Specialist Faculty

I am excited to be teaching in a multilingual and multicultural school. After learning a second language and participating in a study abroad program, I found a passion for language and culture. Working at TIS allows me to teach in my native language while also supporting foreign language education. Each day, I find myself inspired by the children and families of the TIS community. I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful place to work!

English Specialist
BRITT PRINCE

After spending many rewarding years working in social services, I decided to pursue teaching. Teaching allows me to guide and support my students in their discoveries of life and learning. The best part of my day is when a student has a “light bulb moment” and the understanding spreads across their face with a big grin. As a writer at heart, I truly look forward to the stories each child has to tell as they become budding authors in their own right.  Having studied abroad in Japan in my own youth, I love the cultural exchange of ideas and languages. It is exciting to be a part of a school like TIS so rich in diversity and creativity. As a parent and a teacher, I am constantly reminded of how wonderfully genuine and imaginative kids are, especially when given unique opportunities to experience the world at their fingertips.

I recently returned to Portland after spending two years living and teaching in Shanghai, China.  While in China I had the opportunity to be a part of a diverse international community and I look forward to continuing to experience the joys of multicultural education at The International School.  Before living in China, I taught at elementary schools in Portland for several years.

Reading and writing have always been a big part of my life, from my background in journalism to teaching young children.  I enjoy helping students form a passion for reading and show their creativity through their writing.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy traveling and exploring Oregon with my family.

Bio will be posted, please check back.

I am thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic group of teachers committed to creating a rich learning environment that celebrates multicultural understanding. I have 20 years experience working with children from diverse countries and socio-economic backgrounds. For 10 years I lived in Mexico City with my husband and three children. There I spent six years teaching at the primary level. We are happy to be back in the U.S. and I am especially content to go to work every day in such an international environment!

Librarian Media Specialist

The part I like most about being a librarian is finding just the right book for a reluctant reader and seeing his or her eyes light up with excitement as he or she later recounts their favorite parts of the book to me. The very, very best part is when he or she asks for another book!I have fond memories of sitting in a small classroom in Sweden as an eighteen-year-old surrounded by classmates from Iran, Turkey, Britain, Chile, Canada, and other countries, as we as a group took on the task of learning the Swedish language. It was an exciting time for me. I continue to value this gift of a broader cultural awareness and understanding. Working at The International School is an exciting opportunity for me to combine my work as a librarian with my love of languages and other cultures.

Bio will be posted, please check back.

As a musician, one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs I can have is to help students learn, appreciate and perform music. It is wonderful working with teachers who truly enjoy teaching and are committed to providing an excellent education for the students.

The PE classes at TIS are usually between 12 and 19 students and run for a full 45 minutes. I believe these two factors are eminently important to the strong results I am seeing here at TIS.With a 45 minute class period, there exists ample time to physically condition children for increased strength, aerobic development, and agility, as well as provide a secure environment to develop small and large motor skills needed for various sports. I believe the PE environment includes socialization as well as citizenship, which I work to foster.Having three young daughters of my own enables me to combine the perspective of both teacher and parent in the classroom.The environment at TIS is wonderful. The small classes and support of the parents help make TIS a special place. The children continue to rise and meet new challenges with enthusiasm and effort.

Physical Education Specialist

I love those moments of discovery for students when they take something I had to offer as a teacher and makes it theirs. When I see how something is understood, I learn as a teacher.The International School is a thriving multicultural environment and it is interesting for me simply to be around people from so many different countries and backgrounds.