Faculty & Staff

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Leah Atkins

April 22, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Atkins holds a master’s degree in Classics, specializing in the languages, cultures, and history of the ancient Mediterranean world. She is particularly fond of the Roman Empire, which has been her lifelong passion, and she can’t wait to introduce BASIS Independent Dublin students to her favorite Latin authors.

In addition to Latin, Ms. Atkins has a broad academic background. She studied ancient Greek as part of her master’s program, translating epic poems, religious texts, and slapstick comedy. Her bachelor’s degree is in history, and she is fascinated by the common humanity that people share across time and culture.

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

My teaching approach emphasizes creativity and critical thinking. In Classics, my goal is for students to imagine history in fresh, complex ways, noticing the similarities between us and ancient people while also recognizing our significant differences. Students should expect to read and write quite a bit of historical fiction. They should also expect a variety of hands-on projects, such as grinding wheat and mummifying apples.

My approach to Latin is similarly focused on narrative, critical thinking, and historical reasoning. As the language of the ancient Roman Empire, Latin is the closest thing we have to a time machine because it allows students to understand ancient people on their own terms. Reading stories is the primary method of instruction, though I also include hands-on projects to visualize different aspects of Roman culture.

Latin education has traditionally focused on grammar — and I love grammar! However, I don’t simply give my students a textbook and expect them to regurgitate the rules. Instead, I prefer that students study a sentence as though it were a point of scientific data, then work backwards and investigate why, exactly, words are chosen, structured, and arranged in a particular way. This approach helps the students understand that grammar is meaningful, not an arbitrary collection of rules, and that every choice of word reveals something about the author.

After the first two years of Latin, students will have an advantage in many different academic and professional areas. As the origin of the modern Romance Languages, Latin is useful for studying Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Knowledge of Latin will also come in handy when learning medical terminology, legal jargon, and advanced English vocabulary. Finally, students will gain a broad understanding of European art and literature, which will enrich their lives no matter what career they pursue. Those who continue with Latin beyond the first two years will find these advantages multiplied even further as they explore advanced grammar, epic poetry, and ancient history.

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

When I first began teaching at BASIS Independent Schools, I was consistently amazed at the students’ passion for learning. These are the type of kids who teach themselves pigpen cipher for fun and draw diagrams of Hannibal’s forces at Cannae. My students ask such thoughtful questions that I am always challenged to dig deeper into Latin and history.

Latin is a subject that I’d imagine can be daunting to students. What advice do you give to students to help them succeed in your class?

Latin is a language – the fact that it’s ancient doesn’t make it more difficult than Spanish, Hindi, French, Mandarin, or any other language still spoken today. In fact, since Latin focuses on reading more than speaking, it may come more naturally to students who enjoy solving puzzles and express themselves best in writing.

To succeed in Latin, students should pay attention, take notes, do their homework, and take advantage of my office hours – the same good study habits that help in any class. However, learning a language does present some unique challenges. I recommend that students review vocabulary often. They should also make sure that they know how to conjugate verbs and decline nouns, which I explain in depth during class.

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?

If you’re joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community, then welcome! Meeting new students is one of my greatest joys every Fall and I can’t wait to see how we will all grow over the course of the year.

If you’re thinking about joining BASIS Independent Dublin, then I would love to connect with you during one of our open house events! There, you can get a tour of the school, ask questions about our curriculum, and get a feeling for our school culture.

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.

Teaching with a Disability: A Reflection from Ms. Tseng

April 16, 2026 by wpengine Leave a Comment

As I approach my eighth year as an elementary educator, I have had the privilege of working with young learners across multiple grade levels, but third grade will always hold a special place in my heart. Since I began working at BASIS Independent Bellevue I have been both a Learning Expert Teacher and a Subject Expert Teacher for grade 3. Being on both sides of the Co-Teaching Model has offered me great perspective and there is something truly special about this age. My students are curious, empathetic, and beginning to understand the world not just through academics, but through perspective and relationships to others.

I’ve learned in my career that there are many lessons taught in a classroom that are not found in a curriculum. Education goes far beyond reading, writing, and math.

My Story

Outside of the classroom, I am also a skater. Movement and skating have been a meaningful part of my life for years, especially at skate parks where I find both challenge and joy. Before my injury, I was a roller skater, and as I adapted over time, I transitioned to inline skating. Returning to skating in new ways has reminded me that identity is not fixed, but evolves with us, and that joy can be rediscovered even after change. Skating continues to be an important outlet for me, grounding me in resilience, creativity, and movement beyond the classroom.

In 2021, my journey as an educator took an unexpected turn when I experienced an injury that would quietly shape the next few years of my life. At the time, I didn’t yet have a diagnosis or fully understand what my body was going through—I just knew I was in pain. Despite this, I continued showing up each day for my students, navigating the classroom with a persistent ache in my ankle, and continuing to skate outside of school. I was working diligently to hold onto the many things that bring me joy.

It wasn’t until 2023 that I was formally diagnosed with post-traumatic ankle arthritis, giving clarity to the challenges I had been facing for years. Arthritis is a condition that can develop after injury and can affect people at many stages of life. Millions of individuals, including young and active people, live with arthritis every day. It is silent to the naked eye but causes an array of challenges.

The Impact

Looking back, those years required a level of perseverance I didn’t always recognize in the moment. I adapted as best as I could. At times using a cane, a knee scooter, or carrying a stool throughout the day, while continuing to create a positive, supportive classroom environment. Following my diagnosis, I began consistently using a prosthetic orthotic device, which has allowed me to move more safely, comfortably, and independently, while staying fully present in the classroom with my students.

Despite these challenges, I remained committed to showing up for my students with positivity, resilience, and care. Over time, I regained mobility and now use a orthotic leg device daily, allowing me to move comfortably around the classroom and stay fully engaged with my students.

What I did not expect was how deeply this experience would impact them.

My third graders began to notice, ask questions, and most importantly, respond with empathy. They learned that not all challenges are visible and that people experience the world in different ways. Through this, they developed a deeper understanding of kindness, patience, and inclusion—lessons not taught through a textbook, but through lived experience.

Teaching with a disability has reinforced my belief that the classroom is not just a place for academic growth, it is a space where character is built. When children are given the opportunity to understand and connect, they rise with incredible empathy. This journey has brought real challenges, but it has also brought growth, perspective, and a deeper understanding of resilience. I continue to teach and skate. I am adapting while staying connected to the things that bring meaning and joy to my life.

Every day in the classroom is a reminder that children learn not only from instruction, but from the environment we create together; the kindness they experience, the respect they witness, and the way they are made to feel.

For families, I want to offer sincere reassurance:
Your child is deeply valued in our classroom community. I am committed to supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally in an environment grounded in care, respect, and encouragement.

Through my own experiences, I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about continuing forward with strength, adaptability, and awareness. That is the same resilience I hope to nurture in every child, so they leave our classroom not only prepared for what comes next, but confident in their ability to navigate it.

2025 – 2026 Subject Advisor of the Year

April 7, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 – 2026 Subject Advisor (SAD) of the Year, Ms. Vivian Gao, from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Lower! Ms. Gao is the Subject Advisor for Music in PreK – Grade 5.

Congratulations, too, to our runners-up, Ms. Swetha Bhattacharya (Computer Science) from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper, and Ms. Sofia Perez-Vargas (Pre-Algebra and Algebra & Geometry I), from BASIS Independent Bellevue!

The SAD of the Year is a celebration and greater recognition of all the work our Subject Advisors (SADs) do, including providing template syllabi for our Subject Expert Teachers (SET), creating assessments, collaborating with other SETs across the BASIS Independent Schools network, and working incredibly hard to build subject mastery for each of our students.

“Subject Advisors are a vital part of the BASIS Independent Schools academic model—they embody our reliance on and commitment to our Subject Expert Teachers’ expertise,” explained Ms. Linda Louis, BASIS Independent Schools Senior Director of Curriculum. “It is important to acknowledge the myriad ways they impact our network and to give teachers the opportunity to reflect on how much their work has been positively shaped by their SADs.”

The Role of a Subject Advisor (SAD): Curriculum and Community
BASIS Curriculum Schools have a Subject Advisor for each required course and some electives, all the way from STEM Discovery in PreK to Capstone courses for seniors. A SAD is first and foremost a classroom teacher; experienced BASIS Curriculum Schools Subject Expert Teachers apply to take on the SAD role and become extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team. SADs are responsible for updating the curriculum and refining vertical alignment annually. This task involves looking beyond their classroom experiences, seeking input from teachers across the network of BASIS Independent and International Schools, incorporating insights from assessment data, and considering ongoing conversations in their fields.

The Power of a Network, Amplified by Subject Advisors
Throughout the year, SADs provide valuable guidance on the BASIS Curriculum and assessments and offer course-specific discussion prompts in frequent newsletters. In the forums SADs create, teachers can share their unique instructional approaches and request resources or assistance. SADs also host network-wide meetings over Zoom throughout the year to cultivate a community of colleagues, including a half-day of collaboration on the BASIS Independent Schools In-Service Day each fall. Their role in facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development ensures continuous improvement in the educational experience provided to students.

Ms. Gao had the following to share about the role:

“Being a Subject Advisor is meaningful to me because it allows me to support our Subject Expert Teachers while strengthening the connection between the BASIS Curriculum and classroom practice. I really value the opportunity to collaborate with educators and grow together to create meaningful learning experiences for our students.”

Choosing the Subject Advisor of the Year
Teachers across our network were asked to nominate their SAD in an anonymous, voluntary survey. The BASIS Curriculum Team reviewed all entries, carefully considering responses on several essential criteria, including thoughtful guidance on the BASIS Curriculum, sharing of high-quality resources, and facilitating professional learning communities among their colleagues. Teachers’ enthusiastic endorsements of their course’s Subject Advisor as the most supportive made it difficult to choose a winner, but nominations for Ms. Gao stood out.

Writes one of Ms. Gao’s advisees: “I really appreciate Ms. Gao’s support as a SAD. She’s always approachable and offers practical and grounded guidance to support young learners. The strategies and resources she shares are clear and immediately usable. She also listens to teachers’ suggestions and collects our questions into key discussion points for our SAD meetings [these are Zoom calls for teachers of the same course throughout the BASIS Independent Schools network]. I really like her as my Subject Advisor!”

“Working with Ms. Gao is a joy, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her on the Curriculum Team as a SAD,” expressed Ms. Wen Yang, BASIS Independent Schools Professional Development Manager. “Whether she’s leading professional development workshops, reviewing teachers’ syllabi, or revising the Primary Program music curriculum, she brings a remarkable level of dedication and intention to everything she does. Her impact is especially evident in the way she supports our Subject Expert Teachers. From the thoughtful, high-quality newsletters she creates to the rich, differentiated resources and activities she shares, Ms. Gao consistently goes above and beyond. She also fosters meaningful collaboration through the well-organized and engaging SAD meetings she leads, helping our Subject Expert Teachers feel supported, inspired, and connected.”

We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Subject Advisors for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

Founding Subject Expert Teacher Spotlight – Mr. Tyler

March 27, 2026 by wpengine Leave a Comment

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

March 25, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

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

Vote here: https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/bryan-meyerowitz
You can vote once every 24 hours
Share the link with your networks to help spread the word!

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

March 20, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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

March 17, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Harry Li

March 16, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Lucy Moore

March 13, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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.

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

March 12, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

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.

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.

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.

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!