My name is Karen Matthews and I have been teaching Chemistry for over 25 years. I have a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a diploma in education.  I have been here at AISK for five years as the IB Chemistry teacher and HS Science teacher. 

 During this time, I have always appreciated the dedication of all the staff (teaching and support staff) to the holistic development of the students.  It is really fulfilling being a part of this process and seeing the students succeed and transition to college.

I am an IB DP Chemistry teacher at AISK. AISK stood out as a school where I wanted to teach due to its small class sizes, which enable differentiated instruction and personalized support for each student, fostering their holistic development. The close-knit staff and the respect and value I feel from the administration, parents, and students also played a significant role. In terms of qualifications, I bring over 25 years of teaching experience at the secondary and tertiary levels, specializing in preparing Jamaican science teachers. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, a Master of Education Degree in Science Education, and I'm currently pursuing a PhD in Science Education with a focus on student engagement in the science classroom. What inspires me to teach is the belief that students thrive in an environment that balances academic rigor, teacher care, and a non-threatening atmosphere. Teaching, for me, is a calling, driven by a passion to help students reach their full potential and witness those enlightening "aha" moments of understanding. And here's an interesting fact about me: secretly, I'm a comedian in the guise of a science teacher/educator, always ready to bring a smile to the classroom.

My name is Will Vincent and I am the IB & HS Diploma Coordinator. I hold a degree in Zoology from Durham University, UK and a Masters in Conservation biology from UCL, London, where I also completed my teacher training. I have been involved with the IB and IB schools since 2008 working in a variety of positions like Head of Science, Head of College Counseling and IB DP Coordinator. I was initially inspired to teach as I was in love with biology and it was an excellent way to stay engaged with the subject and the more I experienced teaching the more I realised how much I loved the "a ha" moments for students. Coming to AISK I have been impressed by the genuine desire to put students at the centre of what the school does, this is particularly evidenced by the development of separate HS and IB classes for grade 11 and 12, allowing a wide diversity of student choice for a relatively small international school.  

I believe that all students can learn and every student is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. This is something I’ve been passionate about as an IB teacher and throughout my IB counseling background. I am currently the IB English Language and Literature and IB English Literature teacher. This year I am also teaching grade 10 English. I have been at AISK since 2008 in the IB program. I received my education in modern languages, linguistics, pedagogy, and education in Germany and the US (MS in Education, MS in Modern Languages and Linguistics).  I am also certified as an IB counselor and IB examiner.

As an educator I want to help students meet their fullest potential by providing a safe, risk-taking, and collaborative environment. Addressing these factors and providing support will help students develop and implement the necessary strategies and tools that will help them in their everyday lives. I believe it is vital to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. When students walk into my classroom, I want them to feel welcome, relaxed, and know that it is a safe place to communicate needs, concerns, or just talk casually. I believe a positive experience in education is essential to creating successful life-long learners.

AISK has always respected  and trusted my educational decisions. Doors are always open to listen to concerns and ideas I may have, I feel supported at all times, and that makes AISK a very special place to work.

I like to spend time with my family, read, and play golf. 

I was encouraged by the diversity of the nationalities within the school population. For me, this was the most dynamic feature of AISK as I recognized that working with both international and local faculty, students and parents would add dynamism to the teaching/learning process. Certainly this has proven true in my classes as students share their experiences from living in different societies all over the world. It is engaging when reading a text and a student shares first hand knowledge of the setting and the culture. Additionally, I was impressed by the 1:1 laptop program at AISK as it coincided with my personal mission of preparing students to succeed in a technologically driven world. I also liked the way students are empowered to contribute to the development of their learning and in the creation of after-school activities. Giving students the opportunity to lead and to have a voice ultimately creates confident adults!

I joined the AISK family in 2009 and am currently the CAS Coordinator. I also teach Theory  of Knowledge and HS English. I did my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. There, I was taught by the “giants” of Caribbean literature and they have ensured that I am well trained in literary analysis, a skill I seek to develop in my students. While doing my Masters in English, I was awarded the Trilateral Reconnection Project Fellowship which allowed me to do my research at Brown University. It was a rewarding and exciting experience being there and the knowledge gleaned from their faculty ensured the production of a successful thesis. 

I am inspired by my students’ curiosity. This drives me to include more diverse content in my lessons and also to develop my knowledge of new programs in technology so that I can utilize them in my teaching. I aim to create very exciting classes. 

What does an English teacher enjoy doing you might ask? Reading of course! Reading on the beach is even better!

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. I joined the AISK family as a French teacher in 2017 and I currently teach Middle School, High School and IB French. 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 am a proud graduate of Shortwood Teachers’ College, where I received a teaching diploma (Hons.) in French and Spanish as foreign languages and a Bachelor’s degree (Hons.) from the University of the West Indies in French education. After completing my Bachelor’s, I followed my passion for French to its origin, France, where I taught English as a second language at the high school and middle school level in the region of Orléans-Tours. While there, I also completed my Masters (Hons.) in the teaching and training course design of English and French as foreign languages from the University of Montpellier in France. 

During my spare time, I love reading, playing video games and catching up with my favorite T.V series. 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.

Teaching is profound and is a noble calling. I joined the AISK family in 2020 as a part-time Middle School Spanish teacher, a role which has expanded to my being blessed to serve in the High School in the past few months. As an I.B. trained Spanish teacher with E.S.L. (Celta Qualifications), multilingual voice actor, actor, (James Bond- No Time To Die), producer, musician and interpreter in both Spanish and Japanese. AISK offers an environment where a few of my international experiences garnered through having lived in Japan or having studied and taught in Thailand, translates to the potential for a synergistic exchange of knowledge. Teaching can be tough sometimes but when that spark hits and the success of succession occurs before your eyes, it is humbling and most rewarding.  

I have represented Jamaica in swimming and was invited to the U17 national football squad in my teenage years. I play many sports well and have been enjoying learning how to surf in the past year.

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.

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. 

It is in diversity that we find our threads of commonality are woven into one beautiful tapestry we call humanity. AISK epitomises inclusiveness, embracing the richness of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and it is for this reason that I, Jeanne Smith, joined the team in August of 2021. As a teacher of middle school science and IB environmental Systems and Societies, I have the opportunity of a global reach through my vocation, positively impacting young minds from many lands and backgrounds, fostering the development of their science and engineering skills, while also leaving an indelible mark on their lives as I seek to contribute to their robust educational experience.

A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona, I hold an undergraduate degree in pure and applied sciences, a Master’s degree in biological sciences and a graduate diploma in science education. Having taught extensively across the sciences, I am a multidisciplinary science teacher with experience in teaching at both the secondary and tertiary levels of education. I have served in Jamaica and also in the USA teaching high school sciences. While in the USA, I was a participant in their Fulbright Program, which allowed me to serve as a cultural ambassador in South Carolina. While in the USA, I participated in courses including Differentiated Instruction through Winthrop University in South Carolina, and Project-based Learning with the Buck Institute of Education. I am also a teacher educator, having lectured and written courses in biology for the Bachelor of Education program at a university for teachers here in Jamaica. Additionally, I have been an examiner both for Caribbean high school exams and student teachers pursuing teaching certification through the Joint Board of Teacher Education in Jamaica. As an educator, I have a keen interest in helping students enjoy science and make real-life connections; I am also have an academic interest Social and Emotional Learning, particularly teen suicide prevention, as well as teacher evaluation processes.

One fun fact about me, is that being a hobby historian and also a geographer, I am a tour guide trainer and I also act as a tour guide whenever I have the opportunity. I conduct tours in Jamaica for students at all levels, and enjoy working with international students as they present interesting perspectives in keeping with their own culture and diverse experiences.

AISK promises an exciting teaching and learning experience in a culturally diverse setting. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with both faculty and students from different cultural backgrounds, optimally facilitating the reciprocity of the vocation: ‘as we teach we should learn, and as we learn we should teach!’

At AISK, I hold the positions of DP Economics and DP Business and Management teacher. AISK stood out to me as a unique school where I wanted to teach for several reasons. Despite my experience in schools around the world, I had never previously worked in the Caribbean, and I found the prospect of teaching there exciting. Additionally, the excellent communication with the people at AISK gave me confidence that it would be a rewarding place to work.

In terms of my qualifications, I hold a BSc in Economics from the University of Bradford, a PGCSE in Economics and History from North Staffordshire Polytechnic, and an MA in Education from the University of Bath. These credentials have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective teaching.

What truly inspires me to teach is my passion for the subjects I teach. I find Economics and Business Management fascinating, and I derive immense satisfaction from sharing that enthusiasm with my students. Witnessing students grasp theoretical concepts, connect them to the real world, and make academic progress is a source of motivation that drives me in my teaching endeavors.

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. I joined the AISK family as a French teacher in 2017 and I currently teach Middle School, High School and IB French. 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 forieng 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 am a proud graduate of Shortwood Teachers’ College, where I received a teaching diploma (Hons.) in French and Spanish as foreign languages and a Bachelor’s degree (Hons.) from the University of the West Indies in French education. After completing my Bachelor’s, I followed my passion for French to its origin, France, where I taught English as a second language at the high school and middle school level in the region of Orléans-Tours. While there, I also completed my Masters (Hons.) in the teaching and training course design of English and French as foreign languages from the University of Montpellier in France. 

During my spare time, I love reading, playing video games and catching up with my favourite T.V series. 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.

I’m always inspired through helping students to get to know themselves, build their own confidence and maximize their potential - inside and outside of the classroom. I joined the AISK family in 2015 when AIM was contracted to provide college counseling for the high school students. I am the founder of AIM, and the college counseling coordinator at AISK. Our team includes Stephanie Barrett, Head Counselor and Tiana Chung, Essay consultant. What stood out to me about AISK as a school was the level of commitment to student success and the resources and support available to the community as a whole.  I’ve been a college admissions consultant for over 11 years. Just before that I spent 7 years studying in the US and UK; at Phillips Academy Andover, then at Princeton University and finally at the School of Advanced Study, Institute of Commonwealth Studies. I planned to work within the Government or perhaps the UN or Worldbank. Before starting AIM, I was a Senior Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Education and a tutor in the Department of Government at UWI. I discovered my passion for helping students in the college application process as an interviewer and alumni liaison to Princeton’s admission office.  

I LOOOOOOVE those moments when I have nothing at all to do, but I do want to learn how to make floral arrangements.

Helping students perfect the art of expressing their personalities and passions through writing, specifically for the college applications, is one of my specialties. Something I have been doing since 2018. I am a graduate of Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics, and minors in Biology and Africana Studies. I am more than familiar with the demands of college admissions based on my own experience and was recruited and trained by Nicole McLaren Campbell while still a student at Vassar. A semi-professional dancer turned "Math Brain" turned word wielder, I also utilize my writing skills as a freelance Copywriter and Digital Marketing Associate, also helping to manage AISK's social media presence!

I love food and spend much of my free time curating content for her Caribbean food-based blog and podcast, WongaGyal.

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.