Erin joins Clarion School with a rich background of eight years in teaching, most recently from Dubai International Academy where she taught KG1 and Year 1. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications from the University of South Africa and a PGCE in Early Childhood Education from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Before embarking on her academic journey, Erin lived in the U.S. for two years, working as an au pair—a experience that inspired her to pursue her teaching qualifications.
As a progressive/IB-trained educator, Erin subscribes to the philosophy that children learn best through hands-on experiences. She encourages her students to actively explore their surroundings, ask questions, and engage in problem-solving. Outside the classroom, Erin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her decision to become a teacher was fueled by her love for children and her desire to impart the joy of learning, making her a wonderful addition to the Clarion School community.
Nabila joins the Clarion School with an impressive 14 years of international teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing Communications from Simmons College in Boston, USA. Furthering her educational journey, she earned a Master of Education in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey's Global Graduate Program in Bangkok, Thailand.
Nabila has a keen interest in mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality, elements that she seamlessly integrates into her teaching approach. When she's not in the classroom, you'll find her either baking up a storm in her kitchen or traveling to explore different parts of the world. With her diverse background and holistic approach to education, Nabila is a valuable addition to the Clarion School community.
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.
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.
A staunch advocate for progressive education, Jacqueline has made significant contributions to Clarion's mission of igniting curiosity in young minds. Her extensive experience, educational background, and commitment to best practices make her an invaluable asset to the Clarion School community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.