In 2014, Mr. Acevedo received his Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since then, he has worked at schools all over the United States, from Maryland to Bakersfield, before eventually settling in the Bay Area. Mr. Acevedo is currently spending his summers working towards his master’s degree in Theatrical Direction.

“I am excited to be a part of the team here and to help my students foster a lifelong love of learning and become positive and curious members of their communities. I believe that education and learning allow us all to lead richer lives, and I am excited to help all of my students achieve their fullest potential (and have some fun doing it!)”

When Mr. Acevedo is not at school, he spends time reading manga, watching anime, playing his Switch, and exploring all the Bay Area has to offer. He also likes to listen to musicals, attend theatre performances, and discover stories through podcasts. Mr. Acevedo hopes he can share his love of theatre with his students as well as his love of English and history.

Dr. Akulov grew up in the Bay Area and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California-Berkeley in 2003. He entered the graduate program at the University of California-Santa Barbara in 2004 to pursue a doctoral degree in history and graduated with a Doctor in Philosophy in 2012.

Subsequently, Dr. Akulov taught history at his alma mater as well as at the University of California-Irvine and Westmont College and worked as a Curriculum Specialist for the Santa Barbara Unified School District. He is excited to join the faculty at BASIS Independent Fremont to teach World and U.S. History to middle school students.

“I love working with students because it is an incredible opportunity to connect with young minds and assist them in the expansion of their knowledge as well as analytical prowess,” says Dr. Akulov. “In my teaching, I strive to excite students with stories about experiences by the previous generations and to further their critical thinking skills. My goal is to demonstrate how knowing the past is crucial to choices that our society makes in the present and to help provide students with skills to interpret historical developments.”

In his free time, Dr. Akulov likes reading history books and biographies, expanding his personal library collection, bike riding, and hiking outdoors, visiting museums, and spending time with his family.

As the Digital Photography teacher at BASIS Independent Fremont, Mr. Albert brings both passion and expertise to the classroom. With a masters degree in Business Administration from California State University East Bay, his love for photography has been a lifelong journey. From a young age, photography has captured his heart, and he has honed his skills through self-teaching, eventually expanding into events and portraits. However, his true passion lies in landscape and cityscape photography, driving him to explore unseen places and hidden beauty.

Mr. Albert firmly believes that a remarkable photograph is a blend of creativity, composition, and technical precision. His teaching philosophy revolves around fostering an environment that inspires and empowers students. Recognizing that hands-on experience is key to mastering photography, he emphasizes learning through practical application and analysis, allowing students to discover the elements that make certain photographs extraordinary. In his free time, Mr. Albert enjoys travel, baseball games, and camping, all of which contribute to his deep appreciation for the art of photography.

Coach Alex brings his passion for sports and a dedication to inclusivity to BASIS Independent Fremont as a Physical Education teacher. With a background in various sports, including Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and Golf, he has had diverse experiences both in playing and teaching sports. Coach Alex’s own journey led him to travel overseas and play college-level basketball in the Philippines, while recent circumstances have instilled in him a newfound appreciation for golf.

In his teaching philosophy, Coach Alex emphasizes effort over personal skills, fostering an environment where every student, regardless of their skill level, can excel. He believes that with a positive attitude and the determination to do their best, each student has an equal opportunity to succeed in his class.

Mr. Alexander brings deep expertise in mathematics and a passion for inspiring problem-solving to his role as Math and Business Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Fremont. He earned his B.A., M.A., and became a Candidate of Philosophy in Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he conducted doctoral research in Operator Algebras under Professor Marc Rieffel. In addition to his academic work, Mr. Alexander spent several years consulting in mathematical finance before returning to UC Berkeley in 2021 to earn certification as a full-stack MERN developer. He is currently completing his certification in Data Science.

During his time at UC Berkeley, Mr. Alexander contributed to research at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory’s Department of Computational Seismology and the NASA Space Sciences Laboratory through an NSF grant. He also served as a Graduate Student Instructor in Numerical Analysis and held an adjunct position with the UC Berkeley Extension Program.

Mr. Alexander has taught a wide range of subjects—including statistics, calculus, geometry, and physics—through adjunct faculty roles at Laney College, Alameda College, and the California College of the Arts. As an Instructional Designer for the Distributed Learning Workshop, he contributed curriculum to UC Berkeley programs focused on early childhood mathematics education.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Alexander is a highly experienced tutor and consultant, having supported hundreds of students in achieving success in advanced math competitions and standardized exams, including AMC, Kangaroo Math, AIME, SAT, ACT, and AP courses. He was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by a prominent Bay Area test-prep company for his work on their SAT and ACT curriculum and has authored multiple test-prep texts and test-generating software.
Mr. Alexander’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the VIM principle: Vision, Intention, and Means. He believes that while he can provide the vision of what great problem-solvers do and offer the tools to get there, students must bring the intention. Above all, he is committed to making math engaging and accessible, and to fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Mr. Alexander is also an avid musician. He spends much of his free time teaching and performing semi-professionally on the guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo and violin. His favorite music currently is bluegrass.

Ms. Anusha holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in mathematics from Osmania University, India. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Anusha began her career in education as a tutor. The experience of working one-on-one with students sparked her passion for teaching and motivated her to continue her studies, focusing on education. After receiving her master’s degree, Ms. Anusha moved to the United States.

After joining BASIS Independent Fremont as an Early Learning Teacher in 2021, Ms. Anusha transitioned to the role of Learning Expert Teacher. “I believe that students learn most effectively when they enjoy their environments. I love welcoming my students with warm wishes and kind gestures. I aim to keep the classroom a very place, filled with hands-on activities and projects.”

When she is not in the classroom, she likes to spend time with her family by baking, playing, and going on walks with her friends.

Dr. Araci’s journey to science and chemistry started at Ege University in Turkey, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (Cum Laude) in 2001. Her curiosity and enthusiasm led her to pursue a Master of Science in Chemistry Teaching from the Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey in 2002 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry at the University of Arizona in the United States in 2010. She then moved to Silicon Valley to start her postdoctoral studies at the Stanford School of Medicine. Because of her ambition in teaching and love of chemistry, she started teaching chemistry as an instructor at Santa Clara University, and chose education as her career goal.

As a chemistry teacher at BASIS Independent Fremont, Dr. Araci looks forward to inspiring students to be curious about chemical concepts and everyday science mysteries, and to be critical thinkers. Since the early years of her high school education, Dr. Araci has always been fascinated by chemical phenomena such as molecular mechanisms, matter and its properties, chemical methods, and their applications to daily life. Chemistry can be applied to almost any situation, from medicine through engineering, to forensic and environmental sciences, and she wants her students to get excited, stimulated, and challenged by this.

Outside of the classroom, Dr. Araci is actively participating in drama programs, e.g. musicals, since she loves music and dance very much. She has also worked as a trainer to teach traditional dances to different age groups including, Kindergarteners and college students. She is a book-lover of fiction and historical novels, a hiker, and an amateur painter.

Ms. Atkins graduated from the University of Oregon having obtained a master’s degree in classics, with an emphasis on Latin Literature. After obtaining her master’s degree, Ms. Atkins seized the opportunity to see her studies in actuality, traveling across the world to further her understanding of the ancient civilizations that captured her attention.

After spending the summer studying archeology in Rome, Ms. Atkins is eager to return to the classroom and share her love of all things ancient. Offering precious glimpses into the past is one of the greatest treasures that Ms. Atkins hopes to share with her students.

Mr. Baker received his bachelor of arts degree in music education, with a focus on instrumentals, from the University of the Pacific, Stockton. He also received a master’s degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Prior to his arrival at BASIS Independent Fremont, Mr. Baker spent six years in education, instructing TK–grade 12 music students in public and private schools across the Bay Area and Central California. Mr. Baker excels at teaching students how to read notes on treble and bass clef staves, read rhythms, and start the fundamentals of playing an instrument.

Mr. Baker believes that to have a truly well-rounded education, students need to engage critically with the arts. His teaching philosophy is that every student has a right to a quality music education. Mr. Baker strives to create equitable music lessons intended to foster a lifelong appreciation and love for music.

In his spare time, Mr. Baker enjoys keeping up his professional practice by playing with community bands, watching musical productions, and reading classic literature.

In 2012, Mr. Baldwin received his Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Latin from the University of California, Berkeley. From then, he worked tutoring high school and college students in the subjects of Latin and English until he entered the Master of Arts in Comparative Literature program at San Francisco State University in 2018. While there, he furthered his study of Latin Language and Literature while also learning Ancient Greek and gaining further knowledge of Roman history and the civilizations of the surrounding ancient world. He graduated with his M.A. in Comparative Literature in December 2021 after giving a graduate lecture on Roman Epic as part of his M.A. exam, for which he earned the Graduate Distinguished Achievement Award for Academic Excellence in May 2022.

Mr. Baldwin believes that many paths can lead to the same place. “Probably just as important as the destination is how you get there- and it’s the intense variety of ways to get there that forms character and shapes the mind.”

As a Latin Teacher at BASIS Independent Fremont, Mr. Baldwin is eager to engage with students in learning the Latin language and to demonstrate how the study of Latin prepares students for subjects that require the academic rigor and humanity that reading works in Latin provides.

Apart from teaching, Mr. Baldwin enjoys time in nature, reading, and traveling.

Mr. Betcher brings a deep level of expertise in English and Humanities to BASIS Independent Fremont. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Reed College in 2005. In 2013, Mr. Betcher earned his Master of Arts in the Teaching of English from the prestigious Teachers College at Columbia University. At Teachers College, Mr. Betcher had the distinct pleasure of being one of famed educational philosopher Maxine Greene’s final students.

“My goal as a BASIS Independent Fremont educator is to help students study how to learn. As students move towards middle school they begin to take the leap from understanding to analysis. I create a classroom where we critically think about history and texts, examining the author’s craft and learning how to use the structure of language to effectively communicate our ideas,” shares Mr. Betcher.

Speaking about his decision to join BASIS Independent Fremont, Mr. Betcher says: “I chose BASIS Independent Fremont because the school promotes true learning communities. Students feel responsible for their own education, grappling with meaningful questions throughout their educational day. Students push each other to excel. I love being part of a community that grows together, my passion is helping students find theirs. Children are often underestimated, but BASIS Independent Fremont is a school that believes students are all capable of greatness.”

“My teaching philosophy is simple. I want to teach students to read, think, and express themselves. When I say ‘read’, I mean a very specific thing. I want students to engage in a conversation with the text. Students often leave elementary school with the habit of reading for an answer rather than reading for an experience. They often do not know how to push and pull the text because they have never been asked to do so. When I say ‘think’, I want students to critically engage with information. Many intelligent students I have worked with were experts at avoiding any real thought. When asked about what they thought of a story or character or math problem, they would shout out responses they thought I would want to hear, jumping from one answer to another until they realized I wasn’t going to give them the ‘right’ response. I create an English class where students have to try. I want a classroom where students get used to using their brains–thinking deeply about problems, interpretations, and themselves. When I say ‘express themselves’, I mean just that. Students must practice finding their voice and sharing their ideas in speech, writing, and creative interpretation. I want them to think analytically, persuasively, and creatively. I want them to create for themselves, their peers, their teachers, and the larger community,” says Mr. Betcher.

Ms. Bhora received her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Madras, India, in 1997 and earned a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education from DeAnza College in 2003. She comes to BASIS Independent Fremont with over 10 years of experience teaching Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students at other reputed Bay Area private schools.

In her own words, “I am thrilled to be joining BASIS Independent Fremont as an Early Education Teacher this year. I love and enjoy teaching young children and am amazed by the learning growth that I witness in each and every one of them from the beginning till the end of a school year. I take pride in the fact that I’m not just helping prepare a solid academic foundation in these young ones’ lives but also readying the next generation of responsible citizens!”

Her belief is that children thrive in a safe, loving, nurturing as well as a challenging environment, which she strives to create for every single student in her classroom.

Ms. Bhora is a proud mother of a college-bound daughter and another daughter in grade 7. She loves to travel near and far with her family.

Ms. Bhuskat comes to BASIS Independent Fremont with a wealth of teaching experience, having dedicated eight years to teaching TK students, who continuously inspire and energize her. She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from India, coupled with a background in teaching computer science and mathematics to students across various age groups, which has equipped her with a diverse skill set.

Ms. Bhuskat’s journey in education has led her to work as a math instructor at Kumon and Aloha Math, as well as a math teacher at the elementary Russian School of Math. She has also earned child development credentials from De Anza College and has served as a TK teacher since 2015. With over nine years in the field, her passion and dedication to nurturing young minds continue to grow. Her commitment to creating clear and engaging learning objectives, combined with innovative teaching methods, fosters an environment where learning is not only encouraged but also enjoyable.

Mr. Bradshaw grew up along the west coast and has lived all across the United States. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in English from the University of Iowa, as well as a BA in English from Portland State University. He has taught writing and literature at all levels, from elementary school to adult education. “”One of my favorite things about being a classroom teacher is helping to facilitate a community of learners dedicated to discovery.””

He is an enthusiast of all things related to creative writing and is the author of three books of poetry. When not teaching or writing, Mr. Bradshaw enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing the guitar.

As the first sibling in her family to receive a college degree, Ms. Dale Burton certainly understands the value and importance of education, something she hopes to impart to all of her students. She received her Bachelor of Mass Communications from the University of Denver, and then went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Walden University. Ms. Burton is an accomplished educator with over 20 years of teaching experience in the Bay Area, and is thrilled to be part of the faculty at BASIS Independent Fremont.

Ms. Burton’s goal as a 2nd Grade Learning Expert Teacher is for her students to develop a life-long passion for learning, and she also hopes they “learn to appreciate constructive struggle, develop perseverance, and become self-motivated.” She is committed to creating a learning environment that is safe and nurturing, and allows students to reach their highest potential. Visitors to Ms. Burton’s classroom will see a variety of hands-on activities taking place and, most likely, songs being sung to help the students with advanced concepts.

When she’s not teaching, Ms. Williams enjoys reading historical books and autobiographies, singing and dancing, and learning American Sign Language.

Dr. Chaudhri earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2002 from Osmania University in India. Following this accomplishment, he traveled to the United States to pursue a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville on full scholarship, earning his degree in 2004, and several awards on the way!

Dr. Chaudhri’s passion for Science and Math led him to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering (with a specialization in Computational Physics) from The University of Pennsylvania in 2009 on a Doctoral Research Fellowship. He then moved to The University of Chicago to begin postdoctoral studies in Theoretical Biophysics, where he worked on a collaborative grant with a San Francisco based Biopharmaceutical company – Genentech Inc. In 2012, Dr. Chaudhri started a second postdoctoral study in Applied Mathematics at The Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Berkeley, where he also worked as an affiliate researcher until 2016.

Inspired by his studies and experiences, Dr. Chaudhri founded a company called Bioinform in 2017, offering consultant services to numerous biopharmaceutical companies. He joined Arigos Biomedical in 2018, where he worked as a scientist and Director of Research until 2020. Dr. Chaudhri also worked as a Math, Coding & Engineering Teacher at The Academy School in Berkeley. He has published several book chapters and research articles, and given numerous invited talks. His work has also been showcased in popular science press, including phys.org.

Dr. Chaudhri’s passion for teaching started during his doctoral studies at University of Pennsylvania, where he taught undergraduate and graduate students in Math & Engineering. He has also guided and mentored numerous high school summer students, researchers, and postdocs.

“I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers during my middle and high school years, and it instilled in me a great passion for science and mathematics that I have carried with me since,” says Dr. Chaudhri. “As a Mathematics & Physics Teacher, I look forward to inspiring students about the true beauty of Mathematics & Physics and not be anxious about it. Mathematics is a universal language and is used in literally every profession, and I plan to showcase that to the students. Physics teaches us about nature, the universe, and how things work. I want to show the students that learning about these principles can help us understand everyday life, from medicine to engineering.”

Out of the classroom, Dr. Chaudhri loves to run, go hiking, and spend time with his family. He is also an avid reader with a penchant for books on politics, science and philosophy.