Berta Faber, headmistress.  Berta has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  A TCK or “third culture kid”, Berta attended international schools in both Saudi Arabia and Italy.   She has many years of teaching experience, having taught all levels, from kindergarten to university preparation. Berta is half-Icelandic and half-American and is one of the founders of the International School.

Hanna Hilmarsdóttir:  assistant headmistress, Icelandic as an Additional LanguageHanna has a BA degree in Human Development and Education from the University of Iceland.  In 2007 she received her MA degree in Education Administration from the same university.  Hanna teaches Icelandic as an Additional Language at ISI and is a key player in the development of the Dual Language Immersion Program.  Hanna joined the staff in 2007. 

Pamala Hansford; English, homeroom teacher, librarian.  Pam completed a degree in Icelandic for Foreigners at the University of Iceland in 1992. In 2006, she completed a BA degree in English at the same university. In 2007, she received her teaching certification.  Pam hails from England and has lived in Iceland since 1986. She has been teaching at ISI since it opened its doors in 2004.

Kirsten Kummerfeld; Art, homeroom teacher. Kirsten has a BA degree in Early Years Education from Alte-Eichen in Hamburg, Germany. Her MA degree in Elementary School Education is from Elly-Heuss-Knapp.  Kirsten also attended art school for 2 years at Christian-Albrecht University in Kiel, Germany.  Before moving to Iceland, Kristen taught in schools in Sweden, the U.S. and Germany.  Kirsten joined the staff when she moved to Iceland in 2005.

Elín Eiriksdóttir; Icelandic language & content in the Dual Language Immersion Program, homeroom teacher. Elín has a BA in German and English, a BEd from Kennaraháskóli Íslands (University of Iceland) and is working towards an MA degree in multicultural education. She also has a diploma as a tour guide in Iceland. Elín has lived in several countries and her children attended international schools in Jerusalem, Geneva and Jakarta. Elín has been with the school since 2007.

Mirjam de Waard: Mathematics, Science, homeroom teacher.  Mirjam received her Master´s degree in Biochemistry, but soon found that her real passion was education and travel. She finished teacher training college in 1994 and worked in the Netherlands and Guyana as a Montessorian teacher and teacher trainer.  Mirjam began teaching at the International School in 2008. 

Mallika Swaminathan: Psychology, English, Special Needs Consultant.  Mallika has a Bachelor’s Degree in History of Fine Arts Drawing and Painting, a Master of Science Degree in Education and Child Care, a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration, and a Master of Science Degree in Psychology - all from the University of Madras, Chennai, India. She is certified in the entire spectrum of Mainstreaming of Children who are Gifted and Talented from the University of Connecticut, Children with Special Needs from the Univ. of Berkeley, California and Children with Linguistic needs from the Univ. of NSW, Australia. She is currently a research scholar with the Indira Gandhi Open University, New Delhi, India. She is extensively trained in art therapy and has worked in that capacity for many years in Pakistan, Malaysia and India. Mallika has worked in international schools in Belgium, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Germany and Brazil.

 

Justin Shouse: Physical education, swimming, mathematics.  Justin has a BA degree in Elementary Education from Mercyhurst College.  In 2008, he received certification to teach in Icelandic elementary school by the local authorities.    Justin has worked in schools in the USA, Germany and in Iceland.  He plays and coaches youth basketball for the Stjarnan club. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, this is Justin´s 5^th year in Iceland.