High School Teachers | BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

Expertise that Inspires

There are many ingredients in the recipe for student success, but none more important than an incredible teacher. All middle school classes are led by Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), who are a hallmark of the BASIS Curriculum. SETs are professionals with degrees or years of experience in the subjects they teach and the skill and care necessary to make complex material accessible to students. With different SETs for each subject, students grow under the mentorship and expertise of poets, musicians, actors, engineers, chemists, mathematicians, and more.

Ms. Abdelaziz

English

Ms. Abdelaziz

Subject Expert Teacher English

Few, if any, English teachers can bring to the classroom the experience of standing in Tahrir Square almost every day during the Egyptian revolution, but Ms. Adbelaziz comes by it naturally, having taught for 14 years at various American and International schools in Cairo, Egypt. “The day that Mubarak stepped down was easily one of the happiest days of my life,” said the scholar who achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature cum laude from the University of California, Berkeley.

Ms. Abdelaziz earned a Master of Arts in English and Comparative Literature from the American University in Cairo, also receiving a graduate diploma in education. Her most recent classroom experiences include eight years of teaching high school English, coordinating the middle and high school English departments, and working as the Academic Quality Controller at an international school – part of a network managing 55 private and charter schools globally and within the U.S.

She finds that BASIS Independent is irresistible to a teacher who “loves the idea of working for a school that lends challenges and give us, the Founding Faculty, a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

Mr. Archambault

Physics

Mr. Archambault

Subject Expert Teacher Physics

Mr. Archambault graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. His goal as a Physics teacher is to create a classroom environment where students can feel comfortable challenging themselves, making mistakes, and engaging in the learning process.

Before coming to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he taught at BASIS Washington, D.C. from 2014-2017. Mr. Archambault loved teaching the BASIS curriculum, and is thrilled to continue teaching it in a new location. He believes that “learning is a collaboration between students and teachers, and that true engagement in the learning process results from active collaboration from everyone involved.” He wants his classroom to be a safe and enjoyable space for students to work through the process of learning, rather than be a place for rote repetition and recollection of facts.

In Mr. Archambault’s free time, he enjoys reading comic books (and talking about superheroes), hiking, camping, baking, and exploring the Bay Area. He’s always looking for new favorite hiking/camping spots, so please share your favorites from around the Bay Area!

Ms. Barnett

Latin

Ms. Barnett

Subject Expert Teacher Latin

In 2015, Ms. Barnett received her Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies with departmental honors from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While in school, she received an Undergraduate Research Award to research, write, present, and publish her undergraduate thesis: “The Portrayal of Female Killers Clytemnestra and Hecuba in 5th BC Athenian Tragedy and Pottery.” This research took her from London to New York, Baltimore, and Boston during the summer and fall of 2014. She earned a Masters in the Art of Teaching in Latin and Greek from the University of Vermont in 2017.

Ms. Barnett chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley for its dedication to rich education and the challenge such dedication requires. As a Latin teacher, she strives to inspire each of her students with an appreciation and love of the classics. She believes every student wants to learn and can, if everyone works together to figure out how. She uses a variety of methods and approaches, and puts in just as much effort as her students do, to help him/her achieve their goal.

In her spare time, Ms. Barnett is either writing, reading, watching Netflix, or entertaining her adorable cat Remy.

Dr. Beck

Chemistry, Environmental Science

Dr. Beck

Subject Expert Teacher Chemistry, Environmental Science

With experience performing state-of-the-art research in materials science and applied physics, Dr. Beck brings Environmental Sciences and Chemistry to life in the classroom as only a scientist can! Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Denison University, Ohio, Dr. Beck completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Environmental Science and Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

She investigated the marine geochemistry of the micronutrient iron as a graduate research assistant, followed by postdoctoral research in the fabrication and characterization of optical fuel cell materials for energy generation. Mentoring a workshop to educate middle and high school science teachers on lesson plans and activities for making dye-sensitized solar cells in their classrooms, Dr. Beck also assisted in hands-on activity development and implementation for an after-school science club in a low-income area in west LA. An avid recreational SCUBA diver, Dr. Beck once spent 33 days on a research cruise in the Southern Ocean, “We used an ROV to gather fossilized, deep sea corals for climate research,” said the scientist who has cats named Avogadro and Boltzmann, after the great chemist and physicist.

Thrilled to bring the love of science into the classroom and school labs, Dr. Beck says, “This is an amazing opportunity to work with young, bright minds to help educate and excite the next generation of knowledgeable citizens in our society. Every day I get to discuss two subjects, chemistry and environmental science, both of which I am very passionate about.”

Ms. Bhattacharya

Computer Science

Ms. Bhattacharya

Subject Expert Teacher Computer Science

Ms. Bhattacharya, a dedicated teacher who believes that learning is a life-long experience, wrote her first computer program when she was 13 years old. Through that simple code, which told a digital turtle to draw a square, she discovered a passion for technology, and went on to graduate in Computer Science from Nadgir Polytechnic in Bangalore, India.

After developing her professional experience in Information Technology, Ms. Bhattacharya ventured into teaching, and for more than 17 years has been working with children of all ages. Through her commitment to finding every opportunity to expose her students to interesting technological applications, she emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life in the digital age, where computer literacy has not only become an asset, but a necessity.

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, she finds a great community that supports the highest levels of education. She strives to develop hands-on lessons that challenge, inspire, and support the creative endeavors of her students, and says, “I believe every one of my students has extraordinary potential! I enjoy sharing with them my passion for technology, and for learning.”
Mrs. Bhattacharya is a science-fiction fan, amateur photographer, and loves providing for the many little birds who have made a home of her backyard.

Dr. Bozidarevic

Chemistry

Dr. Bozidarevic

Subject Expert Teacher Chemistry

Dr. Bozidarevic received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Chemistry at University of Belgrade, Serbia. Within one week of defending her BS thesis, she flew to Florida to continue her education at University of Florida in Gainesville. Dr. Bozidarevic graduated from University of Florida with a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry and then worked as a postdoctoral associate at the Neuroscience Department of McKnight Brain Institute in Gainesville.

As a chemistry teacher at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, she strives to spark an interest in science within her students by giving them opportunities to engage in activities and experiments. Dr. Bozidarevic began to learn chemistry in the 7th grade, and after one week of classes, declared that she wanted to become a chemist. Absolutely all the credit for that decision goes to her 7th and 8th grade chemistry teacher. She loves to teach at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because she believes it is crucial to introduce different science disciplines to students at a young age, and BASIS Independent is one of the few schools in the country that does that. Even though Dr. Bozidarevic is fairly certain that most of her students will not become chemists, she’s really excited about the prospect of having them develop an interest and a joy for learning chemistry.

When not in the classroom, Dr. Bozidarevic likes hiking, biking and snowboarding with her family. She loves to travel and this summer has plans to sail the Adriatic Sea.

Dr. Charuhas

Art

Dr. Charuhas

Subject Expert Teacher Art

Dr. Charuhas received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History of Art from the University of California, Berkeley and Master and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in American Art History from Columbia University. Her research interests include the study of race and gender in the British Atlantic and intersections between art and the history of science.

She teaches art classes to students of all grade levels. “My favorite part of teaching is introducing students to the power of visual imagery and the multiple ways in which images create meaning. These skills are especially important in today’s increasingly visual world and I value BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s strong emphasis on an arts education,” she says.

Dr. Charuhas’ goal as a teacher is to introduce students to new ways of viewing the world around them. Whether students find themselves in an art museum or on a city street, she encourages them to identify the cultural influences present in a given environment and appreciate how these influences create meaning. Says Dr. Charuhas, “I believe that these skills help foster cross-cultural awareness and help students appreciate art’s role in shaping local identities.”

In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, cooking vegetarian food, and playing with her beloved cats, Mickey and Marigold. “My partner Jeremy and I are also avid sports fans and love cheering for our favorite teams, including the California Golden Bears, Chicago Bulls, and San Jose Sharks!” says Dr. Charuhas.

Dr. Davies

Chemistry, Physics

Dr. Davies

Subject Expert Teacher Chemistry, Physics

Dr. Davies is a Chemistry and Physics teacher who came to us from The Harker School in San Jose. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and a Ph.D. from Leeds University in England. Dr. Davies also spent one year at Brigham Young University doing research in multidimensional super-critical fluid chromatography. Additionally, she has co-authored 33 papers, published in peer-reviewed journals such as Analytical Chemistry and Journal of Chromatography. After graduating, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and worked for KLA-Tencor, Matheson, Varian and Hitachi before switching to a teaching career.

“I enjoy spending my days with teenagers, and my goal as an educator, is to share my deep passion for Chemistry with my students,” she says.

When Dr. Davies is not working she likes to travel with her four children.

Dr. Dornhoffer

Biology

Dr. Dornhoffer

Subject Expert Teacher Biology

Dr. Dornhoffer completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology at Hendrix College, where he graduated Summa cum Laude in 2009. He completed his PhD in Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia in 2015, after receiving numerous teaching awards from the University.

As a Biology Subject Expert Teacher, Dr. Dornhoffer’s goal is for students who combine curiosity with critical thinking to develop a genuine love of learning. The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley community believes that the most incredible learning happens when dedicated learners are partnered with dedicated teachers, to which Dr. Dornhoffer replies, “My own experience has convinced me that this is where incredible things happen.”
He continues, “My teaching philosophy stems from two realizations: deep learning is an active and highly intellectual act, and teaching is in and of itself an intellectual act separate from mastery of the content. The best classrooms are those that pair passionate teachers with students ready to take an active role in their own education.”

When he’s not in the classroom, Dr. Dornhoffer is practicing one of his many musical instruments, toying around with his model railroad, and reading.

Ms. Duran

Spanish

Ms. Duran

Subject Expert Teacher Spanish

La Señorita Carmen grew up in Madrid, learning in a bilingual Spanish-French school from age four through high school. Carmen completed her 5 year degree in the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and has accredited degrees in French fromL’Alliance Française and the Escuela de Idiomas de Madrid. She has more than 20 years of experience in the corporate finance world both in Spain and in the U.S. Her passion for educating children has taken her to several classrooms in different schools in Madrid and the Greater Bay Area.

Having worked for multinational enterprises and traveled to Asia, Europe, and South America, she values the incredible benefits of becoming fluent in several languages, and the efforts that BASIS puts into the children’s education fostering successful futures. “I want to help BASIS Independent Silicon Valley achieve its vision of becoming the best school in the world.”

Carmen’s objective as a teacher is for her students to learn Spanish rather than to study Spanish, and to converse in Spanish rather than to translate their thoughts to Spanish. “I want my students to talk to me only in Spanish and understand when I talk to them, as a native speaker, in Spanish. I am very excited about attracting the students interest, so that they thrive- participating and contributing to a memorable Spanish learning experience… “en Español.”

Dr. Van Dusen

Classics, Latin

Dr. Van Dusen

Subject Expert Teacher Classics, Latin

Dr. Van Dusen has been with BASIS Curriculum Schools since 2014. She joined BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in 2015 as a Latin and Classics teacher, and enjoys playing a role in educating this highly motivated and intelligent body of students.

Dr. Van Dusen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology degree from Buffalo State College and Master of Arts degree in Classics and Doctor of Philosophy in Classics degrees from the University of Buffalo. She loves teaching Latin and ancient culture and is very passionate about Italian archaeology. She lived and carried out research in Italy for three years, holding the Rome Prize at the American Academy in Rome in 2008. Since 2009, she has been supervising excavations at the Italian archaeological field school at Pietrabbondante (Molise, Italy) in the Central Appennines where she also trained college students in archaeological field methods.

Dr. Van Dusen is a dedicated advocated for animal rights, having participated in numerous actions aimed at protecting the welfare of animals. She enjoys spending her free time predominantly outdoors, especially hiking, and loves to explore the beautiful landscapes of California.

Ms. Flood

Math

Ms. Flood

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Ms. Flood earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics cum laude from Bob Jones University. Upon graduation, she took a job at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale, California. As a senior scientific programmer, Ms. Flood worked to turn mathematical concepts into software algorithms. She also worked on the design, coding, and maintenance of satellite ground station software, and was able to support several satellite launches and missions.
Several years later, Ms. Flood earned a Master’s degree in English Education from Golden State Baptist College. She taught mathematics, English, and linguistics at Golden State for thirteen years, rising to the position of English Department Chair.

As a math teacher at Basis Independent Silicon Valley, Ms. Flood has had the privilege of working in some of the middle school math classrooms. “I want to be that teacher who inspires and equips my students to reach their goals. I enjoy working at Basis Independent Silicon Valley because the students are prepared to learn and because the school promotes academic excellence,” Ms. Flood says.

In her free time, Ms. Flood loves spending time with her family. Her four adult children and their spouses live in the Bay Area, and they all get together several times a month. “These are the best of times,” she exclaims. Mrs. Flood also enjoys reading, taking long walks, and staying active in her church, where she serves as a nursery supervisor and meal ministry coordinator.

Ms. Garcia

Spanish

Ms. Garcia

Subject Expert Teacher Spanish

Ms. Garcia was born and raised in the province of Chaco, Argentina. She graduated

with a Juris Doctor from Universidad Nacional del Nordeste Corrientes Argentina. Intellectual curiosity and adventure drove her to the United States where she obtained a Master of Arts in Spanish, with a concentration in Hispanic Literature, and a Master of Arts in Law and Political Science, both from Loyola University in Chicago. She has taught at Loyola in Chicago, Santa Clara University, San Jose City College and Contra Costa College. She is also certified in Positive Psychology coaching from the Wholebeing Institute by Professore Tal Sahar. Ms. Garcia has published several papers and short fiction works. Some specific areas of interest in her research are Positive Psychology, neuroscience and language acquisition, indigenous culture, and non-systemic education

Her teaching philosophy at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is to be a facilitator in the classroom. She wishes to establish a nurturing, all-inclusive environment which is grounded in the knowledge that each individual learns at her/his own pace in accordance with her/his innate intelligence. Ms. Garcia’s attendance of a 10 day silent retreat centered around Vipassana meditation has heavily influenced her teaching style. Ms. Garcia’s approach is based in understanding the depths of the mind.

During her free time, she loves to dine out, go to movies and continue exploring unknown realms.

Ms. Gautam

Math

Ms. Gautam

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Ms. Gautam received both a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, and a Master of Science with a concentration in Mathematics from Guru Nanak Dev University, Jalandhar, India. She joins us with a 15 year history of teaching at various private schools in the Bay Area.

Ms. Gautam is a Mathematics Subject Expert Teacher, working primarily with our upper school students. Her goal as an educator is to have her students develop a strong foundation in mathematics and understanding of subjects. When asked why she chose to work at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, she shared that it is “because the core of the school’s mission truly resonates with the work I’ve done in the past as a teacher, and what I hope to continue doing in the future.” She believes in maintaining a supportive environment within the classroom and developing good relationships with students based on trust and mutual respect.

When not in the classroom, she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures! Fun fact: She has visited 50 countries so far!

Dr. Gerges

Math

Dr. Gerges

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Dr. Gerges holds a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Industrial Sensors from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he works primarily with upper school students teaching both AP Calculus BC and Differential Equations. His primary goal in the classroom is to show the students the strong relation between what they study in math and real problems in other disciplines. He strongly believes that “learning is an ongoing process that takes a life time.” He looks forward to the time when his students become his teachers.

When not teaching, Dr. Gerges enjoys spending time with his family, cooking (he cooks several cuisines), hiking and swimming. He has tried diving, paragliding and is open to new experiences in the future!

Mr. Hansen

English

Mr. Hansen

Subject Expert Teacher English

Raised on a working farm, Mr. Hansen received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History at the University of Nebraska. As a classroom teacher, most of Mr. Hansen’s experience has been with AP English language and AP world history, a course he co-taught with his wife and which earned recognition from the College Board as the best of its kind in the nation. In addition to working as a grader of AP English language exams at the national reading, Hal has also been a featured presenter on AP English at the National AP Conference.

As a writer and communicator, Mr. Hansen has nearly twenty years of experience in which he has learned to connect with a wide range of audiences. After earning a second place finish in public speaking at the National Forensics League National Championships during his junior year in high school, he went on to work as a registered lobbyist both during and after college. Mr. Hansen has also worked as the communications advisor to a hi-tech start up and as a Subject Matter Expert in Writing for the Department of Defense, in addition to publishing a book on campaigns and elections in the fall of 2012.

When he’s not writing, teaching English to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley students, or reading, Mr. Hansen likes gardening, classic cinema, and traveling in Europe and the western United States with his wife and daughters.

Dr. Huet

Physics

Dr. Huet

Subject Expert Teacher Physics

Dr. Huet obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the Université de Liège in Belgium and his Ph.D. from City College of the City University of New York. He has taught Physics at institutions ranging from Belgian public schools to elite Bay Area private schools and community colleges.

Dr. Huet ‘s passion for Physics led to six years of prolific research at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and other West Coast institutions, producing seminal work in various areas of fundamental Physics, on topics like the origin of matter-anti-matter asymmetry of the universe, black hole evaporation, and the laws of quantum mechanics. Dr. Huet received 10 United States patents under KLA-Tencor in the semi-conductor industry.

“As a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley educator I want to promote the four core aspects of physics, namely: curiosity, exploration, discovery, and fun. BASIS Independent Silicon Valley offers a unique curricular framework that allows passionate educators like myself to dive deep and broad into their subjects. My teaching principles and methods are rooted in my personal learning experiences. My philosophy revolves around stimulating the students’ curiosity, inviting them to develop their own abilities, and elevating them to the levels of innovators, collaborators and leaders,” says Dr. Huet.

In addition to astrophotography, woodworking and woodcarving, he also enjoys the occasional weekend bike ride, and taking care of his dog, Tobi.

Ms. Iskandar

Engineering, Math

Ms. Iskandar

Subject Expert Teacher Engineering, Math

Ms. Iskander received her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering on 1999, from Cairo University. In 2003, she finished the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers. She later studied for her Master’s in Education, at Acacia University Arizona, receiving the degree in 2014.

Ms. Iskander is the subject expert teacher of Engineering, Physics and Statistics. She has great passion for students and their education. Her goal is to promote and empower students to be the best version of themselves.

She chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of how the school deftly balances rigorous academics and art, performing arts and sports in its academic community. This well executed combination of activities produces students who are discerning and well rounded.

When not in the classroom, she enjoys reading, diving, and meditation. She also serves as a volunteer counselor.

Ms. Jayapal

Teaching Fellow

Ms. Jayapal

Teaching Fellow Teaching Fellow

Ms. Jayapal received a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering with Distinction from Madras University. More recently, she completed 13 core units of Early Childhood Education from Ohlone College in Fremont.

Ms. Jayapal is a Teaching Fellow at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. As an educator, her goal is to help students push their limits constantly to achieve their maximum potential. One of the reasons our school is a good fit for her is that she appreciates the challenging curriculum. She believes that each student is unique and helps to create a warm learning environment in the classroom by their specific participation. She takes her role as an educator very seriously, feeling that schools have an incredible responsibility. “Both substantial morals and academic knowledge must be imparted to students during their education to help them do well in society and beyond school.” Ms. Jayapal explained that her part in this is a commitment to understanding the concepts well enough to be able to explain them to the students in a formulated way. Her main goal in the classroom is to spend time on concept building and helping kids develop a productive learning ethics. Ms. Jayapal finds being a teacher especially rewarding “when we witness students achieving academic excellence.”

Ms. Jayapal loves outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and going on walks. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor.

Ms. Jefferson

Computer Science, Logic

Ms. Jefferson

Subject Expert Teacher Computer Science, Logic

Ms. Jefferson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 2012 from Florida International University (FIU), where she also received the Outstanding Graduate Award in Computer Science; “in recognition of academic achievement and exemplary service to the department, FIU and the community” while pursuing the Bachelor degree. Since graduating, she has taught at various programs in Palo Alto and San Jose.

“What BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is doing for students is amazing; I am thrilled to be part of it,” she says. “This isn’t just about us, and it’s also about enhancing our community.”Ms. Jefferson continuously strives to be a role model for women in computer science, “My enthusiasm tends to be contagious.”

During her down time, she serves as the Game Master of a Dungeon & Dragons game.

Dr. Jiang

Mandarin

Dr. Jiang

Subject Expert Teacher Mandarin

Dr. Jiang is an AP Mandarin teacher who came to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley from Harvard Westlake School in Los Angeles. She holds a Bachelor’s degree of Chinese Language and Literature and a Master’s degree of Modern Chinese from Shandong University, China; and a Ph.D. of Chinese linguistics from National University of Singapore, where she achieved a four-year full research scholarship and the President Research Fellowship. Additionally, she has published seven papers in the field of Chinese linguistics.

Dr. Jiang has been teaching for over ten years at a wide range of school settings in various countries. She has taught Chinese and trained teachers in several universities in China, and worked at the Trondheim International School in Norway. She also spent one year developing the Chinese program in Santa Monica College, and four years teaching Chinese at the Chinese Parents Association in Los Angeles.

As a Mandarin teacher, Dr. Jiang said, “I enjoy teaching young people. My top goal as an educator is to ignite a passion for learning in our students, and help them thrive by leveraging my international background.”
Dr. Jiang is proud of working at BASIS Independent because “It prepares the students well with internationally competitive education in a joyful, diverse and supportive environment.” She believes that teaching should serve as a catalyst to stimulate the students to learn and excel.

When she is not teaching, Dr. Jiang loves hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Jones

Spanish

Ms. Jones

Subject Expert Teacher Spanish

Ms. Jones was born and raised in a small town called San Sebastián in the west side of Puerto Rico. She attended “Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico” where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Level Education-Minor English as a Second Language. She has completed the No Child Left Behind paraprofessional certification as well as the State of California Bilingual Services Provider Certification.

Ms. Jones’ goal as a Spanish Subject Expert Teacher is to “develop high levels of proficiency, incorporating multiple in instructional activities, explore different Spanish cultures and inspire scholars to continue to Study Spanish throughout their high school years and beyond.”

“I enjoy teaching at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley as its focus is on preparing scholars for any challenges they will face in their life in college. As a Spanish teacher I have the opportunity to incorporate Spanish culture in their lessons each day through language and related activities,” says Ms. Jones.

Ms. Jones enjoys going to the movies with her husband, spending time with family who live in Puerto Rico. She also likes to listen to music, dance, swim, and play volleyball.

Ms. Jones

Art

Ms. Jones

Subject Expert Teacher Art

Ms. Jones hails from the desert lands of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelors of Art in Art History and Museum Studies. She later received a Masters of Art and Design Education from the lush lands of Vermont through Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has exhibited her artwork in local exhibitions and spoken at both state and national conferences for Art Education.

As an Art Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Jones is excited to share her enthusiasm for creativity with the community at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. She loves nothing more than seeing young adults’ curiosity and artistic voice flourish as they learn to communicate their favorite forms of expression to the world.

She chose to teach at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of the inherent appreciation of the passionate pursuit of critical thinking, creativity and excellence. Ms. Jones believes deeply that these tenets are not just necessary, but essential, in creating a more flourishing future for the next generations.

When she is not exploring the world and how it relates to the various mediums of art in the classroom, Ms. Jones can be found exploring printmaking processes of monotypes in the studio, out in the mountains trail running with friends and family, backpacking, camping, doing yoga or traveling to beautiful countries… Or perhaps, spending a day at the beach.

Ms. Jordana

Music

Ms. Jordana

Subject Expert Teacher Music

Ms. Jordana has been working as a professional musician and educator in the Bay Area for some time. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance at San Jose State University where she also studied choral and orchestral conducting. While completing her studies, she performed with numerous professional groups including a cappella ensembles +4db, SoVoSo, Opera San Jose, and served as the assistant conductor to the San Jose Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Jordana was also commissioned to write the “De Anza College Jingle” broadcast on radio stations throughout the Bay Area.

As a choral teacher, her groups have been chosen to sing on televised performances including one chosen by the Oakland Raiders organization. While completing her Teaching Credential in Secondary Education Music at San Jose State University, she served as a fellow with the California Music Project assisting music teachers in low-income schools. Ms. Jordana’s studies also include Levels I and II Kodály training from Holy Names University where she awarded a scholarship by the Northern California Association of Kodály Educators. Active in the Bay Area arts community, Ms. Jordana served as the President of the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition and was the founder and artistic director of the Foothill Community Concert Series.

As an educator, she has taught in the public school system, done guest conducting, led workshops and clinics. Currently, Ms. Jordana spends part of her professional life as the Intermediate Choir Director and Teen a cappella Vocal Jazz Director with Vivace Youth Chorus. “As a music teacher at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, I teach the 5th grade and Upper School Choirs as well as the keyboarding classes where I want to foster music literacy by familiarizing the students with the choral art through standard choral repertoire and vocal ensemble technique and by exposing the students to the different levels of keyboarding, respectively. While we’re doing so, I want the students to experience the best part of music-making – the joy!”

Ms. Jordana chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of its holistic approach to education. “BASIS Independent Silicon Valley values academia not just for its own sake but with the goal of developing well-rounded individuals, and independent thinkers versed in a myriad of subjects including the humanities and the arts,” she says.

When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Jordana enjoys cycling, hiking, and working out. She also loves to read and knit. Ms. Jordana is an avid Trekker and has attended a few Star Trek conventions dressed as Lieutenant Uhura.

Mr. Jupin

Teaching Fellow

Mr. Jupin

Teaching Fellow Teaching Fellow

Dr. Jupin

English, Film Studies

Dr. Jupin

Subject Expert Teacher English, Film Studies

Dr. Jupin received his Ph.D. from UC Davis in the area of Science Fiction. His dissertation, “Gamic Fiction: The Intermediation of Literature and Games,” considers the future of virtual worlds and the impact of game-play in contemporary culture. The connection between the humanities and sciences is a consistent theme in his research and a consideration he brings to the classroom.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley gives Dr. Jupin the opportunity to challenge his students with the literature he enjoys, from Mary Shelley to Ray Bradbury. His students collaborate to form connections in literary history, piecing together the lineage of the Bildungsroman, using texts that range from Homer’s Odyssey to Tolkien’s Hobbit. “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to see students excel as readers, writers, and critical thinkers in college and beyond,” he says. His students attend literary events at local bookstores, write their own fiction and literary criticism, and generate lively discussions regarding the intersections of literature and culture.

Dr. Jupin enjoys writing fiction, spending time on the beach with his dog, Gilligan, and playing soccer and baseball.

Mr. Kaufman

Math

Mr. Kaufman

Subject Expert Teacher Math

In 2016, Mr. Kaufman received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and Mathematics from Williams College graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

As a math teacher at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Mr. Kaufman “strives to impart students with a strong understanding of the world they live in, and more importantly, to build a habit of questioning their assumptions.”

He is proud to work at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley as “it is an institution that believes in the capability of every child to learn at an extremely high level. Having worked with middle school and high school students in tutoring, classroom, and laboratory settings, I strongly believe that inspiring passion and enthusiasm while developing students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills is among the greatest gifts a teacher can provide.”

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Kaufman is an avid musician and composer having written works for orchestra, string quartet, and wind ensemble.

Ms. Kosiba

French

Ms. Kosiba

Subject Expert Teacher French

Ms. Kosiba earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Western Illinois University with a minor in Philosophy. Since childhood, the importance of multilingualism has been captivating, and ultimately inspired her to pursue an educational path that took her overseas. Ms. Kosiba is proud to have dual citizenship in the United States and in France. Although originally hailing from Chicago, she acquired French citizenship after working and starting a family while living in Metropolitan France and New Caledonia. During her last three years in New Caledonia, she taught foreign language using immersion techniques in a new public bilingual school, Frederic Surleau.

She first heard about BASIS Curriculum Schools from her sister. Ms. Kosiba says, “As I was looking to teach in California, I saw that BASIS Independent Silicon Valley valued teachers as content experts. Today, I like that we do not limit ourselves, instead valuing diverse backgrounds, teachers that are knowledgeable and are motivated to teach with passion for their subject.”

She also teaches a French Capstone called “Translation and Philosophy”. In her free time, she loves to dance and continues to take modern dance classes. She also loves to read and enjoys books that have a philosophical twist.

Ms. Li

Mandarin

Ms. Li

Subject Expert Teacher Mandarin

Ms. Li is originally from Shanghai, China and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, teaching Chinese as a second language from Shanghai International Studies University with a minor in business administration from Shanghai University of Finance and Economy. She achieved her Master of Education degree at Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH.

As a highly compassionate and approachable teaching professional, with 14 years of hands-on experience in International Schools, Ms. Li is very excited to be teaching Mandarin at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley to all grade levels. She has enjoyed teaching through her life with vast experience working at the preschool to high school levels and serving in various roles, from Chinese teacher, homeroom teacher, club advisor to Department Head.

Ms. Li believes that the central concern of education has to do with inner liberation, and that both the students and the teachers are learners and therefore equal, and the process of mutual education creates an altogether different relationship between the teacher and the student. She is attracted to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of its rigorous, supportive and joyful learning atmosphere. She says, “My passion is teaching, inspiring and challenging my students to love learning. Meanwhile, we all believe that hard work and persistence are always keys to success.”

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Li enjoys traveling, dancing, jogging, yoga, and playing Rubik’s Cube.

Mr. McCorkle

Economics

Mr. McCorkle

Subject Expert Teacher Economics

In 2008, Mr. McCorkle graduated summa cum laude from Hillsdale College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, and initially became a research fellow at George Mason University’s Ph.D. program. The private sector lured him away, and he conducted market analysis for the Hearst Corporation until 2012 when he helped open BASIS Phoenix as an economics and history teacher.

Mr. McCorkle is a Subject Expert Teacher in economics, teaching AP Econ, economics, and a capstone in corporate finance and experimental economics. His goal as an educator is to demonstrate how the tools of economics can help you more effectively accomplish your goals, whatever those might be. He believes that economics is best understood through application, and his classes frequently discuss both historical and current examples. This is easy, because economics is everywhere!

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley was an easy choice because it has everything he loves about BASIS curriculum schools: hard-working students, knowledgeable colleagues, and dedicated parents. It also has wonderful weather and proximity to some of his favorite places on the planet.

When indoors, Mr. McCorkle likes to cook, play games, and read about economics, history, science, and speculative fiction. Outdoors, he enjoys hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and skydiving. He also collects rocks, LEGOs, and international currency.

Mr. Meyerowitz

History

Mr. Meyerowitz

Subject Expert Teacher History

Mr. Meyerowitz has been a teacher at BASIS Curiculum Schools since 2011, having come to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley from BASIS Peoria in Arizona where he taught a variety of History and English courses, including AP World History, AP European History, and English Literature. He studied at Arizona State University and UC Santa Barbara, earning undergraduate degrees in English and History, a Master’s degree in English Literature, and certificates in Medieval and Judaic Studies. Since graduating, he has finished a certificate in Secondary Education and is seeking to qualify for National Board Teaching Certification. At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he coaches Academic Decathlon and enjoys chaperoning student trips to far off places. He accompanied students to Peru in May 2018, and will be travelling to Italy in 2019.

Mr. Meyerowitz works for BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in order to help fuel the culture of critical thinking and contribute to the premier academic experience our community of learners has established.

When he is not cultivating tribal consciousness and dismantling colonial presumptions in the classroom, you can find Mr. Meyerowitz parading his corgis about town, drafting plots to restore the Habsburg monarch in Europe, and decoding the politics of eyeshadow in Bollywood films.

Ms. Miller

Physical Education

Ms. Miller

Subject Expert Teacher Physical Education

Brooklyn, New York is where Ms. Miller developed her passion for sports, playing volleyball, basketball, softball and running track. She was named Best Athlete all four years of high school. Choosing to stay close to home, she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. She taught Physical Education at several schools, both public and private, in Brooklyn, New York until making the decision to move to California in 1999.

She developed the volleyball program at William C. Overfelt High School where they won the girl’s championship for the 2004/05 season, and also won Coach of the Year that same year for the Santa Teresa Division. Moving on, Ms. Miller coached at Ann Sobrato High School where she developed the volleyball program for both boys and girls. “We won two girls championships in my two years of coaching (2007/2008) going 14-0 in the league our first year and 13-1 our second year,” she says quite proudly.
As a Physical Education teacher, she provides students with the foundation and skills necessary to live a healthy and active lifestyle long into adulthood.

“I chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of the new experiences and challenges that a new school provides,” says Ms. Miller. “I enjoy creating a new program where I can foster in students a passion for exercise and sports that is both rewarding and fun. I welcome the opportunity to introduce team sports to the students.”

In her free time, Ms. Miller enjoys gardening, shopping, photography, and watching classic movies. She has also coached club volleyball in past years. She enjoys chaperoning student trips to different places, stating, “I have taken students to Egypt, Florida, New York, Washington DC, and Yosemite National Park.”

Dr. Murthy

Biology

Dr. Murthy

Subject Expert Teacher Biology

Award” for Outstanding Teacher. Dr. Murthy is quite the student herself, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Master of Science degree in Microbiology from Bhopal University, India. She continued on to receive Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biology from New York University.

Dr. Murthy joined BASIS Independent Silicon Valley after over a decade of teaching science and mathematics from junior high school to the university level. Most recently, she taught biology, chemistry, and physics at another Bay Area private school. “I have also mentored /sponsored students for various competitions such as the Science Bowl, Synopsys Science Fair, and the California State Science Fair,” said Dr. Murthy.

“BASIS Independent Silicon Valley attracts students who are not afraid to work hard, who are inquisitive, and who want to make a change by applying the knowledge they gain,” says the scientist. “It’s an absolute honor to guide them on this journey.”

Outside the lab and classroom, Dr. Murthy likes to paint, hike, and read books. She was trained for twelve years in the classical Indian Dance style of Bharatnatyam and enjoys dance performances.

Ms. Myers

English, Photojournalism

Ms. Myers

Subject Expert Teacher English, Photojournalism

Ms. Myers grew up in southeastern Ohio where she earned her Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree from Ohio University. She has a strong background in Linguistics and English Language Arts with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) endorsement. Since the completion of her graduate coursework in Education, Ms. Myers has taught English Literature and Composition at the secondary level for the past fifteen years.

Instilling a love of knowledge and the critical thinking skills that one needs in order to effectively communicate is one of Ms. Myers’ passions as an educator. “The study of literature and language gives students the tools that are essential for understanding the complexities of humanity” Myers states.

As to why she chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley: “As exemplified through the BASIS Curriculum Schools model, high academic achievement and the established system of excellence partnered with ongoing student support each step of the way mimics my personal philosophy of education is why I chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.”

In her spare time, Ms. Myers is an avid photographer who enjoys hiking adventures with her dog along with collecting vinyl records and watching documentary films.

Mr. Nielsen

Math

Mr. Nielsen

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Mr. Nielsen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Arizona. After completing his undergraduate degree, he joined the Teach for America movement to help close the achievement gap in Philadelphia. He lived for five years in the city of Brotherly Love, dedicating himself to the cause. In concert with this purpose, he decided to pursue a Master of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Moving back to his home state of Arizona after graduate school, he taught at BASIS Peoria for six years. Mr. Nielson is well versed with BASIS Curriculum having taught a variety of mathematics courses. At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he teaches Pre-Calculus AB.

Mr. Nielson considers himself a curious person. His desire to learn more has inspired his love of traveling and discovering new places. He has visited China, Japan, Scandinavia, and much of the United States. This same desire is one of the primary reasons that Mr. Nielsen was so excited to join BASIS Independent Silicon Valley—he is forever seeking out new life and civilizations.

Dr. Noble

Physics

Dr. Noble

Subject Expert Teacher Physics

Dr. Noble graduated from Saint Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelors in Mathematics and Physics. He later attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and received his Masters and Doctorate in Physics.

Prior to joining BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Dr. Noble was a math teacher at Esperanza Academy Charter School in Philadelphia, and he also held a variety of teaching and research positions within the Physics department at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Dr. Noble’s dissertation was titled: Approximation Methods in Relativistic Eigenvalue Perturbation Theory.

Dr. Noble is excited to be at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of the obvious passion of the faculty and staff, as well as the incredible students who attend the school.

Dr. Noble also brings to the school many international experiences, having spent the first 14 years of his life living overseas in Honduras, Pakistan, Botswana, and the Republic of Georgia. In all, he has visited over 25 nations.

Fun fact! Dr. Noble is joining us from our sister campus in Virginia, BASIS Independent McLean.

Ms. Odell

Latin

Ms. Odell

Subject Expert Teacher Latin

Ms. Odell received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, and also earned the Wilson Medal in Classics from Victoria College. Receiving her Master of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, her research was funded in part by a Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

“As a Latin Subject Expert Teacher, my goal is to instill a love of Classics and Latin language learning in my students,” says Ms. Odell. “There’s a perception that Latin no longer has anything to offer students in our technology-driven world, but the Latin texts my students read have been copied and preserved for two thousand years for a reason! They have lasting wisdom and values for my students to read, learn, and question.”

“I love that BASIS Independent Silicon Valley recognizes that you don’t need to choose between a math and science focused curriculum and a strong liberal arts program. My students are well-rounded with a number of different interest areas that the school encourages them to explore the world around them,” says Ms. Odell. She continues, “My teaching philosophy is to give interesting and rigorous work, even if it’s difficult, and to trust the students to meet my high expectations.”

Ms. Odell enjoys going to the movies at least once a week, and visiting the beach as often as possible. “Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is my favourite place in California so far,” she says.

Dr. Parson

History

Dr. Parson

Subject Expert Teacher History

Each day, Dr. Parson is prepared to bring history and law to life for his students. “My senior thesis was about baseball during the Great Depression, and published at Santa Clara University,” said Dr. Parson. After studying law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, he was admitted to the California Bar, practiced law, and served as a law clerk to a federal judge. He also received high honors for his internship with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Sacramento.

Turning from law to teaching at a local private school, Dr. Parson discovered his penchant for education, “I look forward to going to work on Monday morning, socializing with students, connecting with the class, and learning from the students.”
“I am delighted to share my love of American Government and the political process with the students at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley,” said Dr. Parson. “Experience as a lawyer and my love of the law will give students an understanding at a wholly different level.”

The father of three active children, and self-admitted die-hard fan of the San Jose Sharks, San Francisco Giants and 49ers, Dr. Parson avidly mixes his love of sports and love of technology as a devoted Fantasy Football participant.

Mr. Perez

Physical Education

Mr. Perez

Subject Expert Teacher Physical Education

Mr. Perez was born and raised in San Jose, California. At three years old, he began to compete in wrestling and basketball, his two favorite sports. When he entered high school, he began to practice a variety of martial arts, such as boxing and jiu jitsu, so that he could pursue mixed martial arts. Through his love for mixed martial arts, he began to learn about fitness, injury prevention, and movement skills, which ultimately led to his interest in biology, physiology, anatomy, and exercise science. After high school, he attended San Jose State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in adaptive physical activity. During college, he interned for a year at the Timpany Center working as a therapist for people with physical and mental disabilities. He also served as an assistant wrestling coach for both Santa Teresa High School and Westmont High School where several of his wrestlers qualified for the California State Wrestling Tournament.

As a Physical Education teacher at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Mr. Perez’s goal is to teach his students the importance of physical activity, movement, and fitness. He wants his students to understand the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle in the midst of a sedentary world. Lastly, he wants all of his students to see physical activity as a privilege and an opportunity to better one’s self physically and mentally. Mr. Perez chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because he believes in the vision and standards for its students. He looks forward to the challenge of bridging the two worlds of academics and fitness in education.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Perez enjoys training in fitness and martial arts as well as playing pickup basketball games at local parks. Additionally, Mr. Perez plays music and currently runs an audio recording studio for local artists in the community.

Ms. Pilot

French

Ms. Pilot

Subject Expert Teacher French

Madame Pilot comes from Provence, France. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Landscape Architecture, and then received a Master’s Degree in French Literature from San Jose State University. Madame Pilot also completed a single subject credential in French at San Jose State University. For the last 20 years, she has taught French in the Bay Area at various private and public institutions.

Madame Pilot is excited to be a part of the World Language Department so that she may share her enthusiasm and passion for French with students and faculty alike. She teaches French to students across the grades. Madame Pilot chose to join BASIS Independent Silicon Valley for its excellent reputation. She believes that the school does a superb job empowering students and giving them a voice so that they may develop their desire to learn.

She sees herself as a facilitator and wishes to foster students’ growth and inspire them to become lifelong learners. She uses a hands-on approach in her classroom to promote collaboration and enhance communication. When not teaching, she is often creating and looking for ways to better reach her students. To further her education, she regularly attends Stanford World Language Program.

When Madame Pilot is not working, teaching or studying, she enjoys sailing, gardening, reading and cooking. Once while on a 5-day safari on the Zambezi River, she was charged by an elephant.

Mr. Rocha-Herrera

Physics

Mr. Rocha-Herrera

Subject Expert Teacher Physics

Mr. Rocha-Herrera graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He held an international scholarship during all four years for outstanding scholastic achievement. During his initial years after college, he worked in engineering research co-developing new technologies with other scientists and implementing various technologies at high volume manufacturing sites. He and his team authored and/or co-authored numerous technical papers using applied science and mathematical modeling. As a teacher, he has completed numerous courses in staff development for educators, with emphasis in math and science teaching methods and additional focus on how to apply differentiated instruction for various styles of student learning.

His teaching experience spans over 10 years. Early in his career, he was a physics lab instructor at Arizona State University, while most recently he taught physics for five years at BASIS Curriculum Schools in Arizona. Mr. Rocha-Herrera’s teaching philosophy focuses primarily on guiding students’ thinking so that they are able to recognize physics principles everywhere in daily life. He prefers to develop physics concept understanding with hands-on activities and examples to encourage scientific curiosity and discovery while having fun. About this upcoming year, he says “I feel very fortunate to be able to share my passion for teaching physics with our BASIS Independent Silicon Valley students. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching students who love physics!”

Mr. Rocha-Herrera is thrilled that his own children share this passion for learning, with two of them recently graduating from Ivy League schools. His hobbies outside school include chess, hiking, karaoke, Latin music and comedy.

Ms. Sheikh

Teaching Fellow

Ms. Sheikh

Teaching Fellow Teaching Fellow

Ms. Sheikh completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology, Botany and Applied Psychology from Punjab University, Pakistan. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology and received a roll of honor from Punjab University, Pakistan. Since then, Ms. Sheikh has taken childhood development courses from Saddleback College in California.

As a Teaching Fellow at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Ms. Sheikh primarily gets to interact and observe children in their free time, eating lunch and playing. Her foremost goal is to ensure their safety. She engages in a little friendly dialogue if she sees students making mistakes. She went on to explain her methods, “Based on logical reasoning, I will explain how a particular behavior is not a good choice. I give them the opportunity to realize and vocalize what could have been a better choice. I encourage them to resolve issues by using the simple rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. My goal as an educator is to instill integrity and good manners in our children.”

In the classroom, she prefers to use experimental learning activities, which constitute the most promising mode to enhance student engagement in the classroom. “These methods help students to focus and learning becomes faster.” She continued, “For example, at the end of a lesson I identify an open ended topic from the lesson, then divide the class in small groups and discuss the pros and cons. In the end we synthesize the observations and reflections.”

When asked how it seemed that BASIS Independent Silicon Valley was the right fit for her, Ms. Sheikh was happy to explain, “While selecting a work place I look for three things: First is the institution and the kind of work they are doing. Second, the people I would be working with and lastly, growth opportunities. My interaction and experience with the staff and administration over the past two years as a parent, of a now junior in high school, fulfilled all three with bright colors.”

Ms. Sheikh loves to spend time with her three boys when she is not in the classroom. “I am enjoying my childhood all over again with them. I am a happy jolly person and love to share smiles wherever I go.”

Ms. Silva

English, Introduction to Business

Ms. Silva

Subject Expert Teacher English, Introduction to Business

Ms. Silva graduated from Fitchburg State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While attending, she also minored in Philosophy. During her third year, she was able to speak at Clark University’s first ever Shakespeare Conference. In 2003, Ms. Silva attended the University of New Hampshire to acquire a Master’s degree in literature. She went on to teach at various colleges on both the East and West Coasts for 11 years.

Ms. Silva currently teaches 8th grade English at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, along with the Introduction to Business elective. “BASIS Independent is the most unique and inspiring school I have ever had the honor of working for. I believe that we do not give our students enough credit. Even our younger students can be challenged at a college level,” she says.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Silva enjoys oil painting.

Mr. Small

History

Mr. Small

Subject Expert Teacher History

From 2005 to 2009, Mr. Small attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education and a minor in History. He is currently enrolled in a distance-learning program with the University of Bath in the UK for a Master in Education in Educational Management and Leadership.

Mr. Small’s goals at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley are to ensure all students are successful in his classes and to have fun doing it!

Mr. Small chose to work at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of “its reputation for academic rigor and excellence. I wanted to work with the best teachers, for the best students, at the best school, so BASIS Independent Silicon Valley was an easy choice.” He continues, “I have a social responsibility to see my students thrive. Learning does not exist in a vacuum. I aim to ensure a sense of community and responsibility. I want students to feel that they have a role to play and a contribution to make. In order to make responsible citizens of the world, I want students to feel that their abilities are valued and included in the process.”

Before moving to California, Mr. Small was a teacher in Japan from 2010 to 2013 and in Germany from 2013 to 2016. “I love to travel! I have been all around the world, but some of the unusual places I’ve been are the Demilitarized Zone in Korea and Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. I also love musicals, seeing new movies, and swing dancing,” says Mr. Small.

Ms. Sweet

Drama

Ms. Sweet

Subject Expert Teacher Drama

Ms. Sweet received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with a Distinguished Minor in Theatre from George Mason University. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Columbia University, where she was awarded the Presidential Merit Scholarship, and studied with world-renowned masters Andrei Serban, Kristin Linklater, and Anne Bogart.

She is thrilled to be the Drama teacher at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. Ever since working with children in New York schools, and especially now as a mother, serving arts in education has been a passionate goal for her. Her dream is for every student to keep a sense of play and imagination as they are honing their critical thinking skills and finding their inner voices. She hopes to instill a deep love and curiosity for the Theatre Arts at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

Ms. Sweet appreciates that Drama and the arts are valued as an integral part of the well-rounded education at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. The strong caliber of subject expert teachers, students who have a deep love of learning, incredibly supportive staff, and rigorous teaching standards make up a few of the reasons why Ms. Sweet is proud to call BASIS Independent Silicon Valley her home.

Ms. Sweet genuinely believes that anyone can do theatre, as long as they’re willing to challenge themselves. She is a fierce proponent of the growth mindset, and encourages her students to take big risks and celebrates their failures. She feels strongly that “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.”

Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Sweet performed professionally on stage in New York and Washington, D.C., as well as the silver screen in both the US and Turkey, from where she hails. Highlights include La Mama etc, New Georges, Garage Theatre, and Asmali Konak, which received the BOGEY Award for its high box office numbers, even beating the opening of Matrix Reloaded in Germany.

Mr. Vermouth

English, Psychology

Mr. Vermouth

Subject Expert Teacher English, Psychology

“I believe in the abilities of every student,” says Mr. Vermouth, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, before achieving his Master of Arts in English at California State University.

A founding Subject Expert Teacher teaching English and AP Psychology, Mr. Vermouth was drawn to this school because he believes that, with the right teacher, every student has the potential to be academically successful. Building something new is also a topic on which Mr. Vermouth can speak with authority. Taking a year off from education, he lived among the less fortunate in Tijuana, Mexico, constructing houses for the homeless… an experience that impacts his teaching and understanding of human psychology.

During his free time, Mr. Vermouth enjoys camping, hiking, and other outdoor sports with his wife. He often disappears for the weekend, enjoying the peace and silence that comes with a lack of cell phone service.

Dr. Vervoort

Chemistry

Dr. Vervoort

Subject Expert Teacher Chemistry

Dr. Vervoort has not only earned her Doctorandus (equivalent to a Master of Science degree) in Chemistry from the University of Leiden, The Netherlands, focusing on the synthesis and photochemistry of vinyl halides, but also her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Oceanography (Marine Natural Product Chemistry), Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego.

As a graduate student, she conducted research in cancer and infectious disease drug discovery from marine sources. She also traveled extensively to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Bahamas to collect the specimens of her research interests and spent many months on board research vessels scouring the oceans for new and exciting organisms to study. Dr. Vervoort has prior experience in education having worked at universities, teaching Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at San Diego State University, and tutoring in math and the sciences, ever since attending high school herself. She also worked at a non-profit research institute and a biotechnology company, developing new antibiotics from terrestrial sources.

Dr. Vervoort loves teaching chemistry to her students. “My goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to inspire young minds to realize their potential, the help them master the fundamentals of chemistry which will pay off in their everyday understanding of the world,” says. Dr. Vervoort, “With a keen interest in the differences in teaching style and educational outcome between my home country and the U.S., BASIS Independent Silicon Valley attracted my attention with its emphasis on placing subject experts in the classroom, its focus on rigor and its absolute commitment to student success.”

Fun fact: She once received an award for eating a hamburger with knife and fork. She has not done it since…

Ms. Wendel

Math, Psychology

Ms. Wendel

Subject Expert Teacher Math, Psychology

With her experience teaching middle and high school, in the U.S and abroad, Ms. Wendel teaches both Mathematics and AP Psychology here at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. Earning her Master of Science degree in Secondary Education in Mathematics and Psychology/Philosophy from the University of Graz, Austria, she loves sharing her passion of leaning and understanding these subjects with her students.

Her goal as a teacher is to create an environment where students know that their voices will be heard when they have something to say. “I believe in the abilities of every student!” exclaims Ms. Wendel, also saying that “BASIS Independent Silicon Valley provides me with the opportunity to work with different ages and teach high level math to young learners. I believe that a perfect learning environment is determined by the student-teacher relationships and at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, the main emphasis is exactly on this relationship. Students know that they are welcome in my office hours, during their lunch or after school and we all work together on our goal to improve and learn. I love the spirt of our BASIS Independent students, they are curious, enthusiastic learners and are always looking for an academic challenge to further improve their knowledge.”

Ms. Wendel loves to travel to different countries and has been to China, Australia, various countries in Europe and the US. She moved to Silicon Valley in 2013, and loves to explore new surroundings by bike. Ms. Wendel also enjoys running, swimming, hiking and (coming from Austria) she is a terrific ski instructor.

Dr. Witschorik

History

Dr. Witschorik

Subject Expert Teacher History

Dr. Witschorik earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame where he achieved summa cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Other achievements include Master of Divinity degree – University of Notre Dame, Master of Arts, History degree – University of California, Berkeley and a Doctor of Philosophy, History- University of California, Berkeley.

As a history teacher, Dr. Witschorik’s goal as a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley educator is to share his “passion for history and social studies with my students in all the different courses” he teaches.

“I chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of the school’s commitment to challenging academic standards and standards of excellence across the board,” he says emphatically.

When he’s not in the classroom, Dr. Witschorik enjoys reading, exercising, movies and traveling. “One of my favorite hobbies is music, including playing the saxophone and singing with a local choir,” he shares.

Mr. Wolf

Music

Mr. Wolf

Subject Expert Teacher Music

Mr. Wolf holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, and a Master of Music degree from University of Nevada, Reno. A woodwind specialist, he has performed extensively throughout the country with such groups as the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Temptations, Chicago the musical, and has additionally composed and recorded for NBC television.

Mr. Wolf is continually driven by the profound role that music brings to students’ lives. His passionate role in education began at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA, where he taught Jazz History, Music Theory, Applied Music, and was later Interim Director of Jazz Studies. He also taught Applied Music at Cal Poly University, and is a regular festival-adjudicator and clinician for Middle School and High School orchestra and band programs.

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Mr. Wolf is drawn to the unique synergy of its bright and ambitious students, remarkable faculty, and the philosophy and framework for innovation and excellence. Teaching AP Music Theory, Music History, and leading the Orchestras, Mr. Wolf is elated to be working with BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s talented and determined students who embrace music amongst their many pursuits.

Mr. Wolf is a lover of history, culture, food, the outdoors, and most of all, his family, who finds inspiration in San Jose’s cultural and artistic diversity, along with the many exciting and enriching activities available to explore each weekend.

Dr. Zhao

Anatomy, Biology

Dr. Zhao

Subject Expert Teacher Anatomy, Biology

Dr. Zhao obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience at University of Rochester and at the same time received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at the Eastman School of Music. Throughout four years of studying Neuroscience and music, her area of focus was on music cognition, investigating the complex interplays between music and the brain. While working in the University of Rochester Cognitive Science Lab, she explored our bodies’ physiological responses to music, the shared neural circuits with communication and music’s direct effect on our intelligence, emotions and memory.

Wanting to share her love and passion for science and music, Dr. Zhao went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Secondary Science, as well as a Doctorate in Education and Leadership from Northeastern University, concentrating on analyzing the correlation between experiential learning, student leadership and academic performance in schools. Her music and research career has taken her to perform and live in 35 cities and 12 countries around the world in Europe, Asia and North America. She’s also passionate about languages, minoring in Spanish and French in college.

Dr. Zhao’s goal as an Honors Biology teacher is to ignite the passion of learning Biological sciences in her students. “There’s such a high demand in Biology related careers in our world, from doctors to research scientists,” she says, “I hope it’s our brilliant BASIS Independent Silicon Valley students who become our next generation of Biologists and Engineers!”

She chose BASIS Independent Silicon Valley because of the rigorous quality instruction and the globally competitive curriculum it provides students.

Dr. Zhu

Teaching Fellow

Dr. Zhu

Teaching Fellow Teaching Fellow

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