Team Elementary School
At GAIS, all teachers are credentialed and qualified to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.
Our Kindergarten/Vorschule Teachers and Assistants:
Ina Berenger
Kindergarten
I am a credentialed elementary school teacher with German and Art as my main subjects. Before moving from Hamburg to California in 2002, I worked in an elementary and middle school, teaching 1st through 7th grade. In the States I have worked in several co-ops which my children attended. As my husband is French, our two daughters learn three languages, which makes multilingual education a central theme of my private life as well.
In 2006-2007 I studied “German as a second language” at the Goethe-Institut and graduated in 2007. I started working at GAIS in the school year 2007/08 as assistant in the Vorschule and as German teacher for the VS children. I am now the Vorschule teacher of the “Jungle” class and I am excited about helping 5-year olds explore and understand the world.
What qualities do you see in the students that have been through our program?
Our kids are going to school with so much enthusiasm and are still curious. Learning to understand concepts and working on bigger projects and ideas rather then memorizing lots of facts makes it possible to keep them interested and responsible for their own learning.
What are some qualities that you see within the GAIS teaching staff?
I am impressed by the amount of hard work and dedication the GAIS teaching staff is willing to put into the school. All teachers really care about their students here and try their very best to help each one of them to succeed.
Natalie Stoe
Kindergarten
I was born and raised in Bern, Switzerland, and studied Preprimary and Primary Education at the Pädagogische Hochschule in Bern. After graduation in 2007 I got the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of living and working abroad. For a year I taught German, English and French in two schools in the northeast of Argentina. Back in my hometown Bern I worked as a primary school teacher before coming to the US.
Last year I joined my husband, who is American, to live in San Francisco. From my first visit to GAIS I was amazed by the compassion and teamwork the teachers show. I find the creative atmosphere of the school to be unique and special. I am excited for another year of teaching at GAIS and am happy to be part of the community.
Why did you choose to teach at GAIS?
When I first visited GAIS I appreciated the open-mind and creativity of the school. I recognized the diversity of the students and parents. It is nice to see different cultures and languages come together. The impression I received from the teachers is that they cared about the students and supported their self-confidence, individuality, and independence. I find the inquiry-based teaching to be fascinating. GIAS also has a strong community feeling that is open and warm.
What makes you an international teacher?
I grew up in a country with four national languages and have relatives in 5 different countries. Therefore I was exposed to international environments at an early age. Languages and learning about different cultures have always been a passion of mine. Primary education was my choice of studies because I wanted to help and develop young minds. My curiosity to learn about other countries and cultures is the reason I have traveled to over 30 different countries and taught in three continents. Shortly after my studies I fulfilled a lifelong dream to work overseas and teach in Argentina. When arriving back in Switzerland I chose to work in a school with 95% diversity. I enjoy communicating my passion around cultures and teaching children everyday as an international teacher. Some of the most important qualities for an international teacher are to be flexible, keep an open mind and be willing to learn more at all times.
Jutta Cottarel
Kindergarten Assistant
Last year, I joined the Aquarium Kindergarten class at GAIS as an assistant teacher. Our family relocated from the East Coast at the end of December, where I held a position as an assistant teacher in the Kindergarten program at the French International School Boston. I also taught a second grade class at the German Saturday School in Boston. Our family became founding members of the German International School Boston, which our children attended for a few years.
Initially a biologist by training, I changed my career path when I had my own children, two sons and one daughter, and found my vocation in the field of teaching and child development. I grew up in Fulda, Germany, pursued my studies in Cologne, and did research work at the University of Giessen, where I met my husband. Both of us decided to come to the US in 1991.
Birgit Schweingruber
Kindergarten Assistant
I am from Bremen, Germany and have lived in Switzerland and the US. I started teaching at GAIS in 2005 after a year of substituting in the preschool. My experience at GAIS includes working as an Assistant in preschool and as an Assistant Teacher in Vorschule.
Before joining GAIS, I spent 25 years teaching at the German American Saturday school, where I taught k-2nd grade. I taught summer school and gave workshops for teachers of German as a second language.
Prior to working at GAIS I was Director of Educational Services at PHP, a Nonprofit Organization.
At PHP I cofounded the ITech Center, a national model for connecting educators and students with assistive technology in the classrooms to maximize learning.
I have been living in California with my husband and three children since 1983.
Our family sincerely enjoys the diverse culture in the Bay Area and I strongly believe teaching at GAIS promotes the values in education that are critical to the future of society.
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
IB schools teach transdisciplinary and highly value independence and creativity in teachers and students. In the IB school the emphasis is on teaching students how to become independ thinkers and live long learners. As a teacher it is a privilege to facilitate learning through such an exciting and innovative process.
Why did you choose to work at GAIS?
I started working at the GAIS preschool and I chose the GAIS program, because of its outstanding preschool program and the excellent teamwork among the teachers.
Now I enjoy being part of the Vorschule team as well as being part of the GAIS community.
The excellent educational goals GAIS promotes are directly aligned with my educational philosophy. I believe the kind of education GAIS students acquire is absolutely vital to be successful in the future.
Our Elementary Teachers:
Claudia Gruber
First Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland where I also received my elementary school teacher credentials. After my studies and two years of teaching in Switzerland I wanted to travel the world but never made it much further than California. Blame it on the beautiful area, the international flair or meeting the husband…
I worked at GAIS for four years when the school was first founded, and before my husband and I opened a small restaurant in San Francisco. Four years later we had our daughter and again three years later our son who are now attending 7th and 4th grade at GAIS. During all this time I missed teaching and when the kids had reached a certain age I decided it was time to be back in the classroom. Hard to believe, but this will be my fifth year teaching the first grade at GAIS again. I very much enjoy working with so many international families and colleagues from all over the world.
I still love the Bay Area’s open mindedness and the beautiful rolling golden hills after having been here so many years.
Why did you choose to teach at GAIS?
I have not traveled the world as much as I had wanted to, but it has always been clear to me that I wanted to meet people from all over the world. Differences and different experiences enrich us enormously. It just makes life so much more interesting. In the end though, all our differences are minimal. All cultures, all countries consist of human beings who feel happy, sad, are learners and thinkers and have all the typical human traits. This is also what I would like the children to understand.
So where can I find the whole world represented in one small place?
At our school of course! I really enjoy working with colleagues from all over the world, and I look forward to meeting new families with many different cultural backgrounds.
Eva Dorner
First Grade Teacher
I grew up in Pforzheim, Germany and went to school at the Pädagogische Hochschule in Freiburg where I received my first credentials as a primary and middle school teacher. After finishing at Freiburg, I interned at GAIS for four months assisting with the 1st Grade.
I then returned to Germany where I taught a combined class (in Oberndorf am Neckar) of first and second graders in PE, Science, Music and Arts and six graders in Math. In my spare time I enjoy playing the piano and travelling to exotic and cultural interesting places around the world. I enjoy being part of the GAIS team and look forward to joining a close-knit community of educators.
Why did you choose to teach at GAIS?
I always wanted to live and teach in another country. One reason was to improve my English skills and the second to gain more experience. It is always a great opportunity to teach at an international school. You get to know a lot of people from different cultures and you learn from each other. It is also very interesting to see how families deal with the bilingualism and I like the challenge of helping them with their German.
What qualities do you see in the students that have been through our program?
From first grade on the children are taught to be very independent which continues during their whole school life. Due to that the children are able to learn independently and help each other. Another great benefit is that the students are all bilingual and most of them learn a third or a fourth language so they will have better chances to get a job, also in another country. They are also used to speaking, acting or presenting in front of the class or even the whole school community, where they gain a lot of experience that they will need for the rest of their lives.
Isabelle Heller
Second Grade Teacher
I grew up in the Odenwald and received my teaching credential for elementary and middle school from University of Education Heidelberg.
After we moved to the beautiful Bay Area in 2009 I started teaching at German Saturday Schools and in 2010 accepted a Hort position at GAIS. While working in the School Hort I got to appreciate the vibrant GAIS community and the IB spirit and knew I wanted to stay on.
I am happy to become a homeroom teacher for second grade at the beginning of 2012 and I am looking forward to a great new school year!
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
I enjoy teaching in Units and carrying the Central Idea over into other subjects like German, Math, and Art. Students are able to shape the course of the Unit by expressing interest in specific areas. For me it is a very holistic way of approaching concepts such as time or community.
What are some qualities that you see within the GAIS teaching staff?
Teachers at GAIS are very dedicated and often go the extra mile to ensure student success. Teamwork is an important aspect of an IB school and helps staff plan, teach, review, and improve on a daily basis. There is a lot of support amongst the teachers and the working atmosphere is great!
Janet Roitsch
Second Grade Teacher / School Care
I was born and raised in Leipzig and I am a credentialed elementary school teacher who graduated from the University “Alma mater lipsiensis” (university of Leipzig). After my studies and one year of internship I received my diploma in Montessori education. I loved teaching children according to Maria Montessori’s ideas at my first job as a classroom and music teacher at a private elementary school in Dresden.
I really enjoy music, like to sing and dance and I play the guitar. Above all, I love to make music with children. I am excited to work at GAIS and look forward to combining my interest in music and teaching.
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
The IB Classroom is a dynamic work environment. Every day the IB teacher is challenged to engage his/her students in a personal exploration of the topic. It requires creativity, innovative ideas and personal growth. I like to be challenged in that way. And it is very rewarding to see students being excited and enjoy learning so much.
What qualities do you see in the students that have been through our program?
The IB program teaches children how to think about and analyse what they are learning, rather than simply memorizing facts. Higher-level thinking is one of the best qualities I have seen in the students that have been through our program.
Karin Koele
Third Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in the southern part of Austria. I studied Primary Education and Social Education for Elementary School at the Paedagogische Akademie in Graz. I also received a Diploma in Montessori Education and in Challenging Behaviors for Children (Verhaltensauffaelligkeiten bei Kindern) which is a main focus of mine in school.
In the past I worked as a teacher for more than 8 years at different schools in Vienna and Graz. I was a homeroom teacher from Kindergarten to 4th Grade. Two years ago I moved with my family to the Bay Area.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, biking, skiing and spending time with my family. I am very excited to work at GAIS and to be a part of the GAIS Team.
Why did you choose to teach at GAIS?
Teaching at an international school was always a dream.
I fell in love with the school when I came here the first time. I think the IB program is specifically attractive.
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
I love teaching the Units of Inquiry and when students have a chance to uncover information for them.
In the IB you can find a good balance between the academic, social, emotional and intellectual skills.
Danielle Sharon
Third Grade Teacher
Born in Israel and having grown up in Switzerland, I speak German and Hebrew fluently. Bilingualism is an important part of my personal life and I love languages. After my studies in Zurich, Switzerland I worked in various grades and worked with a variety of elementary school students. I taught German, Mathematics, French, Sports, Music as well as the Arts.
Before coming to the United States, I worked as a 2nd grade homeroom teacher. In my free time I love travelling, singing and playing the piano. I am very glad to be part of the GAIS team and excited to teach the 3rd grade class and bring my passion for learning to the children.
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
Teaching at an IB school is special for me because the students are learning through inquiry. I really enjoy teaching the IB units through a transdisciplinary approach. I like how the IB program doesn’t only focus on teaching academic topics but also includes social and emotional skills.
What qualities do you see in the students that have been through our program?
The students are used to working independently and do research from the beginning. They gain a lot of confidence in finding questions, solutions and presenting their results in front of an audience.
Christine Burris
Fourth Grade Teacher
I studied English and French at the University of Göttingen, Germany. After receiving my M.A. I taught Grades 9 and 10 in Celle. In the United States I also studied German-as-a-second-language at State University of San Francisco and received a second M.A.
Since 1994 I have been teaching many different subjects in the Elementary and Middle School at GAIS. I recently completed an education in Life Coaching at the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) in San Rafael, Marin County.
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
We teach units through concepts promoting global aspects and life long learning. The themes are relevant and meaningful. They are closely related to the real world outside. Students learn through hands-on activities and projects. They go on many unique field trips that are unit related.
What are some aspects that you see within the GAIS teaching staff?
We are all carefully selected to suit each teaching position. We are highly qualified with mostly MA degrees from various different countries. Some of us have credentials from more than one country. We believe in the IB program and are very motivated to teach our students to make the world a better place. We are very flexible, international, and open-minded. We are trained to create/adjust/change our curriculum as needed. Thus we are providing an outstanding international bilingual education based on learning through inquiry.
David Giesen
English/Social Studies Teacher (Grade 3 & 4)
After taking my B.A. in English from UC Santa Barbara and then earning both multiple subject (3-8) and single subject (English and Social Studies) teaching credentials from Dominican University in San Rafael, I settled in Mendocino County on California’s north coast before moving to San Francisco in 1996. I’ve classroom taught grades 4-8 at schools in San Francisco where I also served as librarian and theater arts director before coming to GAIS in 2006.
I enjoy writing plays and children’s books, but before the sun sets after school you are welcome to join me bicycling or kayaking San Francisco environs. Or come along on the weekend on my walking tour of San Francisco.
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
Perhaps owing to its European Parliament complexion, but certainly as a function of the IB emphasis on collegiality and trans-disciplinary skills, GAIS has been a welcome experience for me. I am by social inclination a sharer and consensus-seeker (not withstanding being opinionated), and the opportunity to work cooperatively towards coherent curriculum through frequent staff conferencing pleases me. In fact, I relish the give and take, push and tug of negotiation.
What qualities do you see in the students that have been through our program?
GAIS students are largely a self-confident, alert, and considerate batch of kids. The enrollment to outdoor play area ratio is good, with lots of space for semi-private space to play. Of special note is the IB emphasis on social development and relationships. I earnestly believe this emphasis cultivates the strongest sinews of citizenry, namely a commitment to cooperation.
Lindsay Greco
English Teacher (Grade 1 & 2)
Born in New York City, I moved to a small town in Pennsylvania when I was young. During my elementary school years, I was given many opportunities to explore the world and learn about different cultures and people. Always interested in teaching, I graduated with a BA in education and decided to take on the challenge of teaching in inner city Washington, D.C. upon graduation. Although fulfilling, I wanted to continue exploring and was able to bring my two passions of teaching and travelling together.
I first took a 3rd grade position at the International School of Luxembourg deepening my knowledge of inquiry-based learning. Two years after, I was ready to take on a new journey and continued teaching at the International School of Singapore. Here, I developed my expertise of PYP and expanded my understanding of various differentiated Literacy programs. I am eager to use my knowledge and continue learning more through teaching at the German American International School.
Amy Parson
ESL Teacher
I grew up in New Mexico, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages at the University of New Mexico. During this time, I spent one year as an exchange student at the Karl-Franzens University in Austria. After obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree, I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. I obtained my teaching credentials while teaching a second grade classroom in New Mexico.
I then went on to teach first grade in a PYP international school in Brussels, Belgium. Before moving to America, my husband and I took a year long bicycle trip from Belgium to China. Happy to now be off of my bike and back in the classroom, I am looking forward to sharing my love of learning with my new students.
Amy Nathan
Music Teacher
I grew up in Canada and earned my Bachelor of Music Education at the University of Toronto. My primary instrument is the flute, although I have also enjoyed playing others. I completed my teaching diploma in New Zealand, where I continued to teach Music for three years. I also taught for one year in Canada. I have taught band, orchestra as well as general music throughout my teaching career.
I recently completed a course in the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education in San Francisco. I am really looking forward to bringing a new and exciting Music program with me to GAIS!
What makes teaching at an IB school special?
I enjoy teaching at an IB school because of the high student and teacher engagement. The program allows for creativity in teaching, so that we are able to plan for learning, based on student interest. This makes for an atmosphere of creative learning and critical thinking, which makes it so much fun to teach at this school!
What qualities do you see in the students that have been through our program?
I have taught at a few different schools, and the one thing that strikes me the most about our school, is the student’s great ability to collaborate and present information. As I watch the first graders turn into second graders, I can see the progress that they make in working out problems and finding their roles within a group and then finally presenting their results in an organized manner. These are such important skills that will serve the children well as they make their way through life.
Alejandra Contreras
Music Teacher
I enjoy helping young students to understand, play and love music. I was born in San Francisco, CA and was raised in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico where I first learned how to play piano and violin at the age of nine. When I moved back to San Francisco, I decided to continue my studies in music. At San Francisco State University, I studied violin with Jassen Todorov and viola with Paul Yarbrough from the Alexander String Quartet.
I graduated in 2007 with a B.M. in music performance, and in 2008 I received my music teaching credential. I continue to learn about teaching music through studies in Orff Schulwerk.
In addition to teaching, I am passionate about playing music with other performers. I have experience playing mariachi music, Mexican folk music, classical, and Argentinean tango. I am always eager to learn new styles of music and hope my students learn to play and appreciate music.
Katharina Hromas-Wood
PE Teacher
I was raised in a small village named Allensbach, on the shores of the Bodensee. My passion for sports began at an early age and has continued on into my adult life. My earliest memories are of being on skis, playing team handball, swim team, and horseback riding – just to name a few. Now that I’m in beautiful California I enjoy mountain biking and hiking – surfing is the next sport to conquer!
I graduated from the University of Konstanz where I studied PE and English. When I moved to the US in 2009 I began working as a personal trainer before I joined GAIS as a HORT teacher in 2011. I look forward to working as a PE teacher for the elementary school.
Anita Winckler
Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in Munich, Bavaria where I studied „Lehramt fuer Grund – und Hauptschule“ at the Ludwigs-Maximilians Universitaet, Munich. After graduation in 2004 I worked for years as a classroom teacher. During this time I was responsible for the training of future teachers, working closely with the university. In 2010 my husband got the opportunity to realize his dream of living and working in the USA.
So we packed our household in a big container and moved to this great country. We enjoy our life here and one of the best things is, that I became a part of this wonderful school . Last year I started as a substitute at GAIS, which means that when a colleague was sick I stepped in. Furthermore I did a long distance study with the Goethe-Institut „German as a second language“ and graduated in early 2012.
This year I’m working as an academic support in the 4th and 5th class.
Why did you choose to teach at GAIS?
Walking into GAIS the very first time, I noticed this school is really specially. Happy people all over and I felt the warm and international atmosphere. Respect, tolerance, kindness, responsibility and honesty aren’t just words here, these values are really lived here. So I was very keen to work in at this school.
What qualities do you see in the students that have been trough our program?
The kids here are studying with so much joy and motivation, which is the best precondition for their learning process. They know that everyone of them is important and for this reason they understand that they have to stick with the values of this school in their future lives. Even though the students learn to think and work independently they understand that in the we are a great community that works together as a whole. Having this skill will put them into a position to use any opportunity which their future lives will bring.
Our After-School Teachers:
Zeinab Mukhaiche
After-School (Hort) Teacher
My name is Zeinab Mukhaiche. I was born in Beirut (Lebanon) but was raised in Baden-Wuerttenberg (Germany). I received my Child Development Diploma (Erzieherin) in Stuttgart 2003. I taught in a Preschool for a couple of years in Germany. Between 2006 – 2008 I was an AuPair in the Bay Area and during this time I fell in love with this country. That’s when I decided to work as a teacher in an international school here in America. I am glad to be a part of the GAIS and very excited about this opportunity.