ISB Grade 1

Erin DeYoung, Room 108

I am delighted to begin my fourth year teaching at ISB.  In my four years here, I have been a first grade classroom teacher, as well as, the first grade English Language support teacher.   I am happy to be back in the classroom teaching all subjects once again.  It’s a pleasure to teach in an environment and community that strongly supports my beliefs about teaching and learning. As a professional, it’s exciting to be a part of such a dynamic team of teachers who are knowledgeable, hard working and enthusiastic!

Prior to teaching at ISB, my experiences have been in Boston, my hometown and The American School of Madrid, Spain. Over the past 15 years, I have taught first, second and fourth grades.   I have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Ecological Teaching and Learning.

For the past two years I have been engrossed in learning all I can about language acquisition and teaching reading and writing.  So I am excited that I will be able to put into practice all I have learned.  I am looking forward to a wonderful school year working with your children to foster and nurture their love of learning in all subject areas.
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Susan Souza, Room 107

Hello, My name is Susan Souza.  I am a native Californian, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.    I graduated in Child Development from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.  My first teaching experience was as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bangkok. After returning from Thailand, I received my teaching credential and taught PreK through 2nd grade classes in California.   Working overseas was a long-term goal.   As I begin my 14th year at I.S.B., I am enthusiastic about returning to the First Grade team and proud to be a member of the elementary school staff at International School Bangkok.

On a personal note, my husband Jim and I have four grown children and are the grandparents of two.   Since my own children are never far from my mind, parenting has given me a good understanding of the importance of teacher/parent communication and sensitivity to parenting issues.

My teaching philosophy can be summed up by my favorite educational quote:  “Everyone who got where he is, has had to begin where he was.” By Robert Louis Stevenson.  I believe in being respectful of the differences in children’s learning styles and challenging them academically from where they are, in order to help them to reach their highest potential.
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Ms. Jennifer Yoo, Room 106

I was born in Seoul, Korea and immigrated to the US when I was four.  I grew up in beautiful Washington State and graduated from the University of Washington with an economics degree.  I then went on to get an MBA in Seoul.  After working for a couple of years in business I knew it wasn’t for me and I knew I wanted to be a teacher.  So I went back and studied for my teaching certificate. This is my second career and I never regretted the choice I made.

My first two years were spent in East Harlem, NYC teaching in a first grade class.  That was quite an experience and I can say that if you can teach there and survive then you can make it anywhere! After two years I moved back home to be a reading specialist.  My first overseas teaching position was at Hong Kong International School and then last year I moved to ISB.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child better as the year progresses.

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Mrs. Hardman, Room 105

I am looking forward to my 3rd year teaching Ist Grade at ISB. It is a privilege to be working with such a dedicated and enthusiastic group of teachers again. My teaching experience prior to ISB was 14 years teaching first Grade at Hong Kong International School.  All my earlier years were in New Zealand teaching Kindergarten through Grade 3. Part of my teaching was teaching Reading Recovery. My husband Peter is a Math teacher in the High School and our two children work in Hong Kong. I am excited to be beginning a new year and getting to know you and your child.

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Mr. Ramon Cortabitarte, Intensive Studies

Hello everyone. My name is Ramon Cortabitarte, and I am the Intensive Studies teacher supporting the learning needs of students in Grade One and Two. This is my second year of teaching at ISB and I am very excited about working within such a collaborative school environment. I will be supporting the teachers in both Grade One and Two. The focus of my work is to specifically work on developing the children’s literacy and numeracy skills. I also work with teachers in their classrooms supporting small reading and math groups. At other times I will be taking small groups of children to work on specific skills specifically in the area of reading.

Before coming to ISB, I worked at Nishimachi International School, in downtown Tokyo and originally worked in both public and private schools in Australia. My early years of teaching were in the early childhood departments of schools and I enjoy working with this age group of children. I have trained extensively in the areas of learning and literacy both in Japan, Singapore and the United States.

Early intervention in both literacy and numeracy is something I feel strongly about and working within the early years I feel that many issues can be dealt with sooner rather than later. Helping children to be readers is an essential goal for me and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding literacy or your child’s number concept development. Please feel free to drop me a line or email. My office is always open.

Mr. Vu Lam, Room 104

Now, into 9^th year of teaching and my third year at ISB, I am excited to be here and working with such a wonderful group of colleagues, students and their families. My past teaching experience has taken me through different grades in elementary education, including Grades 1, 2 and 6. In addition, I have become both and ESL specialist and a reading specialist, with Reading Recovery training. I have found a love of teaching and that is in Grade 1. I have a passion for literacy, mathematics, science and a growing interest in information technology. With new technologies, research and programs available, it is great time to be a teacher and a learner. I am committed to learning and sharing that with my students and their families. ISB is a great school. I feel fortunate to be here and look forward to another year of growth, challenge and successes. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. It’s going to be an amazing year!

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Mrs. Mary Ann Van Den Beldt, EAP

Hello! My name is Mary Ann Van Den Beldt, and I’m one of the ESL teachers for Grade One. My husband’s name is Rick. We have two daughters Erika and Maile, both of whom graduated from ISB and university as well. I have been an ESL teacher at ISB since 1992. I have an M.A. from the College of New Jersey. I also taught  in Niger, West Africa and Honolulu, Hawaii.  This is my 17th year teaching ESL at ISB and this year, I am very happy to be a part of the First Grade Team.

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Mr. Ramon Cortabitarte, IS

Hello everyone. My name is Ramon Cortabitarte, and I am the Intensive Studies teacher supporting the learning needs of students in Grade One and Two. This is my first year of teaching at ISB and I am very excited about working within such a collaborative school environment. I will be supporting the teachers in both grade levels specifically working on developing children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

Before coming to ISB, I worked at Nishimachi International School, in downtown Tokyo and originally worked in both public and private schools in Australia. My early years of teaching were in the early childhood departments of schools and I enjoy working with this age group of children. I have trained extensively in the areas of learning and literacy both in Japan, Singapore and the United States.

Early intervention in both literacy and numeracy is something I feel strongly about and working within the early years I feel that many issues can be dealt with sooner rather than later. Helping children to be readers is an essential goal for me and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding literacy or your child’s number concept development. Please feel free to drop me a line or email. My office is always open.