Faculty & Staff

Before joining GISC as Head of School, Rasmus served as Deputy Principal at the Marie Curie School in Ronnenberg, Germany, where he led initiatives in digital learning, staff development, and school leadership. He previously held teaching and leadership roles at the German International School Washington, D.C., as well as at several schools across Germany. A trained educator in German and Music with additional qualifications in pedagogy and curriculum implementation, Rasmus is also a published author and has contributed to educational journals and textbooks. As a former PPP exchange scholar to the U.S., he has been shaped by both the German and American school systems. He is passionate about bilingual education, inclusion, and innovation in teaching and learning.

Education: 2013, M.A., Sociology, Transnationalization and Development, University of Bielefeld, Germany. 2008, Research Trainee, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2006, Semester Abroad, Université d'Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Andrea has been a long time community member at GISC both as a parent and volunteer. Prior to taking on the role of Enrollment Manager, Andrea worked as a realtor in Chicago for nine years. Before that, she worked at DePaul University for several years where she started out as Marketing Coordinator at The Real Estate Center, and most recently, worked as Assistant Director for Admissions & Recruiting. Andrea holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from DePaul University. She speaks German and English.

Education: 2016, Teacher License for Mathematics and Natural Sciences. 2011, Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.), Research Center Jülich / Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn. 2008, Diploma in Physics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main.

Education: 2011, State Certified Preschool Teacher (Staatlich geprüfte Erzieherin), Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik, Pestalozzi-Fröbel Haus, Berlin.

Experience: 2018-Present, Head of Preschool, GISC. 2016-2018, Co-Head of Preschool, GISC. 2014-Present, Preschool Teacher, GISC. 2011-2014, Preschool Teacher, Kinderladen Karl und Karla e.V., Berlin. Internship in Wroclaw, Polen: 2010, ENTE Centrum Wspolpracy Europejskiej. Internships in Berlin: 2010, City-Initiative für Eltern- und Kinderprojekte; 2009-10, JFE Gartenhaus an der Marie; 2008-09, S.O.S. Kinderdorf; 2009, Karl und Karla; 2008-09, 2007-08, KITA Elfenland.

Languages: German, English, French, Turkish

Education: 1986, Certificate of Proficiency in English, English Language Institute, Dublin. 1983, Diplom in Business (Handelsdiplom), Kantonschule Sargans, Kanton St. Gallen.

Anja brings over 15 years of global experience in content strategy, marketing, and brand development. With a background that includes over a decade at Google and YouTube, Anja led impactful initiatives such as YouTube Shorts and YouTube Music, driving global campaigns, partnerships, and product growth. Most recently, she founded kinderklubb, a children’s brand focused on food education. She's written and launched a lift-the-flap book "The Color of Yummy" and launched a memory game, selling through Amazon and boutique retailers.

Anja holds a Diploma in Business Administration (Diplom-Betriebswirtin), equivalent to an MBA, from Hamburg University. Bilingual in German and English, she is committed to fostering community engagement and growth at GISC.

Education: 1989, Second Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn der Studienräte an Gymnasien), Kultusministerium Schleswig-Holstein. 1987, First Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Erstes Staatsexamen), Musikhochschule Lübeck.

Stephen Waguespack joined GISC in July 2018 as Project & Facilities Manager to oversee the final improvements of the school building and property operations of the facility. He is currently GISC’s Director of Building Operations.

Education: 2023, Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Pedagogy staatlich anerkannte Kindheitspädagogin), University of Education Ludwigsburg, Germany. 2020, Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Education (staatlich anerkannte Kindheitspädagogin), University of Education, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. 2018, Bachelor of Arts, Semester Abroad, University of South-East Norway.

 

Experience: 2025-Present, Preschool Teacher, GISC. 2023-2025, Head of School Childcare, Philipp Matthäus Hahn School, Kornwestheim, Germany. 2021-2023, Educational Specialist and Project Collaborator, SmF e.V., Stuttgart, Germany. 

Languages: German, Turkish, English

Education: 2023, Master of Education, Social Sciences and Physical Education, Ruhr-Universität Bochum. 2021, Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences and Physical Education, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Experience: 2025-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2024-2025, Teaching Intern in Elementary & Middle School, GISC. 2024, German Teacher, Studienkreis GmbH. 2018-2023, Physical Education Offers for Children and Teenagers, Stadtsportbund Bochum e.V. 2016-2023, Track & Field Coach, LA Spvgg. Herten e.V.

Languages: German, English

Education: 2019, Montessori Diploma Elementary, BEL Montessori, Austria. 2019, Montessori Diploma Children’s House, BEL Montessori, Austria. 2014, Bachelor of Education, PH Salzburg, Austria.

Languages: German, English

Education: 2013, M.A., German Studies, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. 2011, Studies in Media, Art & Communication, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI. 2010, B.A., Art, Music, Media, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany.

Education: 2021-Present, Library Certification (LTA), DuPage Community College, IL. 2018, LEAN Certification (Organizational), Fox Valley Technical College, WI. 2001, M.A., Organizational Psychology, National Louis University, IL. 1999, B.A., Psychology, University-of-Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI.

Experience: 2021-Present, Librarian, GISC. 2021-Present, Information Services Assistant, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL. 2017-2019, Library Assistant/Program Assistant, Kimberly Public Library, WI. 2017-2019, Library Assistant/Program Assistant, Little Chute Public Library, WI. 2015-2019, Library Assistant/Library Assistant Substitute, Appleton Public Library, WI. 2012-2016, Event Assistant, Aep Connections-LLC, WI. 2014, German Substitute Teacher, ACES Xavier Education System, WI. 2001-2004, Non-Profit Program Coordinator, Candlelight Vision, WI.

Languages: German, English, Spanish

Education: 2005, Qualified Teacher Status in the UK. 2004, Teacher License, English and History, Frankfurt, Germany. 2001, B.A., English, History, and German as a Second Language, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.

Education: 2011, B.A., Educational Science (Erziehungswissenschaften), Focus on Early Bilingualism, University of Hildesheim, Germany. 2008, State-Certified Social Assistant (staatlich anerkannte Sozialassistentin), Herman-Nohl-Schule, Hildesheim, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2014-2023, Kindergarten Year Leader, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2013-2023, Kindergarten Teacher, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2012-2023, Assessment Specialist, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2021-2022, Special Needs Teacher, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2018, Interim Head of Preschool, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2012-2013, Teaching Assistant, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2011-2012, Preschool Teacher, Kaemmer International School, Hannover, Germany.

Languages: German, English, basic French and Spanish

Education: 2021, Second State Examination (2. Staatsexamen), Mathematics, German, Syke, Germany. 2018, Master of Education for Mathematics and German and additional certificate for German as a Foreign Language/German as a Second Language, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany. 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Two-Subject Bachelor for Mathematics and German, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany.

 

Experience: 2025-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2025, Supervision and Substitute Teacher, GISC. 2022-2025, Middle School Teacher, Oberschule am Goldbach, Germany. 2020-2022, German and Mathematics Teacher, Oberschule Schwaförden, Germany. 2019-2020, Research Associate at the Institute for Language Didactics, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany. 2018, Intern International German School Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam.

 

Languages: German, Vietnamese, English

Education: 1983, Zoo Veterinary Technician & Veterinarian Assistant.

Education: 1978, State Certified Educator (Staatl. geprüfte Erzieherin), Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik, Recklinghausen, Germany.

Education: 2018, Master of Education with a Focus on Inclusive Education, PH Niederösterreich, Austria. 2016, Bachelor of Education for Primary Schools, KPH Graz, Austria. 2015, Bachelor of Education for Inclusive Education, KPH Graz, Austria.

Education: 2013, Illinois Professional Educator License for English and German (Grades 6-12). 2011, Second State Examination for English and German at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12 (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn des Höheren Schuldienstes an Gymnasien), Baden-Württemberg Ministerium für Kultus, Jugend und Sport. 2009, First State Examination for English and German at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12 (Erstes Staatsexamen), Albert-Ludwig-Universität, Freiburg, Germany. 2008, M.A., European Comparative Literary Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

Experience: 2014-Present, Elementary & Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2016-Present, IB PYP Coordinator, GISC. 2017-Present, Become Bilingual Program Coordinator, GISC. 2021-Present, German Teacher, Grades 11-12, LFC. 2013-2014, German Teacher (Grades 6-8), Community School Unit District 200, Woodstock, IL. 2012-2013, Financial Aid Advisor, Career Education Cooperation, Schaumburg, IL. 2010-2011, Instructor for ESL and German (Grades 5-12), Peter-Petersen-Gymnasium, Mannheim, Germany. 2009, German Language and Culture Instructor, English Opens Doors, Santiago, Chile.

Languages: German, English, Spanish

Education: 2022, Bachelor of Education, International Teacher Education for Primary Schools (ITEps) with electives in Inclusive Education, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Meppel, the Netherlands. 2021, Fairytales and Creativity at Oslo Metropolitan School, Oslo, Norway.

Experience: 2022-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2022, Intern, GISC. 2021, Online DAF Educator for Children and Adults, Preply. 2021, Teaching Practice, Grundschule Günnigfeld, Bochum, Germany. 2020, Teaching Practice, International School Ruhr, Essen, Germany. 2019, Teaching Practice, International School on the Rhine, Neuss, Germany. 2016-2018, Au Pair in Washington, DC.

Languages: German, English, Dutch

Education: 2008, Secondary Education Teaching Certification (Certificado de Aptitud Pedagógica), Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain. 2006, B.A., English Philology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.

Education: 2006, Second State Examination, Aachen, Germany. 2005-2007, Traineeship for the teaching profession at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen, Studienseminar Aachen, Germany. 2004, First State Examination, studied to become a teacher at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen, Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany.

 

Experience: 2025-Present, IB MYP Coordinator & Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2025, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. Since 2007, State civil servant of the state of NRW for the teaching profession at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen at St. Michael Gymnasium Monschau, Städtisches Gymnasium Baesweiler, Clara-Schumann Gymnasium Bonn, Germany. 2016-2021, State program teacher for the ZfA with a focus on DSD, German Goethe College Bucharest, Romania.

 

Languages: German, English

Education: 2011, Certificate of Horticulture, Garden Design, New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY. 2007, Yoga Teaching Certificate, YogaWorks, New York, NY. 1999, B.A., Theater, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.

Education: 2022, Second State Examination in Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, and Economics, Teacher Training Seminar Neumarkt, Germany. 2020, First State Examination in Mathematics with minors in Science, Physical Education, and Economics, Focused on digital learning strategies University of Regensburg, Germany.  

 

Experience: 2024-Present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2022-2024, Middle School Teacher, Delivered professional development training on Finnish educational principles, Erding, Germany. 2020-2022: Middle School Teacher, School with tablet-integrated classrooms, Deining, Germany. 

 

Languages: German, English

Education: 2017, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, certified in elementary education K-5 and English as a Second Language PreK-12, Butler University Indianapolis, USA. 

Experience: 2024-Present, English Teacher, GISC. 2020-2024, English as a Second Language Teacher, Eakin Elementary IB World School, Nashville, TN. 2017-2020, 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher, Eakin Elementary IB World School, Nashville, TN. 

Languages: English, German

Education: 2013, Second State Examination (2. Staatsexamen), German, History, and Politics, Berlin, Germany. 2010, First State Examination (1. Staatsexamen), German, History, Politics, and German as a Foreign Language, FU Berlin, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2022-2023, Middle & High School Teacher, German as a Foreign Language, Tours, France. 2019-2021, Managing & Teaching Position in a Kindergarten in Wien, Austria. 2013-2019, Middle & High School Teacher, German, History, Politics, and Rowing, Paul-Natorp-Schule, Berlin, Germany. 2008, Internship, German International School Beijing, China. 2007, Internship, Institut de l'Alma, Paris, France. Several Internships, Berlin, Germany.

Languages: German, French, English

Education: 2019, Post-Bachelor Teacher Licensure, North Park University, certified in Secondary Education to teach English Language Arts and English as a Second Language, with an endorsement in Middle School Teaching. 1994, Master of Arts in English Literature, DePaul University. 1989, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH.

Experience: 2020-Present, English Teacher, GISC. 2019-Present, ESL and ELA Teacher, Triton College, River Grove, IL. 2018-2019, Student Teaching Middle School, St. Edward School, Chicago, IL. 2014-2017, ESL Teacher, Computer Systems Institute, Chicago, IL. 2010-2013, ESL Teacher, College of Chicago, Mt. Prospect, IL. 1997-2009, GRE, SAT, TOEFL Instructor, Kaplan Test Prep, Chicago, IL. 1994-1997, ESL Instructor, American English Academy, Chicago, IL. 1990-1992, ESL Instructor, Prague, Czech Republic.

Language: English

Education: 2023, DSD 1 Deutsches Sprachdiplom in cooperation with ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen). 2021, Master of Education with a Focus on Inclusive Education, PH Niederösterreich, Austria. 2016 - 2018, Lehramt Mittelschule, Universität Regensburg, Germany. 2013, Bachelor of Arts, B.A. International Hospitality Management, Focus: Human Resource Management, FH Bad Honnef/ Bonn, Germany.  2012,  Bachelor of Arts, B.A. International Hospitality Management, Focus: Human Resource Management, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.

Experience: 2024-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2023-Present, Teacher for the ZfA (DSD I courses). 2021-2023 Elementary School Teacher, Seattle Area German American School, Seattle, WA. 2020-2021 Elementary School Teacher, Education Directorate Vienna, Austria. 2019-2020 Head Teacher and Head of Internships, ITM College, Bad Vöslau, Austria. 2019 Elementary School Teacher, Educational Directorate Vienna, Austria. 2017-2019 Teacher and special support teacher, Schülerhilfe GmbH & Co.KG.

Languages: German, English, Spanish

Education: 2022, B.A. in Political Science and Economics with minors in German, Music, and Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

Experience: 2023-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2022-2023, Fulbright-USTA English Teaching Assistant, Spittal an der Drau, Austria. 2021, Guitar Instructor, Coconut Creek, FL.

Languages: English, German, Spanish

Education: 2002, Teaching Diploma for Kindergarten and Elementary School (Grades 1-3), Lehrerseminar Liestal, Switzerland.

Experience: 2023-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2021-2023, Elementary School Teacher, Schweizerschule Catania, Italy. 2017-2021, Elementary School Teacher, Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama, Japan. 2015-2017, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, Swiss International School Schönenwerd, Switzerland. 2011-2014, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, German Swiss International School Accra, Ghana. 2008-2011, Elementary School Teacher, Scuola Svizzera Bergamo, Italy. 2003-2008, Elementary School Teacher, Hellikon, Switzerland. 2002-2003, Elementary School Teacher, Tecknau, Switzerland.

Languages: German, English, Italian

Education: 2022, Master of Education for Math, Science, and Educational Sciences with a Focus on Special Education at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Bielefeld. 2020, Bachelor of Science for Math, Science, and Educational Sciences at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Bielefeld.

Experience: 2024-Present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2024, Science Teacher (Grades 7-10) at BEST Sabel Schule, Berlin. 2023, Math and Science Teacher (Grades 7-12), Schule am Tierpark, Berlin.  2022-2023, Math & Science Teacher, GISC.

Education: 2015, Second State Examination, English and Economics,  State Institute for Teacher Training (Zweites Staatsexamen, Studienseminar für Haupt-, Real- und Gesamtschulen) Jülich, Germany. 2014, Master of Education for English and Economics at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany. 2009-2013, Bachelor of Education for English and Economics at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Koblenz-Landau,

Germany.

Experience: 2024-Present, Music & French Teacher, GISC. 2020-2024, English, Music and Economics Teacher (grades 5-10) at Erich Kästner Realschule Plus Ahrweiler, Germany . 2015-2020, English, French, Music, P.E and Economics Teacher (grades 5-10) at Deutschherrenschule Waldbreitbach, Germany. 2015-2014, English and Economics Teacher (grades 5-10) at Friedrich-Haass-Schule, Bad Münstereifel, Germany. 2012, ESL Teacher at Greenriver Community College in Auburn, WA.

Languages: German, English, Arabic, French, basic Spanish

and Dutch

Education: 1989, Second Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn der Studienräte an Gymnasien), Kultusministerium Schleswig-Holstein. 1987, First Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Erstes Staatsexamen), Musikhochschule Lübeck.

Education: 2022, M.A. coursework completed (no degree), English and American Studies, Universität Stuttgart, Germany. 2019, B.A., English and American Studies and Spanish, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC. 2020-2021, Assistant to Project Coordinator at Language Center, Universität Stuttgart, Germany. 2019-2020, Student Worker, Online Marketing, ATMO/MBS, Feuerbach, Germany. 2019, Internship Live Marketing, Bosch Rexroth, Lohr, Germany.

Languages: German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, French