BENJAMIN
Being an educator, artist, musician, and father everyday I wake up extremely excited to be spending my time in an environment that allows me to combine all of my interests and skills together so fluidly. It never ceases to amaze me when I see all of the wonderful, creative, and unique experience children have here at RST! Every day I am reminded of the opportunities an excellent Reggio influenced program can provide young children.
I feel extremely fortunate that I get to travel to our facilities with my daughter and watch her develop and grow under The RST Approach. I am filled with not only pride in her accomplishments here, but pride in the wonderful program we have here at RST!
JEREMY
Aloha! I’ve taught at schools in Hawaii and Japan for a combined 13 years. I believe that education, especially early childhood education, is one of the most important things we can focus on in the pursuit of bettering things for all people.
One of the great things about working in the early childhood and the international educational field is that it affords me the opportunity to focus on two topics I am very passionate about: culture and language!
There is phrase, “To speak two languages is to have two souls.” This is something we often learn too late in life.
Imagine beginning your journey through life knowing how to look at the world through more than one mindset. To see the world with more introspection, more empathy, and more understanding. By placing an emphasis on your child’s language development and learning in a global setting early on, you are giving them something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives: a deeper and more expansive understanding of their world and themselves.
There is also a phrase we have in Hawaii. I ka noho pu ana a ʻike I ke Aloha. It is only living with another that one knows the meaning of Aloha.
JACQUIE
Hi! I'm Jacquie. Learning with kids is an absolute passion of mine. I am so excited to be here with you and your child. It's going to be a great opportunity for me to keep on learning and having adventures at school and outside.
I am from Tanzania, a country of the beautiful Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the amazing Serengeti National Park. I moved here with my parents whom both worked for the Tanzanian Embassy here in Tokyo. I have lived in Japan for over 23 years. I went to University here and later on to the U.S.A. I spend most of my holidays traveling around Europe, Asia and Africa. I am interested in Museums, Philanthropy, Pottery, Social work, and Reading. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss is “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
This year, 2021, will be my 21st year teaching preschool and Kindergarten! I am looking forward to inspiring your children and really having a great and memorable time together. I hope with my help and your support students can develop a desire to become life long learners.
FRANCK
"Bonjour les enfants!" or "Hello children!" in French. I am Franck, a teacher at RST. I was born and raised in France and came to Japan in 2001.
I am very happy and proud to be at RST in order to share with the children what i love most : Music. I have played bass and percussion since i was 14 in different bands and now I compose electronic music for various projects such as documentaries, theater, exhibitions. It appears to me that music is a perfect activity for children : It's fun to listen to it ( learning songs is an excellent exercise for memory and singing them is perfect for concentration ) and, of course, fun to dance to !!!! It is also great fun to make and play music as well: Teaching how to play drums and percussion at school gives chances to the children to improve their motor skills and their hearing capacities. "Oh ! time for my drumming practice!!!! I'll see you soon at RST. for some musical fun!!!"
HARU
Greetings everybody! My name is Haru Eileen Iwanami and I will be the head teacher for the Sprout class!
I was born and raised in Ireland and have had the opportunity to live in Italy, America, and Japan. Since graduating from Boston University, I have been teaching at international schools for over 7 years in Tokyo! I have always had an enormous passion for early childhood education ever since I was a teenager in high school. The highlights of my days at school are when I see a toddler’s eyes light up when they learn/try something new. Teaching challenges me to be more creative, patient, and compassionate each day. My hobbies include fashion, art, sports, music, socializing, and cooking. I look forward to meeting everyone at RST and I will strive to give your child the best education/experience possible!
KIM
Hey everyone My name is Kim and I was born in the Philippines but moved to Japan when I was 10 years old.
Since I was a kid I have been very active and into things that require moving such as dancing, playing sports, and singing. I used to teach gymnastics, dancing, singing, and sports from toddlers to elementary kids for nearly 5 years. Hopefully I get to inspire kids here at RST through these activities and find something that they would possibly want to pursue in the future. I believe that being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs because teachers have the opportunity to guide and influence kids and they will remember and carry it with them for the rest of their lives. I feel very privileged to be a part of RST with such amazing program and to able to work with such hard working teachers and amazing kids at RST
YUKO
Hello my name is Yuko.
I was born in Tokyo and spent my childhood in Connecticut. My childhood dream was to become a kindergarten teacher. The dream led me study early childhood education in both Japan and the United States. I learned how important it is for kids to learn through experience and how they gain international perspective when I taught in the Japanese-English Bilingual preschool in New York. Therefore, ever since I started teaching in international schools in Tokyo, I have been motivated to create an exciting environment, and to support little explorers to foster their nature curiosity, and of course to see their bright smiles everyday.
I like sports especially water activities, travels and exploring new places. I am very happy to be a part of the RST family and look forward to having fun together!
BO
Sawasdee ka! I'm Bo from the land of smile, Thailand.
I'd been teaching at international schools in Bangkok for 8 years in total. I am a D.I.Y person, a bookworm, a baker, a gardener, art museum explorer, an origami lover and a mother of a male spotted dog. The smell of wet soil & herb are the best medicine to heal my body and soul so i turn the tiny space at my apartment's balcony to a little herb garden, my sacred space. Analogue photography is also what I passionate about. I take my buddy (a compact film camera) everywhere I go so if you walk along the street and then spot a suspicious lady shooting a rock, a manhole cover, a tree, a dog, an electronic pole or even a trash! That person could be me!! For me, the real joys of being a teacher is to see their sparkle eyes and shiny smile when they eager to share their story and let me be a part of it.
ANDRA
Hello everyone! I'm Andra, I was born in Romania and I did my Higher education studies in England.
I have always had a great interest in the Japanese culture and language which eventually brought me here. I have also been passionate about teaching and I got my teaching certifications as soon as I finished my university studies since I was sure it was a career I wished to pursue further. I believe that despite all hurdles teaching children poses, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences and there is never a stopping point for improvement. RST challenges teaching through its innovative and revolutionary teaching methodology and I'm really excited to help facilitate that to all the students walking through the RST doors. Looking forward to meet you all soon!
YUKI
Hi everyone! I'm Yuki. I was born and raised in Japan.
I studied Early Childhood Education in the States. I have 7 years of experience working in this field in the United States, and this year will be my 5th year teaching at international schools in Tokyo. I love to let children explore and experience the world around them to build a foundation for life long learning! I strongly believe that each child is special in their own way, and will follow each child's interests and support them to shine in various ways. I hope to support your children to learn in a global society and become happy and confident for their bright future! I am so excited to get to know you and have full of adventures and discoveries with you all at RST!’
ANDREA
Hello everyone! My name is Andrea and I am from sunny South Africa. I studied Education in a beautiful little town called Stellenbosch. When I was little, I wanted to become a chef or anthropologist. However, as I got older, I started considering teaching as a profession, as I have always loved children. I feel that I can learn as much from children as they can learn from me. Other things that I am passionate about is psychology, cooking, nature, animals and reading. I love to share these passions with people and also find out more about what other people are passionate about. I am super excited to be a part of a school that is reshaping the traditional educational model and instilling children with a passion for learning!
TAYLOR
Hey! I’m Taylor from Canada! Over the past few years I have had incredible opportunities to work with students young and old, and of all abilities, in both Canada and Japan.
After pursuing my education degree in Canada I worked with many performing arts companies as an actor, teacher, and curriculum developer. My passion for providing education and support for people who have disabilities has truly shaped my teaching philosophy, and I strive to bring excitement and energy to each class. I cherish moments filled with laughter and curiosity! When I am not in the classroom, you can find me singing karaoke or taking far too many photos of every exciting place I go to!
Every child has incredible abilities. As a teacher, it is so exciting to watch all of these abilities grow and foster new abilities, skills, and interests in my students.
This will be a year filled with imagination, happiness, and wonder. Let’s grow together!
KATHLEEN
Hello everyone! I’m Kathleen from the Philippines!
Growing up in an ethnically and neuro -diverse setting, I have seen how our similarities and differences could inspire learning in beautiful ways. This awakened in me a passion for understanding different types of people and how we learn.
I have taken up Special Education and have been applying what I have learned to the Early Childhood setting for 6 years now.
Children are special and powerful, which is why I believe that fostering values of empathy, kindness, and respect makes them more open to learning about different forms of life, environment, and culture. I am happy to facilitate their learning experience as a Maples teacher, and I am very excited to learn and discover new things alongside them.
I look forward to working hand in hand with you all as we take this journey together! See you in DIS!
MIKI
Hi everybody! I’m Miki and I was born and raised in Tokyo.
I have also lived in San Francisco, where I studied Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education.
I have always had a strong passion for working with children. I have been working with children for about 5 years now, both in a classroom setting and in a home environment.
In my free time, I love playing video games and working out! I also love to go the beach and going scuba diving on long holidays!
I believe that I can provide a warm and comforting environment for the children, while also being a fun and goofy teacher in the classroom!
I believe that children have infinite possibilities and I am looking forward to being a positive impact to their lives. I am excited to be a part of the RST team and getting to know you all!
AMELIA
"Mālō e lelei, Kia ora and Hello!
Hey, Amelia here. I’m Tongan from Auckland, New Zealand.
During University, I studied a bachelor of Fine arts and enjoyed participating in a lot of projects in the community with children. Thus, the inspiration to teach.
I have a deep love for the arts and dance. I can speak Tongan and English fluently and am part of the Nag Hau E Wha Maori performance group based in Tokyo.
Coming from a big family of six children, I'm always reminded when I'm away from home of the beautiful Maori word : Whanaunagtanga - it's the sense of family connection through shared experiences and working together that provides a sense of belonging.
I believe I have found my ‘Whanaungatanga` at RTS - Dual School. I’m looking forward to meeting you all.
Tuʻa ʻofa atu (with much respect)."
TUI
Kia Ora and Greetings! My name is Tui and I’m from the beautiful New Zealand!
I love dancing, singing and learning new languages! I can speak 5 languages already! I came to Japan in 2019 and have been teaching as an Assistant Language Teacher in Elementary and Junior High Schools here in Tokyo. I have been in education for 6 years!
Now it’s time for me to teach here at the Reggio School of Tokyo! The school’s vision reminds me of a New Zealand Maori phrase - Whiria te Tangata, Weaving the people together! I’m excited to start this new journey with you all and I’m looking forward to classes with you and your children! It’s going to be an amazing adventure, so let’s go!
EZRA
I am Ezra and I am from the Philippines.
I majored in Special Needs Education and I have about a year and a half of experience there as an IEP teacher. Afterwards, I decided to come to Japan and taught 3s and 4s for three years.
I then challenged myself to try and teach the infant/toddlers and 1s and 2s class—and I can say that as much as the toddlers are learning so many new things daily, I am also learning alongside them!
I also have such great passion for the arts so sharing this with the Acorn class/team/families is such a wonderful privilege. I am looking forward to making the Acorn Class our little friends' second home and at the same time make them feel so loved, free, and adventurous—all while nurturing their empathy and affection for others~
KAREN
Hello everyone!
My name is Karen, I’m half British half Japanese, raised in the UK and now living in Tokyo as a university student.
I have loved teaching ever since I first started when I was 16, from teaching piano and violin at a music school in London to teaching English here in Japan.
As I began to study and learn more about pedagogy, my passion for the importance of a well-rounded and supportive education has continued to grow.
My hobbies include music, art, cooking, nature, animals and sports! I love connecting and sharing my passions with others, especially to create a fun learning environment!
I am very excited to get to know all of the children, parents and staff during my time at RST!
ALYSSA
Hello there! I’m Alyssa.
Before coming to Japan, I never had the opportunity to travel very much. I worked as a preschool teacher for a few years and was interested in experiencing being able to teach in a different part of the world.
I came to Japan from the United States in 2017. Since I was young, it was always my dream to write a picture book.
I also really enjoy singing and making songs. When writing or drawing something, I often would share what I had made with students. Sometimes, I would make a song and sing it with them.
The connection I was able to feel in this exchange, changed the way I viewed teaching. It made me understand just how important their creativity, their stories, and their ideas are.
I am excited to meet and work with everyone at RST!
ELENA
Hello! My name is Elena Kilper and I am from Germany.
I graduated from college in 2018 and since then I have worked in different settings with different age groups up to elementary school.
These experiences were gained in Germany as well as in Japan, in English as well as in German.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with my friends at various events. This is my fourth year here in Japan and I am very much looking forward to expanding my knowledge during my time at RST and working with my new colleagues, your curious children and also all your families.
GABBY
Hello everyone, my name is Gabby!
I was born in the Philippines, but I grew up by the beaches of New Jersey, USA.
My hobbies include painting, reading, exploring new places, and eating delicious food.
As someone who has had about a year of experience teaching children between the ages of 2-12 years old, I find myself learning something new each day about how to work with students and encourage their education in the most fun, interactive way I can.
One of my favorite moments as a teacher so far are the times when I see students so interested and engaged in a lesson that their eyes light up, and their curiosity awakens as they ask questions and eagerly discuss the topic. In these moments, I truly feel connected to my students, because as a class we're able to have meaningful conversations that can help foster the students' love and excitement for learning.
I'm so excited to facilitate such moments and more along with the amazing staff of RST!
FARRAH
Hello families! My name is Farrah.
I’m 1/2 Canadian/Japanese and come from a very large family. As one of the oldest I grew up taking care of my younger siblings which instilled my passion for teaching.
I’ve been teaching for almost 20 years and have been privileged to see the children I’ve taught grow into unique, confident individuals. I’m really looking forward to getting to know and learn with you this next year.
AISSA
Mabuhay! A Filipino greeting, which literally means “live long". My name is Aissa and I was born and raised in the Philippines, where teaching as a profession is a source of pride, and of respect and esteem.
I am also a licensed nurse, and even at that time I took an interest and fascination in the broad social benefits and outcomes of Early Childcare Development. Later, I would pursue a career that helps children learn and thrive under my care.
I realized being a life-long learner goes hand in hand with teaching. I am very grateful to be part of the RST family in pursuit of a long, blissful, and healthy teaching career at the same time I am so eager to play a big role in your child’s adventure to discovering the world.
DENISE
"Oi! My name is Denise and I am an Atelierista at RST.
I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil where I studied Music Education, Naturopathy, Yoga and Art therapy.
My curiosity about my family roots as a Japanese-Brazilian and my passion for all forms of traditional arts brought me to Japan in 2014 to study Jiuta style of koto and shamisen.
Throughout the years I have been teaching, I realized that watching kids growing up and discovering new abilities is what brings me joy and as a teacher I believe that all students are individuals that learn in their own unique way.
I am very exited to be part of RST team in order to felicitate children to achieve their highest potential."
