Faculty & Staff

Meet Our New Admissions Coordinator, Ms. Paola Valle

June 12, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Paola is a dedicated administrator with experience in a wide array of career fields. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Santa Clara University in 2020, Ms. Paola found that working in a laboratory setting did not fully align with her desire to be in service of others. After moving to the island of Oahu in 2020, she became a public servant working for the City and County of Honolulu, planning storm water improvement projects to ease flooding concerns and preserve near-shore surface waters for the local community. After four years of service, Ms. Paola moved back to the Bay Area, where she grew up, to pursue a career path in education and administration.

Ms. Paola first joined the BASIS Independent Schools community as a Front Office Coordinator at BASIS Independent Fremont Lower for the 2025-2026 school year. Ms. Paola is extremely excited to join the BASIS Independent Dublin team in its inaugural year and contribute to cultivating a positive and welcoming community for families seeking an excellent education.

Outside of school, Ms. Paola loves to sing, dance, roller-skate, cook, and crochet. She is a die-hard San Jose Sharks fan; when she’s not catching a game at the Shark Tank you can probably find her at a local concert enjoying live music.

What inspired you to work in schools, and what drew you to BASIS Independent Dublin?
My parents always took education very seriously as first-generation immigrants, and my brother and I were fortunate to receive strong educations at private and public institutions throughout our academic careers. After spending several years in public service within local government, I realized that one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting change is by working in education, supporting and helping shape their pathways to success.

Additionally, through my husband’s nearly decade-long career in education, I was able to see firsthand the difference that dedicated educators and supportive school communities can make in students’ lives. His experience inspired me to pursue a role where I could contribute directly to student growth and family engagement. My experience at BASIS Independent Fremont Lower reinforced this even further, by seeing how even the smallest acts of support or guidance can have a meaningful impact on a student’s confidence and success.

Joining BASIS Independent Dublin is especially exciting because it offers the opportunity to help build a new school community from the ground up in its very first year. I’m elated to be part of bringing a rigorous, enriching academic program and exceptional educators to the Tri-Valley community.

What aspect(s) of your new role are you most excited about?
I’m thrilled to be part of the Admissions team and support our goal of connecting families with an outstanding educational experience. I’m especially excited about engaging directly with families through events, outreach, and campus tours, helping them learn more about what makes BASIS Independent Dublin so special. Having experienced BASIS Independent Schools’ warm, engaging, and academically challenging environment, I’m excited to help introduce new families to that same experience. I anticipate that getting to know families’ stories, backgrounds, and values will be very rewarding. I look forward to building relationships with prospective families and supporting them throughout the admissions process as they explore this important decision, and welcoming those who will become a part of our BASIS Independent Dublin community.

Are there any thoughts you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
We are so excited to welcome prospective families to the BASIS Independent Dublin community! Starting at a new school is such a unique and special experience. It’s an opportunity to be a part of forming close-knit relationships, building traditions, and shaping the culture of the school from the very beginning.

For families considering joining, I encourage you to reach out to us, visit our campus, and ask questions; our team is here to support you throughout the entire process. My goal is to ensure that every family feels informed and confident in their decisions for their student’s academic journey. We look forward to getting to know your family and partnering with you!

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 5 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Meet Our New Curriculum Coordinator, Ms. Madison Pomeroy

June 12, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Pomeroy received her BA from Saint Mary’s College of California in the Integral Program, where some of her favorite classes revolved around philosophy and astronomy. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Ms. Pomeroy started coaching girls’ high school soccer at her alma mater; her coaching experience directly contributed to Ms. Pomeroy developing her passion for teaching.

Ms. Pomeroy has spent the past five years as a classroom teacher, teaching grade 1 and grade 4. In addition to classroom teaching, she took on additional responsibilities including serving on her school’s leadership team, instructional coach, joining WASC visiting accreditation committees, and as the school’s athletic director. During this time, she completed her Master’s of Education at the University of Massachusetts.

Outside of school, Ms. Pomeroy is an avid sports fan. She loves to watch any and all sports with a particular interest in soccer, baseball and football. Ms. Pomeroy loves to read and spend time with her puppy, Maverick, and her fiancé, Ismael.

What inspired you to work in schools, and what drew you to the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
My inspiration to work in schools actually originated from my time as a soccer coach. In 2016, I began my coaching career at Clayton Valley Charter High School as the women’s junior varsity coach. Although I was not that much older than the girls I was coaching, I could see the influence I was having on them and it inspired me to want to continue on that path. After I graduated from college, I started to explore different pathways to continue working with students in other capacities.

I am lucky enough to have experience working with students ranging in age from kindergarten to high school. One of the challenges that I’ve most enjoyed in my teaching career is working with the highest achieving students. When I first learned about BASIS Independent Dublin and began exploring the rigorous curriculum and the ways in which BASIS Independent Schools students are able to take ownership of their learning, I was instantly intrigued.

More specifically, what attracted you to curriculum development, and what are some of the key considerations you have in mind when analyzing, refining, and implementing curriculum?
Since becoming a teacher, I have always been interested in curriculum development because I quickly realized how much curriculum impacts both teacher and student success. Not all curriculum programs are teacher-friendly or accessible for diverse learners, and that challenge motivates me to adapt and refine materials to better meet the needs of my students and colleagues. Throughout the past five years in the classroom and through my experiences on my prior school’s leadership team, I have developed a strong understanding of how thoughtful curriculum design can improve engagement, rigor and consistency across classrooms.

I believe curriculum should be data-informed and continuously improved through reflection, assessments, and collaboration with educators. My experience has really strengthened my ability to think strategically about effective curriculum implantation and continuous improvement.

What aspect(s) of your new role are you most excited about?
I am most excited to make a broader impact beyond a single classroom. Curriculum development combines many of the aspects of education that I am most passionate about, including instructional design and collaboration supporting both students and teachers. Having the chance to be a part of the Academic Programs team is an exciting opportunity that I am looking forward to!

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Prachi Agarwal

June 11, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

With over 19 years of experience in education, Ms. Prachi is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner committed to fostering engaging, meaningful, and student-centered learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and academic growth. Ms. Prachi has worked across diverse educational settings in India and the United States as a classroom teacher.

Ms. Prachi holds the following degrees: Master of Education, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Bachelor of Law and postgraduate diplomas in Personnel Management.

Ms. Prachi believes learning is most powerful when it is inquiry-driven, engaging, and meaningful, and strives to create inclusive classrooms where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and grow in confidence.

Ms. Prachi views education as a continuous journey of growth for both students and educators, and she is committed to fostering a positive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered. She believes that education is a transformative tool that fosters meaningful change and growth in society as well as within the community.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Prachi enjoys music, reading, and cooking.

What drew you to join our school community?
I was drawn to BASIS Independent Dublin because of its unique academic model that blends rigor, depth of understanding, and a culture of inquiry. I deeply connect with the idea of challenging students not just to learn content, but to think critically, question deeply, and engage meaningfully with their learning.

What are you most excited about in your first year at BASIS Independent Dublin?
I am most excited about building strong relationships with my students and creating a classroom environment where curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking can thrive. I look forward to designing engaging learning experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world, and to contributing positively to the school community.

What advice do you give to students who want to succeed in your class?
My advice to students is to approach learning with curiosity and enthusiasm, and to truly enjoy the process of discovering new ideas. Learning becomes most meaningful when you are actively involved—asking questions, exploring concepts deeply, and connecting what you learn to the world around you.

What do you hope students will remember most about your class in the future?
I hope students remember my classroom as a very happy place where they felt safe, supported, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally. Beyond that, I hope they leave with a strong conceptual understanding of what they learned and the confidence to use that knowledge in new and real-world situations.

Congratulations to Teacher Danae, Recently Named Subject Advisor for BASIS Independent Schools!

June 8, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Dublin, our academic excellence will be built upon the expertise, passion, and dedication of our Subject Expert Teachers. Today, we are proud to celebrate an exciting achievement within our faculty community: one of our Subject Expert Teachers, Teacher Danae, has been selected to serve as a Subject Advisor (SAD) for the BASIS Curriculum Schools network!

This appointment is not only a recognition of their exceptional teaching and subject-matter expertise – it also highlights the caliber of educators who make BASIS Independent Dublin such a distinctive learning community.

“I’m honored to serve as the Visual Arts Subject Advisor,” said Teacher Danae. “As SAD, I hope to foster strong connections between the Visual Arts Subject Expert Teachers in our network and to help incorporate more cross-curricular learning opportunities at every grade level. Having taught art to BASIS Independent Schools students across all grades, I have worked to connect the techniques, mediums, and styles that we apply in art class to what is being taught in their other classes, such as time periods covered in history and languages, or the chemistry of chemical reactions when firing clay and glazes. Ultimately, I hope to enrich learning for our students through both art-appreciation and as a means of self-expression.”

What Is a Subject Advisor?
Across the BASIS Curriculum Schools network, every required course, and many electives, are supported by a dedicated Subject Advisor. These educators are experienced classroom teachers who take on an expanded leadership role as extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team.

Subject Advisors, or SADs as they are affectionately called, are responsible for continuously refining and strengthening curriculum content, ensuring that courses remain rigorous, engaging, and aligned from one grade level to the next. They collaborate with other Subject Expert Teachers across the network, analyze student performance data, incorporate emerging developments within their fields, and help shape the educational experiences of thousands of students worldwide.

Most importantly, Subject Advisors remain active classroom teachers, bringing real-world teaching experience directly into curriculum development.

The Power of Subject Expert Teachers
One of the defining features of a BASIS Independent Dublin education is the Subject Expert Teacher model. Rather than teaching across multiple disciplines, our teachers specialize in the subjects they know and love most.

The appointment of a faculty member as a Subject Advisor further demonstrates the depth of expertise within BASIS Independent Dublin’s academic program. These educators are not only teaching students each day, they are helping shape the BASIS Curriculum and instructional practices across our network of schools.

For families considering BASIS Independent Dublin, this distinction offers a meaningful glimpse into the quality of instruction students will receive. Our classrooms will be led by educators who are recognized as leaders in their fields and trusted to guide curriculum development for their peers.

Building Community Through Collaboration
The impact of a Subject Advisor extends far beyond curriculum updates. Throughout the year, Subject Advisors foster professional learning communities by facilitating discussions, sharing instructional resources, leading network-wide meetings, and connecting teachers across campuses. Through newsletters, collaborative forums, and professional development opportunities, they help create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

This network of collaboration benefits not only teachers but also students, who gain from the collective knowledge and best practices of educators across BASIS Independent and International Schools.

A Reflection of Our Growing Community
As BASIS Independent Dublin continues to grow, accomplishments like this reinforce what makes our school community special. We are building more than a campus – we are cultivating a community of exceptional educators, ambitious students, and engaged families who value academic excellence.

The appointment of a new Subject Advisor serves as a reminder that our Subject Expert Teachers are not only experts in their classrooms but also contributors to a broader educational mission that impacts students across the network.

We are proud to celebrate this achievement and look forward to the many ways our newest Subject Advisor will continue to enrich the educational experience at BASIS Independent Dublin and beyond.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Teacher Danae! Your leadership, expertise, and commitment to academic excellence help make our community stronger every day.

Meet Our New Dean of Students: Mr. Alexander Seto

May 27, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Mr. Seto holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University and BA from The University of Western Ontario. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counselor. He has spent the past six years at St. Andrew’s College, a leading independent boarding school, where he served as the school’s first full-time counselor and a student and staff wellness leader, working with students across grades 5 through 12.

Mr. Seto believes effective student support is holistic and relationship-driven. Students thrive in communities that foster a genuine sense of belonging and are provided the structures, resources, and opportunities that support their growth. At St. Andrew’s, he worked across all of these areas, providing direct individual support, building programs, coaching teams, and organizing student and staff events.

Mr. Seto joins BASIS Independent Dublin as a founding member and looks forward to being part of a community that is just beginning to take shape. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife, competing in squash, playing chess, and staying active.

What inspired you to work in schools, and what drew you to the BASIS Independent Dublin community?

I have spent the past six years at St. Andrew’s College, a leading independent boarding school in Canada, and have come to appreciate the impact a positive school environment can have. Beyond academics, schools are a place where students figure out what they are good at, where friendships form, and where they are exposed to opportunities they might not have found anywhere else. Supporting students through that and being part of the programming and planning behind it is work I find genuinely meaningful.

With BASIS Independent Dublin being in its founding year, I look at this as an opportunity to create a supportive, student-centered culture. I am looking forward to being part of building a school where students have a strong sense of belonging and can thrive.

How would you describe your approach to student support and engagement?

Approachability and consistency are two things I prioritize when working with students. Students should know they can come to you regardless of what they are dealing with, and this involves having the right structures and resources in place so that when they do, there is something meaningful to offer. Support works best when it is accessible for a variety of needs.

My background as a counselor and clinician shapes a lot of how I work with students. I approach conversations with patience and without judgment, and I try to understand what is going on underneath the surface rather than responding only to what is immediately visible. From there the focus becomes identifying what supports and resources can genuinely help, and making sure students and families know what is available to them.

What aspect(s) of your new role are you most excited about?

I am looking forward to establishing relationships with students and families at BASIS Independent Dublin as we all head into its founding year, understanding what this community needs, and building the kind of support structures that can grow with the school over time.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Andrew Ryan

May 13, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Mr. Ryan brings a passion for teaching economics and mathematics that began in his own high school classroom. He has experience with a range of courses in our network from his time teaching for BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and BASIS Independent Manhattan. These include AP Macroeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, Capstone: Game Theory, and mathematics from Algebra I through Precalculus.

Mr. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics with a Minor in History from Binghamton University in Upstate New York. During his undergraduate years, he tutored upper-level microeconomics to college students while also volunteering as a substitute teacher in a middle school. This dual experience shaped his goal of teaching his favorite subjects at a high level to motivated middle and high school students as they begin exploring specialized academic interests.

In his classroom, Mr. Ryan focuses on personal engagement through practice problems, experiments, and instructional games. He believes that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Ryan enjoys running, listening to podcasts, and brainstorming new lesson plans, preferably all at the same time. He finds fulfillment in constantly seeking innovative and engaging ways to inspire his students.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?
The core principles of my teaching philosophy are rooted in economics. When teaching opportunity cost, I introduce the tradeoffs inherent in the “endowment effect,” the human tendency to value something more once we own it. The endowment effect can be leveraged to the advantage of our students. We rarely overvalue the investment in our own human capital, that is, the investment in our own education. Consequently, I have consistently found that students learn best when they feel ownership over their learning. That ownership is the first meaningful step toward becoming a lifelong learner. My role is to create a healthy learning environment where that ownership is both natural and rewarding so that students continue to reinvest in themselves. That means lessons that are efficient, data-driven, and engaging. When course structures and expectations align with students’ goals, engagement rises.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent School students?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher is working with students who are genuinely curious and are capable of engaging with advanced material. Teaching within an accelerated curriculum allows for deeper conversations. Our students have more opportunities to push beyond procedural fluency and towards genuine conceptual understanding. I especially enjoy watching students as they begin recognizing when they are thinking ‘like economists’, questioning incentives, recognizing tradeoffs, and using marginal analytical reasoning. Watching my students develop confidence in their skills and intellectual independence has been incredibly fulfilling.

Are there any thoughts you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
My aspiration is to share the confidence and excitement I have developed from joining the BASIS Independent Dublin team with our families. In my experience within the BASIS Independent network, I have been privileged to see how our strong academic framework can grow and mature over time as students and faculty work together. Being part of this flourishing institution has been deeply meaningful professionally and personally. One of the biggest draws for me to work at BASIS Independent Dublin has been the opportunity to support our school leadership in building a campus community from the ground up. I have faith in the tested success of our curriculum, our school leadership, and our amazing and growing staff.

Meet our New School Counselor: Ms. Erin Buick

April 30, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Buick is a compassionate and student-centered school counselor with over 15 years of experience supporting the whole child across diverse educational and residential settings. She holds a Master’s of Science in Educational Counseling and specializes in fostering students’ social-emotional well-being as the foundation for academic and personal success. Ms. Buick utilizes trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches, incorporating practices such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and cognitive behavioral strategies. She is deeply committed to helping students develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthy relationships, while supporting them through challenges related to anxiety, peer conflict, family stress, and identity development.

Ms. Buick is grounded in the belief that students thrive when they feel safe, seen, and connected. She collaborates to create supportive, inclusive environments that honor each student’s unique background and needs. Ms. Buick is enthusiastic about building a school community that prioritizes belonging, empathy, and emotional growth. Ms. Buick’s warmth, strong relationships, and equity-driven lens fuels her work empowering students to not only succeed academically, but to grow into confident, self-aware individuals prepared to navigate life with purpose and resilience. Ms. Buick understands the importance of preparing students to successfully navigate the fast pace and high demands of rigorous academic environments by equipping them with coping strategies, stress management tools, and strong self-advocacy skills.

Ms. Buick loves the outdoors, especially hiking and paddleboarding. She also likes to travel, read, puzzle and collects keychains.

What inspired you to work in schools, and what drew you to the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
I wanted to work in schools because besides home, they are one of the most powerful places to support the whole student, not just academically, but emotionally and socially during such critical years. My own life experiences, along with my professional background, have reinforced how important it is for students to have consistent, caring adults who help them navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of self. Schools provide the opportunity to reach students early and often and create environments where all students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. I am especially drawn to BASIS Independent Dublin because of its commitment to both academic excellence and the belief that every student can achieve at high levels with the right support. A rigorous curriculum paired with a joyful, supportive learning culture aligns deeply with my belief that students thrive when high expectations are balanced with strong relationships and social-emotional support.

How would you describe your approach to student support and engagement?
My approach is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships and supporting the whole child. I prioritize creating a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and asking for help. I use a combination of evidence-based strategies to help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. I work collaboratively with teachers, families, and support teams to ensure consistency and alignment in how we support each student. I am both proactive and responsive in my work, using data and observation to identify needs early while also being available to step in during moments of crisis or heightened need. Ultimately, my goal is to empower students with the skills, confidence, and self-advocacy they need to be successful both in school and in life.

What are you most excited about in your role at a new school?
What excites me most about joining a new school is the opportunity to help build something meaningful from the ground up. Being part of a founding community allows for intentional collaboration, where systems, culture, and supports are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of students. I am excited to contribute to creating a strong, positive school climate where students feel a sense of belonging and where social-emotional learning is integrated into the fabric of the school. I also look forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff, and helping establish a counseling program that is proactive and responsive.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Kendall Goldschmidt

April 29, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Kendall holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Oregon and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, with a focus in the social sciences, from the University of San Francisco. This provides her with the skills necessary to create and maintain a welcoming educational environment for all learners. She is a strong believer that social studies classrooms are the perfect place for developing skills and interacting with content relevant to students’ lives.

Ms. Kendall is a strong believer in developing a student’s enthusiasm for learning through hands-on activities, class discussion, and individualized assistance.

In her free time, Ms. Kendall likes to crochet and spend time with her family and friends.

What drew you to join our school community?

What drew me most to join this school community was the strong academic environment that has been developed, and the opportunity to work with students who have a love for learning and who have been very successful in meeting their academic goals!

What are you most excited about in your first year here?

I am most excited to get to know all my students and to develop a strong classroom community. Social studies classes are some of the best places to develop important literacy skills and confidence that can help students in other areas of study. I am also excited to interact with and get to know my peers at BASIS Independent Dublin and to help foster a strong and welcoming environment for all learners.

What advice do you give to students who want to succeed in your class?

Come to class with an open mind and be ready to learn new things! History is an exciting subject that connects to each person’s past while helping them prepare for the future. Ask questions, make connections, and challenge yourself to be the best student you can be every day, and you will be successful.

What do you hope students will remember most about your class years from now?

I hope that students remember all the skills they will be developing and strengthening in my classes years from now. History and social studies are classes that are best taught when students are hands-on learning, but from these activities students are also working on important literacy and interpersonal skills that they will use in academic, professional, and personal settings for years to come.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Clifford Rawls

April 28, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

A San Francisco native and life-long musician, Mr. Cliff received Bachelors of Arts degrees in Music and English in 2009 from Santa Clara University where he studied performance and screenwriting. He then began his career as an educator, teaching guitar, drums, and music theory throughout the Bay Area. He soon returned to school, earning a Master’s of Music in Music Education in 2014 from Boston University. During this time, Mr. Cliff continued his career as a music educator, teaching modern band, music theory, instrumental performance, and music history throughout the East Bay. While continuing his teaching career, Mr. Cliff found himself bitten by the education bug once again; he returned to Boston University in 2017 to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts, where he is currently finishing his degree as a doctoral candidate.

Mr. Cliff is a passionate music educator who believes that music is for everyone – he also thinks it’s important to provide students with music education experiences that will transcend the classroom. Students can look forward to learning to play new instruments, getting better at instruments they can already play, performing live, learning to record, and listening to lots and lots of music together!

When Mr. Cliff is not busy teaching, you can find him spending time with his family in the city, on the hunt for the best burgers and hot wings with his friends in the East Bay, at the driving range, at the skatepark, on his laptop finishing his dissertation, and, of course, in his music room practicing!

What drew you to join our school community?

BASIS Independent Dublin seems like a place where the teachers and students are enthusiastic, and the prospect of building a music program from scratch with new students sounded like a can’t miss opportunity!

What are you most excited about in your first year here?

I’m excited to meet all the students, pick our first few songs, and to play the first notes in our brand new building together!

What advice do you give students who want to succeed in your class?

Some advice I would give to my students is to remember that “we are all musicians.” Whether you’ve been playing music for 30 years like me, or you’re just starting, it’s OK! You’re a musician, and as long as you keep practicing, you’ll be able to play and learn new things.

What do you hope students will remember most about your class years from now?

I hope when you look back on our time together as a class, you’ll remember the fun you had learning and growing, choosing and playing repertoire you loved, and the joy we shared as a community of musicians.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Coach Jacqueline Bateman

April 27, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Coach Jacki is a dedicated Physical Education teacher with a background in exercise science and a passion for helping students develop confidence and discipline, as well as a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention, and brings experience from both school-based teaching and athletic training environments. Her approach focuses on creating a structured, positive, and engaging learning environment where students can build skills, improve their physical abilities, and learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Drawing from her own experience playing multiple sports including basketball, soccer, water polo, softball, and baseball, Coach Jacki strives to expose students to a wide range of activities and to help them discover ways to stay active for life.

What drew you to join our school community?

I was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools because of its strong emphasis on high standards, student accountability, and overall excellence. I appreciate that the school values both academic success and the development of the whole student. I believe physical education plays an important role in building discipline, confidence, and teamwork, and I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to a community that prioritizes those qualities.

What are you most excited about in your first year here?

In my first year, I’m most excited about building strong connections with students and creating an environment where they feel supported and motivated. I look forward to helping students grow in their skills and confidence, while also establishing routines and expectations that keep them engaged and active.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?

My teaching approach focuses on helping students feel both supported and appropriately challenged as they develop their skills. I design lessons that allow for steady progress so students can recognize their growth, while also promoting collaboration and accountability. I adapt activities to meet different ability levels, ensuring all students remain engaged and have opportunities to succeed.

What goals do you have for your students to take away from your PE classes?

My goal is for students to leave my class with confidence in their physical abilities and a positive attitude toward staying active. I want them to develop strong movement skills, understand the importance of fitness and injury prevention, and build lifelong habits around health, teamwork, and perseverance.