: “Every day is a new day to learn something new.”
Education and Associations: Capacité en Droit, Université la Sorbonne Paris I (France). Training in social studies and child psychology, École des Arts et des Metiers Statistique. Officer of the Peace, École de Police de Travail.
Isabelle Olivier
Assistant Teacher, PS
email: isabelle [dot] olivier [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: English, French
Assistant teacher Isabelle Olivier enjoys teaching at AIS because “the school gives the students a great opportunity to learn other languages at a very young age,” she says, “when they are able to absorb the languages quickly within the immersion environment.” She greatly enjoys speaking and interacting with the students in French, her first language. Prior to starting at AIS in 2010 Isabelle worked as a lead teacher and an assistant teacher at Petite Ecole Internationale in Austin and as a customer service representative for Credit Mutuel Bank in France. At home, she likes to design jewelry and to paint in oils. Family time is spent in outdoor activities such as scuba diving, mountain biking, skiing and canoeing.
Teaching philosophy: “I provide support and help for the teachers in the classroom. I assist the children in their learning and behavior, providing them with attention as individuals or in a small group, as 3-year-olds require.”
Education and Associations: AA in Accounting, Institut Superieur d’Informatique et de Gestion, Paris (France).
Mina Slimi
Assistant Teacher, MS
email: mina [dot] slimi [at] austininternationalschool [dot] orgLanguages: English, French, Arabic
Mina began at AIS as a teaching assistant during our summer camp, and now works with our MS classes. Her teaching style reflects a background in Montessori education based on observing and guiding the child and using songs and play as teaching tools. Originally from Morocco, she appreciates the multicultural environment of this school. She previously worked as a lead teacher for 3 and 4 year olds at Rainbow Station, and lead teacher of toddlers at Cypress Creek Montessori School, both in Cedar Park, Texas. She enjoys cooking, walking, music and photography.
Education and Associations: BA in English Literature from University Mohammed V, Rabat (Morocco). NAMC Montessori training diploma for child development (3 – 6 years old).
