The Art of Igniting Curiosity
04 407 3000 admissions@clarionschool.com
Pre-KA
K1A
K1B
Carlizette Oberholzer has been teaching early years for the past nine years, bringing a passion for creative activities and a dedication to fostering each child's growth. Originally from South Africa, Carlizette enjoys incorporating creative approaches into her classroom and values the opportunity to give individualized attention to her students. This year, Carlizette will be teaching K1 at Clarion School, drawn by its small class sizes that allow her to focus on helping every child reach their full potential.
K2A
K2B
Magen Alexander joins Clarion School with a rich and diverse background in education and therapy. Originally from South Africa, Megan has called the UAE home for the past eight years. She is also a proud mother of two beautiful children, one of whom is joining the Clarion family in KG1.
Before transitioning into classroom teaching, Magen worked as an ABA therapist, providing support to children of determination. This experience ignited her passion for education, particularly within the younger age groups. Magen is deeply inspired by the creativity and imagination of young learners, and she believes that these formative years are filled with magic and potential.
Grade 1A
With an impressive 23-year career in education, Jacqueline is a cornerstone of the Clarion School's teaching staff. She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies and Education from the University of Technology in Jamaica, and a Diploma in Montessori Education from the Foundation for Montessori Education in Canada.
Jacqueline is a lifelong learner who continually seeks professional development opportunities. She has represented Clarion in several professional training programs, including the Reading and Writing Strategies Institute, Handwriting Strategies, and Responsive Classroom Practices. As a grade-level leader, she has been instrumental in training her colleagues and implementing these best practices at Clarion.
Passionate about Early Childhood Development, Jacqueline maintains a professional membership with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), an organization committed to high-quality learning for young children. Echoing Maria Montessori's philosophy, she believes that the most crucial developmental milestones are achieved in the earliest years and that this period warrants the utmost attention and care.
Grade 1B
Beatrice, an accomplished educator, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in education, both earned in Winnipeg, Canada. With a remarkable teaching career spanning 15 years, she has enriched the lives of students from kindergarten to grade 8 in both Canadian and American settings. This academic year marks her debut in the UAE.
As an IB certified teacher, Beatrice brings to Clarion School a fervent love for teaching and an infectious enthusiasm for life. Her professional journey is guided by a deep sense of purpose - to witness her students' personal growth and development. She firmly believes in her role as an educator, aiming to have a positive and lasting impact on her students' futures.
In Beatrice's classroom, expect an environment where academic excellence is cultivated alongside personal growth. Her alignment with the IB philosophy reflects our school's values, making her a valuable addition to our team. Beatrice's unwavering dedication and passion are sure to leave an indelible mark on her students, equipping them to excel in their educational journey.
Grade 2A
Rahala brings seven years of educational experience to Clarion School, along with a unique blend of academic and interpersonal skills. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Simmons College in Boston, USA, and a Master of Education from Murdoch University in Dubai, UAE.
What sets Rahala apart is her growth mindset and high emotional intelligence. She excels in communication and has a passion for mentoring her fellow educators. Rahala also takes an active role in facilitating professional development sessions at the school, contributing to the overall quality of education at Clarion.
Her strengths in both academic knowledge and emotional intelligence make her not only an effective teacher but also a valuable resource for her colleagues. Rahala's multifaceted skill set is a significant asset to the Clarion School community.
Grade 2B
Originally from the United States, Holly Veal brings a decade of experience in education to Clarion School. Her diverse background includes roles as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and math coach. This year, Holly will be supporting Grade 2 students, where she is eager to foster their growth and development. Holly was drawn to Clarion for its clear devotion to students' academics and overall well-being, and she looks forward to helping her students reach their full potential.
Grade 3A
Shanice Whitney, hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, brings a wealth of international teaching experience to Clarion School. With six years in the GCC region, including stints in Kuwait and Qatar, Shanice is excited to continue her educational journey in Dubai. This year, she will be leading the Grade 3 humanities and English language arts classes.
Her passion for creating a connected community and her desire for professional growth drew her to Clarion. Shanice was particularly attracted to the close-knit and supportive environment at Clarion, believing it to be an ideal setting for both personal and professional development.
Grade 3B
Born and raised in Dubai and originally from Pakistan, Mehwish Akram offers a dynamic blend of local insight and international perspective at Clarion School. With five years of teaching experience, she is poised to inspire Grade 3 students in math and science this academic year.
Mehwish has embraced the school's progressive educational model, which resonates with her commitment to creating learning opportunities that encourage students to take ownership and pride in their work. She has developed innovative methods for students to express their understanding in various forms.
Grade 4A
Estelle comes to Clarion School with over six years of experience in the Middle East, most recently from Kuwait where she served as a third-grade teacher at Al Bayan Bilingual School. There, she successfully employed Whole Brain teaching methods to deliver technology-integrated lessons in Math, Science, English, and Art. She also utilized the Tribes method to foster collaborative and academic skills among her students and administered Fountas and Pinnell testing to assess student reading levels.
Estelle holds a BA in International Studies from DePaul University in Chicago and a degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Florida. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, adding a linguistic asset to her teaching toolkit.
With her diverse educational background, innovative teaching methods, and multilingual skills, Estelle is a valuable addition to the Clarion School community.
Grade 4B
Patrick brings a decade of educational experience filled with knowledge and enthusiasm. He is deeply committed to creating a positive and inclusive classroom where students can flourish both personally and academically.
In Patrick's classroom, the emphasis is on student-centered learning, with collaboration and cooperation taking center stage. He holds the conviction that every student has the innate ability to excel and dedicates himself to inspiring and supporting them throughout their educational journey. Patrick is eager to contribute to the development of the next generation of leaders and innovators as a key member of the Clarion School community.
Beyond the academic setting, Patrick is an avid runner, cyclist, golfer, football player, and hiker. He believes that leading a well-rounded life enhances his ability to connect with students and offer a more holistic educational experience. Patrick is thrilled to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of his students at Clarion School, contributing to their overall growth and development.
Grade 5
Pallavi Gopalan, hailing from India, is thrilled to join the vibrant Clarence community. With a decade of experience in education, her teaching approach is deeply rooted in progressive education, making her a perfect fit for one of the top American progressive schools in Dubai. As she looks forward to the academic year, Pallavi is eager to engage with the Grade Five team and explore a year filled with learning and new possibilities.
ELA - Grade 6, 7 & 8
Joining the Clarion School faculty this year is Jordan, who brings a decade of diverse teaching experience to the table. His educational journey has spanned multiple age groups—from early years to secondary and even college-level students—in the United States. Having spent two years in the UAE, Jordan also boasts international teaching stints in Kuwait, China, and France.
Academically, he holds a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Sunderland in the UK. Additionally, he has a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Bachelor's Degrees in both English and French from the University of Oregon in the US.
Jordan is committed to nurturing a love for learning in his students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and take risks. He aims to cultivate their natural curiosity, thereby enriching the scope and depth of their educational experience.
Math - Grade 6, 7 & 8
Yasin brings a wealth of experience to Clarion School, with eight years of teaching Mathematics in both the UAE and the UK. He places a high value on diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive classroom where each student feels valued and heard. His dedication extends to accommodating a variety of learning styles and needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
In Yasin's classroom, the atmosphere is one of support and respect, where questions are actively encouraged and mistakes are viewed as valuable learning experiences. His teaching approach transcends traditional methods; he focuses on nurturing students' critical thinking abilities, equipping them to confidently address complex, real-world mathematical challenges.
Yasin's academic credentials include a bachelor's degree from the University of Plymouth and a PGCE in Education from the University of Sunderland. With his innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success, Yasin is a significant addition to the Clarion School community.
Science - Grade 6, 7 & 8
Theresa Dickson brings two decades of teaching experience to Clarion School, with a career that has spanned both Canada and the UAE. Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, she holds a Bachelor of Arts, an Honors Bachelor in Kinesiology, and Education Degrees. Theresa has spent nearly a decade in the UAE, imparting knowledge in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Her expertise lies predominantly in secondary science and biology, covering Grades 6 through 12, including Advanced Placement College Biology. In addition to her science credentials, Theresa is also a qualified Physical Education teacher. Her enthusiasm for science is palpable, as she infuses her classroom with energy and excitement, making complex scientific concepts, inquiry, and phenomena accessible and engaging for her students.
With her extensive experience and palpable passion for science education, Theresa is a valuable addition to the Clarion School community.