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Founding Subject Expert Teacher Spotlight – Mr. Tyler

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In Fall of 2022 our school opened it’s doors for the very first time at the direction of our wonderful Head of School, Dr. Thies. What was just a vision grew quickly into a vibrant learning community. In the first year we welcomed students in grades 2–7, as well as a group of dedicated founding Subject Expert Teachers. They turned empty classrooms into spaces filled with curiosity and growth. What began that year was not only just a school, but a community that these educators would build from the ground up. Let’s take a walk down memory lane with one of our founding Subject Expert Teachers, Mr. Tyler!

Introducing Mr. Tyler

Mr. Tyler is one of our incredible Subject Expert History Teachers here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. He currently teaches all AP Courses in our History Department. When he moved to the greater Seattle area, he had just finished up his fifth year of teaching and was halfway through a Master’s program in gifted education. He became familiar with BASIS Curriculum Schools during his time as a teacher in Arizona. At this time in his career, he was at a place where he knew where he wanted to be in education. When he learned that BASIS Independent Schools was opening its first school in Washington, he knew instantly that he wanted to apply and felt the timing was perfect. He had always felt that the philosophy behind BASIS Independent Schools aligned with his beliefs and goals as an educator. When the opportunity presented itself, he took the position without hesitation. He was bound to be a Mountaineer!

The Founding Year

Mr. Tyler described the first day as dynamic. There was an opening assembly where the students met their teachers and were given an introduction to their new school. He candidly stated that when he looked into the crowd of students and parents, he was imagining all the names he’d have to remember. It was an overwhelming feeling, but he knew this year was going to be greatly rewarding. While the students were eager to meet their teachers, their teachers were just as eager to meet them. The giddiness remained for some time over the next couple weeks, as everyone got their footing.

Mr. Tyler described his first cohort of students as surprising. Their ability to think deeper and persevere through challenges shocked him. A distinct memory he recalls from his first year was during a unit on the Americans’ involvement in the Philippines after the Spanish War. He assigned his grade 7 class a college-level article with some quite advanced questions. He shared how they were able to not only keep up with the content, but also added new perspectives and deep inquiry. Throughout the year he often spent a lot of time trying to make his content more challenging. The students had a great ability to complete and conquer work that was beyond what most would expect. He began to realize that these students were different, their affinity for learning was evident. The complex perspectives and nuance of history was welcomed by the students.

Along with new students coming in that year, came a passionate group of educators. Although they’d met weeks before school began, adding all the moving parts really brought them together. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, the Subject Expert Teachers were set up for success from the beginning. Mr. Tyler described the founding group of Subject Expert Teachers as a “Truly great team committed to excellence and creating a environment where everyone would succeed”. That first year fortified the strong connections that make this school great. Mr. Tyler expressed how he not only gained new coworkers that year but also lifelong friends.

Life In The History Department

The History Department at BASIS Independent Bellevue is one we take pride and joy in. The history curriculum is spiraled, from Kindergarten through grade 12, every skill taught before is relevant and crucial to the year following. Our History Department is always asking how does each skill build into the next? There is a clear continuum of skills that are developed as students progress through the BASIS Curriculum. This methodology is intentional to ensure our students success in challenging AP courses and beyond. They are able to think critically because of practice and support from previous lessons years in advance.

Now, of course, none of this would be possible without a strong team behind it, which Mr. Tyler has expressed is his favorite part of the History Department – his colleagues. He works alongside our other wonderful Subject Expert History Teachers, Ms. Rieger and Mr. De Monnin. He feels that they are a great team with similar beliefs and goals. They align in intention and the outcomes of their courses. They meet formally once a trimester, but also have many informal meetings and general day to day discourse. Those meetings include looking at current student successes, lesson planning and talking about their experiences with each different cohort. A short-term aspiration the History Department wants to meet is creating a clearly aligned framework of a students first to last history class and a roadmap to what success looks like along the way. Beyond working together, they are also great friends.

Since the first cohort of grade 9 students joined us, Mr. Tyler has worked diligently to curate an AP program that our students greatly enjoy. He shared that the AP History Program is the thing he is most proud of building. He claims to be a “nerd” for anything and everything AP. Our students share his passion in the AP Program. One of our students, who Mr. Tyler has had since the founding year, describes him as:

“Mr. Tyler is a dedicated and passionate teacher. As a student I find him very knowledgeable. I have really enjoyed being in his class. He immerses his students into the history and creates a great experience.” – Lucas F. Grade 10

Mr. Tyler’s favorite class to teach is AP Government and Politics, particularly the topic of political socialization. He shared how students fall into different parts of the political spectrum, but often don’t think about where those beliefs derive from. When teaching this topic it opens up a lot of conversation and introspection for students. He feels it is very formative for them in discovering who they are and how they have developed their own beliefs. This unit is often the first time students question, “What am I absorbing? What life experiences have shaped my world?” Students get to pause, reflect, and look back. He loves this subject because he gets to watch students have eye-opening moments. He feels it is important to have a solid “Why” behind your belief system.

Thank You, Mr. Tyler

Joining a school in it’s founding year presents it’s own unique challenges. We appreciate our founding Subject Expert Teachers and their confidence in creating the school we know today. Mr. Tyler has been a vital part of that. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things that will surely follow as our school continues to grow!

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

Vote for Mr. Meyerowitz: America’s Favorite Teacher Competition

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We are proud to share that BISV’s own Mr. Meyerowitz is competing in America’s Favorite Teacher competition. This is a special opportunity to recognize his impact in the classroom and beyond, and we invite our entire community to rally behind him and show their support by voting.

Mr. Meyerowitz brings history, literature, and philosophy to life in his classroom, encouraging students to think critically and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. While the competition is centered on “America’s Favorite Teacher,” he sees it as an opportunity to highlight the collective achievements of our students and faculty and to celebrate the impact of education.

“This opportunity seems pretty amazing since it’s about showing off, building community, and celebrating educators,” he shared. “My real goal in all of this is to highlight our collective accomplishments in the Humanities… and promote literacy of every kind.”

Through his classes and beyond, Mr. Meyerowitz fosters curiosity, discussion, and a genuine love of learning. As part of this experience, he has also launched a YouTube series, Passing Period, where he answers questions from students and alumni on topics across the Humanities—continuing conversations outside the classroom in an engaging and accessible way

The stakes of the competition are exciting for our entire school community. The winning teacher receives an assembly with Bill Nye, a feature in Reader’s Digest, and $25,000—funds Mr. Meyerowitz has already earmarked toward a future library initiative at BISV.

Voting began in mid-March and continues through several rounds this spring, with competitors advancing from the Top 20 through Finals. Each round resets votes and allows one vote every 24 hours, so be sure to vote as often as you can. The final round takes place May 15–21, and the winner will be announced on or around June 5, 2026.

While he humbly notes that this is ultimately a community-driven competition, we know the impact he has made in and out of the classroom is worth celebrating. This is a chance to come together as a school community—students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni—to show our support.

How to Support

Every vote makes a difference. Let’s rally behind Mr. Meyerowitz and showcase the strength, spirit, and connection of the BISV community.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Mayra Jones

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Ms. Jones earned her Bachelor’s degree in Multiple Subject Teaching (K–8) with an emphasis in English as a Second Language from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. She brings extensive experience teaching Spanish and has previously taught courses ranging from middle school Spanish to AP Spanish Language and Culture at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. For the past six years, she has served as an AP Spanish Language and Culture Reader for the College Board, evaluating student exams from across the United States. She also holds the State of California Certification as a Bilingual Services Provider.

As a proud Hispanic educator, Ms. Jones is passionate about sharing her language and culture with students and helping them develop strong communication skills in Spanish. She believes that learning another language opens the door to understanding diverse perspectives and building meaningful connections across cultures. Her goal is to inspire students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for language learning.

Ms. Jones is proud to return to the BASIS Independent Schools community and is excited to continue supporting students in their academic and personal growth.

In her free time, Ms. Jones enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her husband and her grandchildren.

What originally drew you to teach at BASIS Independent Schools, and what brought you back now? 
What originally drew me to BASIS Independent Schools was the strong academic environment and the opportunity to work with motivated students who are excited about learning. I was also impressed by the commitment of families who actively support their children’s education and partner with our Subject Expert Teachers to help students succeed. That level of collaboration between the school and parents creates a very special learning community. Returning now feels very meaningful to me because BASIS Independent has always felt like a place where academic excellence, curiosity, and dedication to learning are truly valued. I am excited to once again be part of a community that encourages students to challenge themselves and grow both academically and personally. 

What is one of your favorite memories from your previous time at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley? 
One of my favorite memories from my time at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley was watching my students grow in confidence as they developed their Spanish language skills. It was especially rewarding to see my AP Spanish students challenge themselves through advanced discussions, cultural topics, and authentic materials in Spanish. I loved witnessing the moment when students realized they could express complex ideas and opinions in another language. Seeing their confidence grow and their curiosity about Hispanic cultures deepen was one of the most rewarding parts of teaching and a reminder of how powerful language learning can be. 

What are you most looking forward to as you join a new school community? 
I am most looking forward to getting to know my students and building a supportive classroom environment where they feel comfortable practicing Spanish and learning about Hispanic cultures. I am excited to help students develop confidence in their language skills while discovering how language connects people and cultures around the world. I also look forward to collaborating with colleagues and becoming part of a vibrant school community that values learning, curiosity, and academic excellence. My hope is to inspire students to see language not only as a subject to study, but as a powerful way to connect with others and understand the world more deeply. 

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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 Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Alistair Rogers

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While on a family trip to Washington, D.C. at the age of 7, Mr. Rogers developed an interest for history and a natural inclination to learn about the past. He remained interested through elementary and high school, but it was his first college history class where he learned what the subject has to offer in terms of perspective and skills. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz and was so inspired by his professors there that he went on to earn a Master’s in Modern European History from San Francisco State University.

It was in his graduate studies that Mr. Rogers developed an interest in English and how works of literature could serve both as a source to a time period, as well as insights into society and what people are thinking and feeling in a certain time period. He began his teaching career at a small art college in Sunnyvale and has recently taught history and English at the middle school and high school levels in Walnut Creek.

Mr. Rogers is a strong believer in the skills that can come from the humanities. He believes critical thinking, analysis, and proper, organized writing are just as important as the content humanities courses have to offer, and it is these skills that students will utilize in their daily lives and careers.

Outside of work, Mr. Rogers enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading history and classic literature, browsing bookstores, hiking throughout the Bay Area, cooking for his family, spending time on California’s Central Coast, and is an ardent supporter of the University of California Golden Bears Football team.

What drew you to join our school community? 

I am very excited to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin. It is a unique and exciting opportunity to help build a school community at its very beginning. I was also drawn to the expectations students have for themselves. In learning more about BASIS Independent Schools, it was clear that students set a high bar for themselves, and helping them achieve high goals drew me to this community. 

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

I am very excited to help set a positive culture and positive learning environment for our students and their families. I am also excited to get to work with the students in helping them develop their writing and analysis skills. These are skills students will take with them in their future studies and their professional careers, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to help them with these skills.  

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

My main piece of advice is to write and get ideas down first and foremost. Particularly with writing, students tend to get stuck on the “right word” or the “right phrase.” Getting ideas down is the first step, and from there, students can develop a process for writing, editing, and refining. 

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

I hope students will remember how exciting the world of writing and literature can be. I hope they look back on this class as helping them create a foundation for writing, critical thinking, and analysis that helps them in their future classes.  And I hope they remember a fun class where they found their own voice to develop and share with the world. 

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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 Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Harry Li

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Mr. Li earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he double majored in Chinese and Linguistics & Asian Languages and Cultures. He later completed a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies at UCLA with dual concentrations in Chinese Applied Linguistics and Modern Chinese Literature and Culture. His master’s thesis explored Mandarin pop music and its role in contemporary Chinese society.

Mr. Li has taught Chinese language and culture at Pasadena City College before joining BASIS Independent Dublin as the founding Mandarin faculty. He supported the dual enrollment program with South Pasadena Middle School and La Cañada High School. In addition to language instruction, he has also taught Chinese Cinema at Pasadena City College, helping students examine modern Chinese society, history, and culture through film.

Mr. Li is passionate about helping students develop both linguistic ability and cultural understanding. His academic interests include sociocultural and linguistic anthropology, as well as musicology, and he enjoys incorporating authentic cultural materials such as music, film, and popular media into language learning.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Li is a fashion and automobile enthusiast and a dedicated classical music listener. He is also a classically trained pianist and composer. In addition to his classroom teaching, he tutored students in AP Chinese and AP Music Theory and taught piano privately.

What drew you to join our school community? 

I was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools because of its strong academic culture and its commitment to intellectual curiosity. I value an environment where students are encouraged to think deeply, challenge themselves, and pursue learning beyond the minimum requirements. As someone trained in linguistics and cultural studies, I especially appreciate a community that values interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives. The opportunity to work with motivated students while helping them explore language, culture, and communication in meaningful ways made this an exciting place for me to join. 

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

In my first year at BASIS Independent Dublin, I am most excited about getting to know my students and building a classroom environment where they feel comfortable experimenting with language and expressing themselves. Language learning becomes most meaningful when students connect it to real culture, music, film, and everyday communication. Furthermore, it is exciting to build a program from the ground up while navigating through brand-new textbook selection, planning activities and events, and decorating the classroom. I look forward to introducing students to different aspects of Chinese-speaking cultures and helping them see how language opens doors to understanding the world in new ways. Besides that, I look forward to meeting all my colleagues and discussing teaching strategies with them! 

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

Consistency is the most important key to success in language learning. Small, regular practice, such as speaking, listening, reading, and reviewing vocabulary, makes a big difference over time. Don’t try to cram everything overnight or over a short period of time; it’s not going to work out long term. Also, try to focus on understanding the material during class, rather than blindly copying down what’s on the slides. Lastly, I encourage students not to be afraid of making mistakes and/or asking questions during class. Language learning is a process, and mistakes are often the moments where most learning happens. Curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to participate will take students very far. To quote my college advisor’s words, “the more you put in, the more you get out.” 

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

I hope students remember that learning a language is not only about memorizing words or grammar, but about understanding people and cultures, as well as developing critical thinking skills and open-mindedness. If students leave my class feeling more confident communicating, more curious about the world, and more open to different perspectives, then I will consider that a success. On a macro level, I hope students can think like anthropologists: be curious and open-minded, and think like linguists: careful, precise, and attentive to detail. 

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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 Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Lucy Moore

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Originally from the South, Ms. Lucy received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. She had the unique honor of performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, as well as on the floor of Parliament in London. In 2018, she joined a professional Touring Theatre Troupe based in Seattle that incorporated aerial arts. Before teaching, Ms. Lucy went the route of a professional performer, continuing to build her career in Musical Theatre through several professional theatre contracts. She now enjoys taking that real-world performing experience to the classroom, passing her tools and skills onto the next generation of students and performers.

Moving from the role of professional performer to the role of a performing arts teacher has been a joy for Ms. Lucy, especially with her background being deeply rooted in youth development; it has been a seamless transition. She grew up year-round at her parents’ business: a summer camp in North Carolina, where she was immersed in an intention-rich world focused on youth development, emphasizing the value of being well-rounded.

Ms. Lucy’s base philosophy is this same idea of building a well-rounded self, extending not just to STEM and Arts, but beyond to building character. What an opportunity to teach at a school that values the well-rounded student! Theatre is a great creative outlet using art to communicate, but it also allows us to learn how to come together with mutual respect in a creative space, teaching self confidence and the courage to try new things.

She and her husband most recently relocated from eastern Pennsylvania, where she taught and choreographed theatre productions and intensive training programs in drama to students at a variety of youth theatres and learning centers. Fresh to the Bay Area, she and her husband are loving setting down their anchor in their new home. In her free time, Ms. Lucy enjoys hiking with her dogs, marathon running, instructing dance fitness classes, and writing and producing music, currently working on the release of her second original album! She could not be more eager to not only join the BASIS Independent Dublin Team, but also to embark on this monumental new chapter for the school. Ms. Lucy is proud and excited to step into the role of Subject Expert Drama Teacher to help students discover the beauty and power of theatre, and through this discovery find their own voice, zest for life, and individuality in what they uniquely bring to the table (and stage!).

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

I believe that there is so much power in allowing creativity, heart, and hard work to cohabitate. And it takes all three! Even if you just have creativity and hard work, you are missing that element of YOU that makes your work stand out from the rest and really speak to people. In both storytelling and in life, you can impact others on a new level when each is introduced into the equation. In addition to an approach that highlights the power of creativity, heart, and hard work, I also teach storytelling with an emphasis on honesty of character in light of reflecting on and dissecting the different aspects of the point of view at hand. As a Subject Expert Drama Teacher, it’s important for me to teach students that storytelling is a craft that encapsulates the history of the world, clarity of the present, and honesty of character voice.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent School students?

This will be my first year with BASIS Independent Schools, but despite it being a new learning community to me, the most rewarding part of being a teacher never changes: Getting to really know each individual student, their passions and strengths, and fostering that unique spark. I am a big believer in the fact that each person is naturally equipped with a different set of gifts for a reason. It is my favorite thing to help discover and develop each gift, shaping them into a sharp and powerful tool kit catered to each student that they can continue to use well beyond the school’s walls. The difference in BASIS Independent Schools is that the community and mission goes above and beyond to allow that individual support to each student through the specialization for each subject. It’s rare that you see a community of teachers so skilled at their individual crafts united together all in one place. The possibilities seem limitless in terms of knowledge and support at the students’ fingertips! It’s exciting to be part of such a powerful community serving one goal: “to educate students to the highest international levels” through “hard work, the right support, encouragement, and inspiration”.

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?

Even though I am new to BASIS Independent Schools, the overwhelming support, love, and detailed, intentional care for each student is so apparent. I cannot wait to see what unfolds for the BASIS Independent Dublin students and teachers alike as we all build the next generation of life-long learners together.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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.

Celebrating Women in STEM: Bellevue’s Subject Expert Engineering Teacher

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March is Women’s History month and BASIS Independent Bellevue is celebrating in a variety of ways, including donating to a local women’s shelter, making a Mae Jemison inspired craft, and a presentation from one of our Subject Expert Science Teachers about the history of women in STEM. In order to celebrate the importance of women in STEM, we collaborated with Ms. DiBattista, a Engineering Subject Expert Teacher, to share about her passion for engineering that was sparked as a child and continues to remain strong today as she inspires the next generation of engineers!

Background

When I was a small girl, my dream was to become an inventor. I can vividly remember carrying my manila folder around with me, that was filled with designs that ranged from bubble powered cars to amazing rollercoasters! If you saw me as a young child, you could bet that I would have this manila folder with me. As I let my imagination soar, little did I know I was engaging in the engineering design process long before I knew how engineering would change my life. I will never forget the day my parents gifted me my first Lego set. It was a part of the Lego Architecture collection featuring the London Bridge. My first Lego set sparked my interest in civil engineering, which continues to be an area of passion for me.  

As I grew older, I decided to attend the University of Central Florida, where I received my certification in K-6 Education. I knew that I wanted to work with kids in education, but I hadn’t yet made the connection of incorporating my passion in design with teaching. Initially, I taught math and science to grade 5 students as an intern. I then continued as a permanent teacher at the same school. My Supervising Teacher, who later became my colleague, inspired me to figure out what kind of teacher I wanted to be. I often admired how she combined fun activities and problem-solving with good classroom management. I could see students thriving in this environment and knew I wanted to be the kind of teacher that created a similar environment for my future students. At that school, I was also the Club Supervisor for the Coding Club and the Chess Club, which included students in grades 2–5. Both clubs gave me experience working with students on how to solve problems. Seeing students have so much joy in creating projects to solve problems got me wondering if there was a teaching role where I could put this process into action.

Discussing design ideas.
Students recording testing results.

Engineering at BASIS Independent Bellevue

In my search for Engineering and STEM-based teaching positions, I soon found BASIS Independent Bellevue and was instantly drawn to the BASIS Curriculum, which emphasized the foundational skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration through the Engineering and Design Process. Last summer I had the pleasure of teaching Girls Rock Math, a STEAM-based summer camp for girls at BASIS Independent Bellevue. Following the summer camp, when the opportunity arose to teach grade 3 and 4 students Engineering at Bellevue, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. I was eager to be in a teaching role where I could share my love of problem solving and creativity with children who could match my excitement for engineering. I felt this teaching role created the space for me to be the teacher I dreamed of being back when I was an intern. As the Subject Expert Engineering Teacher at BASIS Independent Bellevue, I get to incorporate my passion for design that I had as a young child, along with my training in education.

Proud parachute inventors!
Testing parachute designs.

Everything I do in my class centers around the Engineering and Design Process. The Engineering and Design Process consists of seven steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve, and Communicate. My favorite part of the Engineering and Design Process is the testing phase, because students get to see their projects come to life! Students can see whether projects are successful or need improvements in real time. The Engineering and Design process is not only helpful within our engineering class but can be applied in all aspects of life. Breaking a problem down into steps helps teach our students to form a plan when facing any issue. It also teaches them that most ideas don’t work the way we might imagine on the first try. Working through the Engineering and Design Process helps create student resilience and team communication to solve problems. 

Students improving a bridge design.
Testing a parachute!
Students communicate their findings.

A Project in Action

Throughout the course of this year students have engaged with many projects, but my favorite project so far has been designing a paper skyscraper city with grade 3 students. This project introduced students to Urban Planning Engineering and was focused on students learning how to incorporate green spaces, sustainable engineering processes, and best practices for merging the built environment with the natural environment. The kids created a whole city block that included skyscrapers and a central green space. They designed the buildings with visible interiors, so everyone could see who lived inside. Students also made small versions of themselves that they placed around the buildings. The students were thrilled with the process of creating a miniature version of themselves to put in their model. I was delighted to find an alien stuck in one of the park trees, which further confirms my theory that BASIS Independent Bellevue students are out of this world! 

Skyscraper City designed by grade 3 students.

Looking Ahead

As I continue to build the Engineering Program at BASIS Independent Bellevue, I want to create more opportunities for students to showcase their models and engineering work within the school community. Students take great pride in the projects they create, and I would love to find more ways to highlight their accomplishments beyond our classroom. I am also eager to be able to work with primary students next year, as we expand and have Kindergarten–grade 2 students on campus. I can’t wait to work with primary students and start nurturing their foundational skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration from a young age.

Thinking back on the trajectory of my career, I am extremely grateful that my path has led me to be the Subject Expert Engineering Teacher at BASIS Independent Bellevue. When I see a young girl in my class ecstatic about her parachute design, I am instantly taken back to being the girl with the manila folder filled with my creative designs. I am humbled to now be in a position to nurture students’ sparks of creativity and empower them to explore the possibilities of Engineering in their future!

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

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Teacher Danae

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Teacher Danae earned an Honors B.A. in English from the University of South Florida, where some of their favorite courses included Early Childhood Literature, Comics, and Short Fiction. Their passion for education grew while working as an Instructional Aide supporting students with autism who communicate using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). This experience deepened their understanding of the diverse ways students learn and how to meet individual needs to support student success.

Teacher Danae first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Art Teacher at the Fremont campus. During the COVID-19 distance learning period, they successfully navigated the challenges of remote instruction while maintaining student engagement, creativity, and meaningful artistic expression without traditional in-person interaction.

Teacher Danae later transitioned into the role of Dean of Students for TK – grade 5, where they supported students’ social-emotional development, test anxiety, and executive functioning skills. In this role, Teacher Danae provided individualized tools, accommodations, and a nurturing environment to help students grow both academically and personally. They eventually returned to the classroom as the Middle and High School Subject Expert Art Teacher.

Through these diverse experiences, Teacher Danae has developed a deep understanding that while self-expression and communication take many forms, the desire to be seen, heard, and understood is a universal and powerful driver of learning.

“I teach art to give students the skills and confidence to use all the tools in their toolbelts to share their thoughts and feelings with the world. Learning new techniques and mediums of self-expression is a catalyst that guides students as they hone lifelong skills like risk-taking, problem-solving, accountability, dedication, and self-confidence. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach students these skills at BASIS Independent Dublin, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to build strong foundations for these students to become well-rounded, thoughtful, and compassionate life-long learners in our dynamic and ever-changing world.” Teacher Danae is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

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

My approach to teaching is student-centered and interest-driven. This looks like aligning the content of time-periods, regions, artists, and mediums with concepts students are learning in their English, history, and science classes. This cross-curricular lens fosters a deeper understanding across all subjects and the connections they are able to organically make. Once we cover the art movements, key artists, techniques, and mediums relevant to our lesson, students engage in thoughtful planning and conceptualization in a written and illustrated pre-assessment, allowing us to discuss and fine-tune their visions before they bring them to life. 

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent Schools students?  

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent students is the freedom I am given in content development, allowing me to tailor the BASIS Curriculum to serve student needs and interests. The sense of community that is fostered from the top down, starting with our incredibly caring and devoted leadership team, makes it easy to carry out my vision in the classroom. Working alongside passionate teachers who are experts in their field, and students who are driven by their curiosity and eagerness to learn and solve challenges head-on, is another significant part of what keeps me invested and excited about working at BASIS Independent Schools. The bridge between school staff members and families is always open, and something that I feel is a major stand-out from all of the other schools I have worked at.   

Are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community? 

If you are looking to join a community shaped by educators driven to support students to strive to be the very best they can be, while providing them with all the tools, supports, and genuine care they need to achieve their potential, then you’ve come to the right place. The founding Subject Expert Teachers and administrators I have had the pleasure of working with for years are eager to bring our expertise and the heart of what has made our programs so successful at other schools in our network. I look forward to building upon our legacy and writing the next chapter at BASIS Independent Dublin with you all! 

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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 Facilities Manager: Mr. Jarred Thorp

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A graduate of Livermore High School, Mr. Thorp brings more than fifteen years of experience from the construction industry, where he worked with a wide range of heavy machinery and helped bring complex projects to life. That background gives him a strong appreciation for safety, structure, and attention to detail, skills he applies every day in his role on our campus. Mr. Thorp is a devoted family man and the proud father of three boys. He valued being part of the BASIS Independent Fremont community, where he helped maintain a safe, supportive environment for students to learn and grow. Mr. Thorp is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, attending his sons’ sporting events, and cheering on the Oakland Raiders. He has also coached his sons’ baseball teams for more than 14 years. An outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Thorp enjoys fishing, country living, and spending time in nature.

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

One of the primary factors is that I commute from the Central Valley, specifically Patterson, which will significantly improve my daily commute from BASIS Independent Fremont. Additionally, I am excited to take on a new challenge at a larger campus and to build strong relationships with my new colleagues and new families.

What does a typical day look like for you on campus?

My day begins early with a thorough walkthrough of the campus to ensure cleanliness and, most importantly, a safe environment for both students and staff. Throughout the day, I address maintenance needs as they arise and provide support to our Subject Expert Teachers and administrators whenever assistance is needed, helping ensure the school runs smoothly.

What’s one thing families might not realize goes into keeping a school running smoothly?

Maintaining a school involves far more than most people realize. From plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, janitorial services, and vendor coordination to supporting staff and ensuring student safety, the role requires constant readiness. Emergencies can arise at any moment, whether it’s a fire alarm, a broken valve flooding a restroom, or an HVAC unit failing during the summer heat. In addition, there is ongoing coordination with vendors for future projects and oversight of janitorial services to ensure standards are met. Each day brings new challenges, and staying proactive and adaptable is essential to keeping the school running smoothly.

What are you most excited about in your role at a new school?

I look forward to meeting new colleagues, getting to know new students and their families, and being the best employee and teammate I can be.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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 Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Ilona Covert

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Ms. Covert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from UC Davis and a Master’s Degree in Bioanalytical and Physical Chemistry from the University of the Pacific. She spent nearly a decade in the industry as a leader in her field, serving as a senior scientist and laboratory manager in Global Agriculture, before returning to academia. 

As an educator with experience teaching at the university level, Ms. Covert has seen many bright students struggle with college-level materials, unprepared for the rigors of undergraduate education, and strive to live up to their full potential. This experience set her on the path to improve the education of our younger generations, to help better prepare them for college. According to Ms. Covert, the best way to minimize this gap is to intercede with our learners during their pivotal years. Combining her experiences in both universities and as an industry leader allows Ms. Covert to drive these students to succeed in their future goals as the “movers and shakers of their generation.” Ms. Covert first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Chemistry Teacher at Fremont Upper School.  

“Paul Brandt once said, ‘don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.’ Our students are incredibly bright and curious. They deserve the opportunity to excel, but they cannot do it alone.” Says Ms. Covert on her teaching philosophy. “It is on us, as educators, to help propel those young minds on a course of knowledge, curiosity, and success. If we can provide the tools and help them connect their real-life experiences to what they are learning, there is no stopping them.” Ms. Covert is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Ms. Covert loves to read, play video games, and spend quality time with her husband and daughter.

What excites you most about helping build a brand-new school from the ground up?

I am very excited for the opportunity to join the BASIS Independent Dublin founding faculty. I look forward to contributing to the development of the school’s academic vision and culture from its very beginning. Being part of the creation of a brand-new school is incredibly exciting and will be deeply rewarding.

How does your background in the industry influence the way you teach and connect with students?

In addition to my teaching career, I spent more than seven years as a senior scientist and laboratory manager with Kraft Heinz’s Heinz Seed division.

My time in industry has a huge impact on how I teach and how I connect with students. Working as a senior scientist and laboratory manager showed me what science looks like outside of a classroom – how experiments are designed to solve real problems, how teamwork matters, and how persistence is just as important as intelligence. I bring those experiences into my lessons by sharing real-world examples, explaining how the concepts we study are actually used, and helping students see that what they’re learning has purpose beyond a test or a grade.

Because I’ve worked both in industry and in schools, I can relate to students who are still figuring out what they want to do. I talk openly about different career paths, the skills that matter most, like communication, problem-solving, and curiosity, and how mistakes are part of the process. My goal is to make science feel relevant, approachable, and exciting, and to help students see themselves as capable thinkers who could one day be the scientists, engineers, or innovators solving real-world challenges.

What lessons from BASIS Independent Fremont will you carry into this new role?

While I am enthusiastic about this new chapter, I acknowledge that leaving BASIS Independent Fremont was a very difficult decision. I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of colleagues and teaching truly remarkable students. Change is really hard, but it can also be an opportunity. That’s what I’m taking into this new role – change is hard but good. Change allows us to grow.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 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.