This year more than elevent new Secondary teachers have arrived at AISB. All of the teachers have multiple unique experiences about them. Here, The Bite invited the new teachers to share a bit about themselves in a Q&A format. We received responses from nine of the new faculty members and please read about them below.
Magnus Holmström
MYP PHE Teacher
Magnus Holmström arrived in Romania at the beginning of July.
Q: Where did you come from?
A: We arrived from Shanghai, China.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about AISB?
A: I love the community and how AISB makes me feel that I am valued.
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: I like seeing the progress students make and being a PE teacher allows me to move and be active.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: I would like my students to know that I am passionate about sports, outdoors, and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. I believe in the importance of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, and I am always here to help with self growth. I value open communication and am excited to learn together as we explore new ideas.
Ruta Ionascu
Learning Support Teacher
Ruta Ionascu arrived here in late July and co-teaches two English classes, two Math classes and she also has a Learning Skills class for all grade 9.
Q: Where did you come from?
A: I arrived here from Copenhagen, Denmark, where I was teaching for 3.5 years.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about AISB?
A: My favorite thing about AISB is its thriving and friendly community, I love it!
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: The best part of being a teacher is to form meaningful connections with my students. I love to support them in their journey and encourage them to continuously compete with themselves in order to grow as individuals and learners. It is also great to share a laugh and experiences. Being a teacher is really like a super-power, one can instill in their students the belief that they are strong and capable of really anything.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: During my free time I love to read or go for a run. I am also exploring Bucharest and trying to visit museums and different parts of the city I don’t have the time to visit during workdays.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: So something I would like my students to know about me is that there were times, back when I was in school, when I failed certain subjects, such as math, English (as a foreign language, not literature), chemistry and biology. I know what it feels to be sitting in the classroom, not fully understanding the content and trying to make sense of what is going on. My challenges in following the content led to me interrupting the lessons I felt I could not follow and engage with. As a result, I had to visit the principal’s office on a frequent basis. It is these experiences that inspired me to become a teacher. My door is always open to everyone who might be going through the same challenges. I want you to know that I see you and I am here because of you!
Alexandra Carlin
DP History and TOK Teacher
Alexandra Carlin arrived here from Inter-Community School in Zurich, Switzerland. Carlin teaches DP History and Theory of Knowledge (TOK), as well as coordinates the Extended Essay.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about AISB?
A: The community.
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: I enjoy the opportunity to spend every day with unique and enthusiastic students who want to make a difference.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: Bike riding, traveling and my interior design shopping.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: I started at AISB as a student teacher 13 years ago. I enjoyed my time here so much that I decided to pursue a career in international education. Since I left AISB in 2012 I taught in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bonn, Zurich and I am back to the place where it all started for me. I love teaching History and finding beauty in all the historical things surrounding us.
Fun fact about me is that I own over 200 pairs of shoes and the collection keeps growing.
Sarah Peterson
English Language Acquisition & Academic Literacy
Sarah Peterson came from the American School of Milan, and arrived at AISB expecting an inclusive community and highly collaborative teachers. So far, she says, the school has 100% met her expectations.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about AISB?
A: Well, that’s tough to narrow down! The great energy from working at a job I love, and doing it with such fantastic adults and students. I loved the chance to coach MS Cross Country and now, HS Knowledge Bowl. 3-2-1 Vampires!
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: Pretty much everything: it is a joyful privilege to get to do this job. Working with students is the best!
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: Being active (running, cycling, yoga), traveling, hanging out with family and friends, cheering on the Boston Celtics, and reading.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: I’ve experienced some of life’s fragile and challenging moments. I’ve also been lucky to know some of life’s greatest laughs and celebrations. As a result, I greet each day with a cup half full (optimistic) and carpe diem (seize the day – thrive in the moment) perspective. Everyone has to find their own way. I wish you well as you find yours. Look for the good. It’s there. Have fun.
Quick SHOUT to the students and runners I’ve gotten to work with at AISB so far. I’m really thankful to be here. 3-2-1 VAMPIRES!
Jamie Hernandez
Learning Support Teacher
Jamie Hernandez arrived in Bucharest with her family in August of 2023. Her husband, Kevin, was transitioning into a position at the US Embassy at that time. Her sons began attending AISB and she spent that school year substitute teaching in the ELC and volunteering with AISB&Co. This year she has transitioned into teaching full-time.
Q: What class/classes do you teach?
A: I am a Learning Support teacher. I co-teach two 6th grade English classes and teach two Learning Skills classes.
Q: Do you have any kids here?
A: Yes, I have 2 sons and they are here. Leo is in grade 1 and Meyer is in EC3. They both love AISB!
Q: What did you expect from AISB?
A: I had no idea what to expect! Arriving at the airport in Bucharest was my first time ever in Europe. I never imagined that I’d be living and working in Eastern Europe. AISB has been a very welcomed surprise! The campus is beautiful – especially the ELC! I have loved the teachers that my sons have had. They have been so welcoming and adept at transitioning newcomers to the community. I have made wonderful friends with the parents of my sons’ classmates. As a teacher new to AISB, I have felt very welcomed and supported. I enjoy working on my teaching teams and appreciate the high levels of collaboration.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: During my free time, and when schedules align, I LOVE to attend music concerts. A couple weeks before moving to Bucharest I attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour. It was amazing! Some of my favorite concerts have been those by Beyoncé (duh!), Neyo, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake. I attended my first concert at the age of 7 to see New Kids on the Block. I am hoping to catch Justin Timberlake at the Electric Castle Festival this summer.
James O’Hara
DP Psychology and Environmental Systems and Societies
James O’Hara arrived here in July and teaches Psychology and ESS. He came here expecting an international community with an American and European flavor. He believed that this school met his expectations and that it is an “excellent, hard-working school.”
Q: Where did you come from?
A: I came to Romania via UK, Turkey, Azerbaijan & China
Q: What’s your favorite thing about AISB?
A: The people: colleagues and students.
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: Helping the next generation acquire the knowledge, understanding & critical thinking skills necessary to deal with future problems and to live happier lives
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: Traveling & cultural events.
Ashley Reinhardt
MYP English and Humanities
Q: What do you teach?
A: I teach Grade 6 and 7 English, as well as Grade 6 Humanities.
Q: Where are you coming from prior to AISB?
A: Before this year, I spent five years teaching Grade 5 in the Elementary division. This is my sixth year at AISB and now I have the privilege of being a part of the MYP community.
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: I love what I do, pretty much everything about it. I see teaching as a gift, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with students from around the world and share in their learning journey!
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: I enjoy exercising, reading, photography, and relaxing in the sunshine with my puppy. I also love traveling and exploring the wonders of the world.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: I strongly believe in the power of kindness, and I think a smile can bring joy to your own life and to those around you.
Nazli Ozyaprak O’Hara
LIFT Teacher with Learning Support
Q: What do you teach?
A: I am called a LIFT in the Learning support team. I work with two grade 6 students in their each classes.
Q: Where are you coming from prior to AISB?
A: I came to Romania via the UK, China, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: What I like about being a teacher is to leave a mark on students’ life. I want to ensure that they understand and enjoy it while they learn. You can only do these by being a teacher.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: I like to see photography exhibitions, to go to art museums, and walk in nature of course!
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: I wanted students to know that learning never ends and it continues through our life so I try to focus on this motto in my life.
Elena Roach
MYP Romanian Language & Literature
Q: What do you teach?
A: I teach MYP Romanian Language and Literature
Q: Where are you coming from prior to AISB?
A: I am coming from American International School of Freetown, Sierra Leone, but I previously worked for AISB in both Secondary and Elementary.
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: It is fun to work with students and I enjoy teaching my language and literature in an international environment.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: I like to travel, to spend time with my family, to go for long walks, and to wach movies and read.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: I would like my students to know that I enjoy challenges. I originally trained and worked as a nurse but I really wanted to be a teacher of Romanian. I later moved from my hometown to Bucharest because I needed a change and the changes went on and on in my life including living and working in Rwanda and Sierra Leone. I recommend that my students be risk-takers, ready to take on a new challenge.
Kyle Carlin
MYP English Language & Literature & Theatre
Q: What do you teach?
A: Grade 9 & 10 English Language and Literature, and Grade 10 Theatre.
Q: Where are you coming from prior to AISB?
A: Zurich, Switzerland
Q: What do you like about being a teacher?
A: The most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is collaborating with incredible individuals—both students and staff—while embracing the lifelong journey of learning and growth.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: Currently, we are in the process of building a home here in Bucharest. While it certainly comes with its daily challenges and frustrations, there’s something truly exciting about being part of the process and watching it all gradually come together.
Q: What is one thing you would like your students to know about you?
A: Even though I am your teacher, I am also learning from you. We are in this together!
New Secondary Faculty who were unable to be reached for comment by press time:
- Eliza Zdru (Film & Photographer Teacher)
- Cory Haugen (DP Coordinator and English L&L Teacher)