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

Matthew joined the German International School Chicago bringing a strong foundation in language education and transatlantic exchange. He holds a B.A. in German Studies and Philosophy from Kalamazoo College, complemented by two academic semesters at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Prior to GISC, he served as a Bilingual Program Assistant at Middlebury College's German School and spent several years as a foreign language teaching assistant in classrooms across Germany and Austria through the Fulbright Program.

 

Matthew is bilingual in English and German.

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

Veronika brings over a decade of professional experience to her role as School Office Coordinator at the German International School Chicago. Before joining GISC, she taught German at the Lycée Français de Chicago, working with elementary, middle and high school students. A native speaker of German and fluent in English and French, Veronika previously spent over 13 years in the financial services industry in London, specializing in client services and operations. Her expertise spans client relations, marketing, and event coordination. She holds a BA (Hons) in European Studies from the University of Portsmouth, UK, has completed teaching certifications through the Goethe-Institut, and is also a certified yoga teacher through the British Wheel of Yoga and the Yoga Alliance.

Catharina brings a background in administration, cultural management, and community engagement to the German International School Chicago. Originally from Germany, she has lived in the Chicago area for many years. Her professional experience includes cultural programming, German language education, and founding and running a children’s store and learning environment in Winnetka.

She holds an M.A. in Arts and Cultural Management from the Leuphana University Lüneburg, as well as a teaching qualification in German as a Foreign Language from the Goethe-Institut.

Catharina is passionate about bringing people together, supporting international exchange, and helping families feel welcome and connected within the school community.

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.

Christina holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Spanish and a Master's in North American Studies, combining strong academic credentials with practical expertise. Bilingual in English and German, she has several years of experience teaching both languages. Her career has evolved to include a strong focus on human resources and customer service, where she has worked as an HR manager and overseen core HR functions alongside financial administration.

Languages: German, English, Spanish, French

Katharina has been part of the German International School Chicago since 2016, serving in key roles across marketing, communications, development, and admissions. She holds a B.A. in Intercultural Studies & Economics and an M.A. in American Studies. Before joining GISC, she worked in the music industry, corporate executive search, and the government sector.

With a Korean-German-American background, Katharina is deeply committed to international and bilingual education. She is passionate about helping students grow into creative, confident, kind, and responsible global citizens.

Katharina is bilingual in German and English, and also speaks Spanish, Korean, and French.

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: 2024–2026, Certificate in School Management (Schulleitung EDK), Switzerland. 2005–2008, Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education (K–6 Grade), PH Bern, Switzerland.

Experience: 2026-Present, Grade 4 Teacher, GISC. 2024–Present, Primary to Secondary School Transition Management. 2019-2021, Advanced Training in Bilingual Teaching. 2008–Present, Elementary School Teacher (Grades 3–6). 2008–Present, Foreign Language Teacher. 2008–2013, Teaching Multi-Grade Classes (Mehrjahrgangsklassen).

Languages: German, French, Italian, Spanish

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: 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: 2022, Master of Education, German and English Teaching for Secondary Schools, Humboldt University Berlin. 2022, Semester Abroad, Seoul National University, South Korea. 2019, Bachelor of Arts, German and English Teaching for Secondary Schools, University of Bremen. 2018-2019, Teaching Assistant (Deutsch als Fremdsprache), Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, USA. 2015, Bachelor of Arts in International Journalism, University of Applied Science Bremen. 2014, Semester Abroad, Television Reporting and Programming and Typography, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey.

 

Experience: 2025-Present, English & German Teacher, Social Media Assistant, GISC. 2024-2025, Online Teacher DaF, Lingoda. 2023-2026, Private Teacher DaF and ESL, Tokyo and Remote. 2022-2023, Conversational English Teacher, Tokyo, Japan. 2020-2021, Student Assistant Coordinator, Humboldt University, Berlin. 2017, Online Marketing Editor, byte für byte, Bremen. 2015-2016, Host and Editor, RadioWeser.TV, Delmenhorst.

 

Language: German, English, Turkish

Education: 2019, Master of Education, Elementary Education, Loyola University Chicago. 2017, Master of Arts, Gender Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. 2014, Bachelor of Arts, English, Carleton College.

 

Experience: 2026-Present, Music Teacher, GISC. 2022-2026, 4th and 5th Grade Teacher and Music Teacher, Chicago Friends School, Chicago, IL. 2021-2022, 4th Grade Teacher and Library Assistant, Rocky Hill Country Day School, East Greenwich, Rhode Island. 2019-2021, 4th Grade Assistant, Francis W. Parker School, Chicago, IL.

 

Languages: English, German, French 

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 & Intern Mentor, 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: 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: 2024, Second State Examination in English and Biology, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. 2021, First State Examination in English, Biology, and Educational Sciences, Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, Germany. Additional qualifications in Science and Technology (NwT), Bilingual Education in Biology, and German as a Second Language (DaZ).

Experience: 2026-Present, Grade 9 Teacher, GISC, Chicago, IL. 2024-2026, English and Biology Teacher (Grades 5–12), Herzog-Christoph-Gymnasium, Beilstein, and Justinus-Kerner-Gymnasium, Weinsberg, Germany. 2022-2024, Teacher Training in English and Biology (Grades 5–12), Herzog-Christoph-Gymnasium, Beilstein, Germany.

Languages: German, English, Polish

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: 2025-Present, IB DP Coordinator, GISC. 2014-Present, Elementary & Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2017-Present, Become Bilingual Program Coordinator, GISC. 2021-Present, German Teacher, Grades 11-12, LFC. 2016-2025, IB PYP Coordinator, GISC. 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: 2023, Second State Examination in Spanish and Social Studies, Grades 5-12,  Oldenburg, Germany. 2020, Master of Education in Spanish and Social Studies (Economics, Politics, and Sociology), University of Münster, Germany. 2020, Certificate in German as a Foreign Language, University of Münster, Germany. 2018, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Social Studies Education, University of Münster, Germany. 2016, Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies with a focus on Business Administration and Spanish Language and Literature, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany. 2015, Erasmus Study Abroad Program in Spanish Language and Literature, University of Granada, Spain.

Experience: 2026–Present, Middle and High School Teacher of Spanish and I&S, GISC. 2023–2026, Middle and High School Teacher of Spanish and Social Studies, German International School Washington D.C. 2021–2022, Middle and High School Teacher, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. 2019–2020, Social Studies Teaching Intern, Twin Cities German Immersion School, St. Paul, Minnesota
2019, Educational Outreach Intern, Goethe-Institut Washington, Washington, D.C. 2017–2018, German as a Second Language Instructor for International Students, University of Münster, Germany.

Languages: German, Spanish, English

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: 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: 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: 2025-Present, IB PYP Coordinator, GISC. 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: 2020, Master's of Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. 2018, Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education, certified in K-6 and English as a Second Language PreK-12, Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, Indiana.

Experience: 2026-Present, English Teacher, GISC. 2020-2026, Third and Fourth Grade Teacher, St. Joan of Arc School, Indianapolis, IN. 2018-2020, Third Grade Teacher, Trinity Catholic Academy, Brockton, MA and Urban Catholic Teacher Corps Member at Boston College.

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.

Matthew joined the German International School Chicago bringing a strong foundation in language education and transatlantic exchange. He holds a B.A. in German Studies and Philosophy from Kalamazoo College, complemented by two academic semesters at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Prior to GISC, he served as a Bilingual Program Assistant at Middlebury College's German School and spent several years as a foreign language teaching assistant in classrooms across Germany and Austria through the Fulbright Program.

 

Matthew is bilingual in English and German.

Education: 2022-Present, Undergraduate Student at DePaul University, Majoring in International Studies and German Studies.

 

Experience: 2024-Present, After-Care Teacher at GISC. 2022-2026, Camp Counselor at White Pine Ranch, IL. 2018–2022, private guitar teacher.

 

Languages: English, German, Arabic

Education: Current DePaul University undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience.

 

Experience: 2026-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC. 2023-2025, Waitress and Hostess at a Vietnamese restaurant in NC. 2019-2020, Lifeguard at SSSRC, NC. 2022-2025, Volunteer at Durham Food Pantry, NC. 2021-2022, Volunteer at Sunday School, Korean Presbyterian Church, MD.

 

Languages: German, English

Education: 2025-Present, Undergraduate Student at DePaul University, Majoring in Computer Science + Animation.

 

Experience: 2025-Present, After-Care Teacher at GISC. 2024-2025 Recipient of “Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship”. January - June 2025, 3D Animator Position in the KiU Storylabs team, Technische Hochschule Dortmund. 2023-2024 Dishwasher at Wooden Paddle in Lemont, IL. Summer 2022, Camp Counselor at Camp Tuckabatchee, Ottawa IL. 

 

Languages: English, German

Education: 2024-Present, Undergraduate Student, DePaul University, Majoring in Computer Science and German Studies.

Experience: January 2025-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC.

 

Languages: English, German

Education: 2025-Present, Undergraduate Student at DePaul University, Majoring in Film and Television with a concentration in Documentary and Minoring in German.

Experience: 2026-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC. 2025, Cashier, Gillson Beach Wilmette. Summer 2024, Retail Assistant, Bleachers Sports Music & Framing. Summer 2023, Dance Camp Counselor, Wilmette Park District.

Languages: English, German

Education: 2025-Present, Undergraduate Student at DePaul University, Majoring in Business and Minoring in German Studies.

 

Experience: 2025-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC. Spring 2025, Assistant Upper School Teacher, Freie Waldorfschule Markgräflerland, Müllheim, Germany. Winter 2025, Program, Press, & Public Relations Intern, Carl-Schurz-Haus, Freiburg i.B. 2024-2025, Inside America Volunteer Presenter, Carl-Schurz-Haus, Freiburg i.B. 2023-2024, Team Member, Arby's, Utah.

 

Languages: English, German

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