I’m thrilled to be joining the vibrant community at the American International School of Kingston (AISK) and to immerse myself in Jamaica’s rich, warm, and dynamic culture. As a passionate educator, musician, and singer, I’m excited to explore Kingston’s lively music scene, connect with students and colleagues, and share stories that inspire learning and personal growth.

With over 25 years of international teaching experience in countries including Canada, the UAE, Turkey, Mongolia, Tanzania, and most recently Poland, I bring a global perspective to the classroom. My expertise lies in IB English Language and Literature, along with Drama and Theatre Arts.

In my classroom, I foster a respectful, positive, and collaborative environment guiding students to reach their highest potential. My aim is to help each learner pursue their aspirations by providing insight, encouragement, and mentorship. I value honest communication and welcome conversations both in and out of class. My door is always open.

I believe that learning and speaking foreign languages are essential to being successful in the world today. I joined AISK in 2016 as a MSHS teacher of World Languages (Spanish and French). I was impressed by the fact that as an international school, AISK embraced all nations and focused on inclusiveness, a focus they maintain today. I have a BA in French and Spanish from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica and am in the process of completing my MA in Translation.

I’ve taught in France and Ethiopia and have travelled extensively to Spanish speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico and Cuba on various field trips. Throughout my 20 years experience teaching foreign languages at both local and international schools, I’ve completed IB Spanish training at IB workshops in Atlanta, Georgia and recently an IB French B workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

I enjoy reading, doing yoga, hiking, knitting (when I have time) and reasoning with my three sons.

I am absolutely passionate about the teaching and learning of foreign languages. My main objective as an educator is to inspire students to expand their horizons by showing them the benefits and opportunities associated with learning a foreign language.  

The international nature and cultural diversity of AISK initially sparked my interest as this is a good catalyst for foreign language education. However, being here for four years, I love the environment created by our team to foster a holistic, supportive and positive learning environment for our students. 

I consider myself a lifelong learner and I am always searching for new activities and strategies to improve the quality of learning for my students.

The diversity of the school as well as the culture of inclusion and the attitude that ANYTHING is possible is what drew me to AISK. I joined the school in August 2021 as the dance teacher and have been given the privilege of using my training and professional experience to teach high school students SOS.  Since being here I have met a faculty of teachers who truly care about students and their learning, and teachers who simply embody and exude positivity, even in a difficult time. 

I have been dancing since age 4; taking after-school dance at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts as well as the then-called Tony Wilson School of Modern Dance (now The CDT School). At age 13, I became the youngest dancer to become a member of The Company Dance Theatre with whom I danced for the next 12 years. While dancing in Jamaica I was pursuing a Medical degree at the University of the West Indies, but upon completion moved to New York City to pursue a career in my true passion; dance. I continued to study dance at the Ailey School before being invited to perform with the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Afterwards I went on to become principal dancer at Garth Fagan Dance, where I spent 6 years touring, performing and teaching with the company and its affiliated school. I’ve taught dance residencies throughout the boroughs of New York City, as well as master-classes and workshops across the US, in parts of Europe and throughout the Caribbean. I am excited to bring my passion for dance and love for teaching to the AISK community. 

The joy I see in children's faces when they get a step or perform a dance for others, as well as the shifts I see in a child’s confidence and self-esteem as they become more proficient in dance truly inspires me to teach.

I am also the new artistic director of the dance company CDT and it’s affiliated dance school - The CDT School.

Greetings AISK, I’m Yolanda Lee. I hold over 25 years of experience in counselling, management, and mental health. My educational journey includes a Masters degree with distinctions in counselling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology, both from the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I'm captivated by dolphins; their beauty, playfulness, and intelligence resonate deeply with me. I'm excited to join a team of like-minded individuals dedicated to shaping the future leaders. At AISK, I'm committed to fostering holistic growth and emotional well-being, making a meaningful impact on both individuals and our society as a whole. I look forward to our journey together!

Seeing the use of the words AISK family is the exact reason why I was sold on working here. I joined AISK as the High School Counselor in August 2021. The warm, nurturing environment that you feel as soon as you walk through the gates, in addition to the emphasis on social and emotional learning as well as the support are what made me feel that joining the team would be a mutually beneficial experience. 

I hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology and have been working in private practice for over 3 years. My inspiration comes from my passion for understanding and helping others to understand human behaviour. Observing young people learn about themselves and others, helping them to navigate their lives and watching them grow into better versions of themselves are extremely rewarding for me. 

Something interesting about me is that I am an avid tennis fan. I’ve been to the US Open and I used to play competitively, but now I only play for fun. 

I believe that learning and speaking foreign languages are essential to being successful in the world today. I joined AISK in 2016 as a MSHS teacher of World Languages (Spanish and French). I was impressed by the fact that as an international school, AISK embraced all nations and focused on inclusiveness, a focus they maintain today. I have a BA in French and Spanish from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica and am in the process of completing my MA in Translation.

I’ve taught in France and Ethiopia and have travelled extensively to Spanish speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico and Cuba on various field trips. Throughout my 20 years experience teaching foreign languages at both local and international schools, I’ve completed IB Spanish training at IB workshops in Atlanta, Georgia and recently an IB French B workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

I enjoy reading, doing yoga, hiking, knitting (when I have time) and reasoning with my three sons.

I believe that all children deserve a stimulating and nurturing learning environment where they can develop into confident, critical thinkers that contribute and thrive in a diverse world. I joined the AISK team in August of 1997. AISK was only three years old at that time, and it was really exciting to be a part of a small school with such big ambitions. I have worn many hats in the past 24 years and this is part of what has kept it exciting and helped me to grow as an educator. Looking back, I am sure our founders would be really proud of the school we have become. Our vision, mission and core values speak to why our school exists and why I am here. 

I am currently the Director of Teaching and Learning and the Theory of Knowledge teacher, both roles which I am very passionate about. 

Students are naturally curious and inquiry based learning helps to feed that curiosity. Leading questions, facilitating student explorations and discussions are some ways that we, as educators, can help students draw conclusions on their own. This approach instills a sense of pride and personal responsibility in students for their own learning. The best way to help students love learning is to always be a student yourself.
Teachers are lifelong learners, always looking for ways to keep their lessons new and exciting. 

It is immensely rewarding to see your students happy and successful well into adulthood. It speaks to the immense impact teachers  have on communities and society and why it is the best profession in the world. 

Seeing the use of the words AISK family is the exact reason why I was sold on working here. I joined AISK as the High School Counselor in August 2021. The warm, nurturing environment that you feel as soon as you walk through the gates, in addition to the emphasis on social and emotional learning as well as the support are what made me feel that joining the team would be a mutually beneficial experience. 

I hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology and have been working in private practice for over 3 years. My inspiration comes from my passion for understanding and helping others to understand human behaviour. Observing young people learn about themselves and others, helping them to navigate their lives and watching them grow into better versions of themselves are extremely rewarding for me. 

Something interesting about me is that I am an avid tennis fan. I’ve been to the US Open and I used to play competitively, but now I only play for fun.