Elementary Faculty

Elementary Faculty

The teaching and learning environment at AISK motivated me to become a teacher at this institution. The environment is one that encourages children to be active learners and be in charge of their learning. I started working at AISK in August 2018. I began my journey in the Early Years Program for two years and I currently teach in Grade 1 and am loving the experience. At AISK, we encourage the “why” question, which encourages children to develop a love for learning and realize that learning can occur anywhere.

I have always wanted to be an Early Childhood teacher; I worked in this area in various capacities for around 20 years. I hold a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and I taught students from 18 months to 8 years, both locally and overseas, Teaching is a job like no other; you take on many different roles daily. Although I plan my daily activities, there is always some uncertainty and I like that each day is different. Seeing my students get excited about learning, having their a-ha moments and meeting their learning goals gives me great satisfaction and purpose.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy solving puzzles, playing my favorite game; Tetris as well as reading.

My desire to work in international schools stemmed from my own experience attending an international school as a child. These institutions made learning fun! I joined the staff at AISK in August 2019 as a Grade 4 teacher. I have a degree in Special Needs as well as a degree in Education from the Institute of Education at the University of London. AISK was the perfect change for me and my husband after living in England for 6 years. Change in weather and immersing ourselves in a new way of life was both exciting and invigorating.

I believe in teaching through an inquiry-based approach, where the students are encouraged to explore, ask questions and share ideas in an integrated learning environment. I also find that there is a strong link between academic success and social emotional well-being which leads to students performing at their best.

I always look forward to getting to know the students and their families and creating a safe and nurturing environment where we can all grow and learn together.

Outside of the classroom I love to cook, exercise and read. We have two children; Daniel and Anna who are both attending university in the United Kingdom.

Stacey Ann Witter

Marie Reynolds

Working with young people provides the opportunity for me to support them socially and emotionally so that they can develop the ability to bounce forward through challenges, love themselves, and be the gift to the world that each one is. I’m delighted to be a member of the AISK family since August 2020 as the Elementary and Middle School Counselor, working with students from EYP - Grade 8.

Prior to working at AISK I had the opportunity to conduct observations in a number of AISK Elementary classrooms. I was impressed with the exploratory and cooperative learning I witnessed, and the way in which children are empowered to think critically, express their ideas and direct their own learning. I could see that each child and his or her unique qualities are valued and cultivated. I wanted to be a part of that.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Social Work and I am a Registered Associate Professional Counsellor. I also have a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies - Counselling Psychology emphasis, and graduate studies in Child Development.

I enjoy music and singing, and I am one of the cantors at the local synagogue.

Betty White

I am inspired to tap into the ‘gateway’ children have to a world of unlimited imagination. Children love to ‘Free draw’ where all the stories inside come tumbling out as visual images. I am grateful to be in a position that helps to foster a continued appreciation of its value. I began teaching at AISK in August 2006 and currently teach Elementary Art from EYP - Grade 5.

I am a Graduate in Fine Arts- Painting- from The Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts and I have a Masters Degree in Art Education from Ohio State University.

I initially came to AISK to fill in for an art teacher who unavoidably had to leave due to an emergency. During that first year I taught Kindergarten to Grade 12. I quickly realized I wanted to focus on teaching Art to the Elementary students, so when I was asked to continue teaching at AISK I gradually and happily transitioned to that specific role.

I am appreciative and impressed with the investment AISK puts into the Arts which includes the working space we are given, the budget for materials, as well as the showcasing of the student’s work. I am inspired to teach Art because I have observed that the Arts, both Visual and Performing, are a natural language that children use to express themselves even before beginning formal education. I am also inspired to teach a subject that is constantly engaged with creative thinking.

From the early years, children have an ease and familiarity with drawing, painting, movement, singing, make believe drama - all of which gives them access to their inner world without much direction from adults, and helps to anchor a healthy interior space.

An interesting fact about me is that I am a twin. Art and Yoga are my favourite hobbies.

Marrian McKay

My heart’s desire is to leave an indelible mark on the lives of the future generation. My journey at AISK began in 2010 where the door was opened for me to be a substitute teacher. I transitioned into a teaching assistant role, then a teacher in the regular Elementary classroom and became the Information Technology Specialist for the Elementary School beginning August 2012.

As I was completing my Masters of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT) at Mercer University in the U.S. my heart yearned for home and I recognized that AISK was the institution that would afford me the opportunity to not only use the skills I had garnered in my studies, but also capitalize on my experience as a student growing up in Jamaica. I truly wanted to make a positive impact and provide students with well rounded experiences that would influence them for life. That passion has not changed as I engage in activities with enquiring minds each day. My role as an I.T. Specialist has also afforded me the opportunity to aid in the professional development of fellow teachers and staff.

Outside of my professional career, I thoroughly enjoy writing and hope that someday in the near future I will be able to write children’s books.

Dexter McFarlane

It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to AISK for the 2024-25 school year. I am looking forward to working with the administrative team to create an environment where all of our students have the greatest opportunity for success. At AISK, our mission is to “shape the future” by nurturing not only the academic but also the physical, emotional, and social development of our students. Athletics provides a unique opportunity to teach invaluable life skills such as teamwork, resilience, discipline, and leadership. These are the qualities that empower our students to make a meaningful impact on their community and the world.

Our athletics program is designed to challenge students to push their limits, discover their strengths, and develop a lifelong passion for sports and fitness. Whether it’s through competitive sports teams, recreational activities, or fitness programs, we aim to offer diverse opportunities for
all students to participate and succeed.

I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work displayed by our coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship is what makes our program truly exceptional. As we move forward, we will continue to strive for excellence, celebrate our
achievements, and learn from our challenges.

To our new families, coaches, and student-athletes joining us this year, welcome to the AISK athletics family! We are excited to have you with us and look forward to your contributions and successes. To our returning families, coaches, and student-athletes, thank you for your continued
support and dedication. Together, we will make this year one of growth, achievement, and unforgettable experiences.

Dion Foreman

My name is Dionne Foreman. I was born and grew up in London, UK, and have spent over 20 years teaching PE and coaching teams, especially girls’ football and athletics. Coaching is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I love helping young people build confidence and discover what they’re capable of. Outside of school, I’m always up for an adventure and enjoy traveling, trying new things, and encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. I’m excited to join the AISK family, teach PE and swimming, get to know the students and their families, and experience life in Jamaica while reconnecting with my heritage.

Let's go Hurricanes! 😎

Dr. Ken Bence

I'm thrilled to join the American International School, Kingston family as the new Elementary Principal for the 2026/27 academic year! Originally from Liverpool, England, my journey in education has taken me across four countries over nearly 20 years, and I couldn't be more excited to soon call Jamaica home.

Most recently, I served as Senior Director at a school in Budapest, Hungary. Before that I served as the Elementary and Early Years Head at BASIS International School in Chengdu, China, where I had the privilege of building the founding team, culture, and school community in this brand new school. Before that, I spent four years as an Instructional Coach at American International School of Kuwait, work that reinforced my belief in the power of personalized support for teachers and data-driven instruction to help each of our students thrive and succeed.

I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with my research focused on coaching and transformational leadership in diverse international schools. I'm also certified in Understanding by Design, Creating Cultures of Thinking from Harvard's Project Zero, and have had the opportunity to present on topics like developing coaching cultures and creating school-wide reading programs across the international education community.

Katie Iver

I joined the AISK family in November 2013 in the capacity of Administrative Assistant to the Elementary Principal and Elementary teachers. I am a qualified personal assistant and have over 30 years of international experience over a wide range of sectors.

I am Jamaican born but lived in the UK for over 18 years and have travelled extensively, including a “dream come true” 12 months back-packing trip around the world in 2002-2003. I truly enjoy being back in Jamaica and particularly working at AISK. Its population of both Jamaican and international staff and students creates a really wonderful multicultural environment.

Watching children grow and observing how they learn everyday inspires me, particularly in the amazing environment we have here at AISK. Through music, dance, art, just to name a few, the look of pure joy when they can be truly who they want to be and learn valuable lessons across the board never ceases to amaze me. Their lightbulb moments always bring me joy.

Apart from enjoying running and watching great movies with friends, for those who don’t know, I am also a semi-professional singer. I do love to see the look on people’s faces when listening to me sing for the very first time. Music is my joy second only to my family!!

I am based in the Elementary School Office and am here to help and support you in any way I can, so please feel free to reach out.

Elementary Faculty

Dr. Ken Bence

American International School of Kingston