Faculty & Staff

Before joining GISC as Director, Ben most recently served as the Director of Administration at the German International School Washington, DC. Prior to that, Ben held several leadership positions at US-based private independent schools, including headships at Madison Country Day School, an authorized IB World School, and at Quest Academy, a gifted education school in the Chicago suburbs. Ben’s career in education began at the Atlanta International School where he started as a German and History Teacher and eventually became Head of Middle School, a position in which he helped the school earn authorization for the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Program. He holds undergraduate degrees in English and Intercultural Studies, a graduate degree in Communications, and a master’s level certification in gifted education. Ben grew up in Munich, Germany, is bilingual, and also has additional proficiency in Spanish and French. He and his wife Joy have five children, three of whom are currently in college and law school.

Education: 2013, M.A., Sociology, University of Bielefeld.

Education: 2023, Social Media Marketing Strategy Certification, DePaul University, Chicago. 2006, Master's Degree in Business & Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Trento, Italy.

Experience: 2023-Present, Marketing Assistant, GISC. 2020-2023, Career Break due to Relocation, Chicago, IL. 2017-2020, Part-Time Senior Consultant & Planner, Serviceplan Group – MP2, Munich, Germany. 2014-2017, Team Leader Media Planning, Serviceplan Group – MP2, Munich, Germany. 2012-2014, Senior Consultant & Planner, Serviceplan Group – MP2, Munich, Germany. 2009-2012, Consultant & Planner, Mediaplus International, Munich, Germany. 2003, Internship in Finance & Accounting, Gruppo Barchetti, Bolzano, Italy.

 

Languages: Italian, German, 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.

Education: 2011, M.A., American Studies and Latin American Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany. 2007, B.A., Intercultural Studies and Economics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Director of Marketing, GISC. 2021-Present, Marketing Consultant, Self-Employed, Chicago, IL. 2022-2023, Director of Admissions, GISC. 2018-2021, Director of Marketing & Admissions, GISC. 2018-2019, Director of Development, GISC. 2016-2018, Marketing & Office Coordinator, GISC. 2015-2016, Executive Assistant & Project Manager, Egon Zehnder, Düsseldorf, Germany. 2013-2015, Label Executive, Cable Car Records, Wuppertal, Germany. 2011-2013, Assistant to the Consul General, Austrian Consulate General Chicago, IL. 2005-2011, work experience during M.A. and B.A. programs at Goethe-Institut Chicago, Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago, Synergie2x, Falk PR, HEiNZ-Magazin, Ayuntamiento de Benidorm, as well as Graduate Assistant, Equal Opportunities Office and Family Support Center of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany.

Languages: German, English, Spanish, Korean, French

Education: 2020-Present, Master of Arts in School Management, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern. 2020/2021: DSD I / DSD II Prüferzertifikat. 2014, Master of Education in Bilingual Education, DePaul University Chicago, IL. 2011, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Concordia University, River Forest, IL. 2011, Professional Educator License (PEL) for K-12 with ESL Endorsement.

Education: 2001, B.A., Liberal Arts, Sarah Lawrence College.

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: 2022, PhD in Musicology, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Austria. 2016, Magister Degree (BA+MA) in Music Education and French (Grades 5-12), University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and University of Vienna, Austria. 2007-2012 Orchestral Conducting and Violin Performance, École Normale de Musique de Paris and Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse Aulnay-sous-Bois, France. 2002-2006 Preparatory Program Student in Violin Performance, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Austria.

Experience: 2017-2018 Music Teacher (Middle and High School), Gymnasium/Realgymnasium Wien 3, Austria. 2016-2017 French Teacher (High School), Hertha Firnberg Schulen für Wirtschaft und Tourismus Wien, Austria. 2016-2017 Music Teacher (Middle School), Sigmund-Freud-Gymnasium Wien, Austria. 2012-2016 Violin Teacher, Musisches Zentrum Wien, Austria. 2008-2012 Teacher for Violin and Early Music Education, Destination Musique Paris, France. 2008-2009 Assistant Conductor and Copyist, Opéra de Massy, France.

Languages: German, French, 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.

Education: 2023, State Certified Educator (staatlich anerkannter Erzieher), Fachakademie für Sozialpädagogik der Schulstiftung Seligenthal, Landshut, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Preschool Teacher, GISC. 2020-2023, Preschool Teacher, Inklusives Kinderhaus "VilstalKinder", Taufkirchen, Germany. 2019-2020, Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), Inklusives Kinderhaus "VilstalKinder", Taufkirchen, Germany.

Languages: German, English

Education: 2012, Master’s in Education, DePaul University, certified to teach English and French in Grades 6-12 with an endorsement in Middle School Teaching. 2007, Bachelor of Arts in English and French, Ohio State University.

Education: 2021, Second State Examination for English and P.E. - State Institute for Teacher Training (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn des Höheren Schuldienstes an Gymnasien - Studienseminar für Gymnasien Kassel). 2019, First State Examination for English and P.E. at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12 (Erstes Staatsexamen), University of Kassel, Germany. 2014-2015 West Chester University, PA, USA: Undergraduate studies in Kinesiology, Sports, and Sports Science.

Experience: 2022-Present, P.E. & K-8 Teacher, GISC. 2015-2022, English and P.E. Teacher (grades 5-10) at Heinrich-Schuetz-Schule, Kassel, Germany. 2020-2022, English and P.E. Teacher (grade 11) at Jacob-Grimm-Schule, Kassel, Germany. 2018-2019, Staff member, Bureau of Intramural Sports, University of Kassel, Germany.

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, Stevens Point, WI. 2010, B.A., Art, Music, Media, Philipps-Universität, Marburg.

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: 2021, Certificate course for teaching Physics in Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10 (Zertifikatskurs Physik Sek I), Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bezirksregierung Arnsberg.  2020, State Examination for German and Chemistry at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Staatsexamen für das Lehramt an Gymnasien und Gesamtschulen), Ministerium für Schule und Bildung, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. 2018, M.Ed., German and Chemistry for Secondary Schools, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany. 2016, B.A., German and Chemistry for Secondary Schools, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2018-2023, Middle and High School Teacher (Grades 5-13), Albert-Einstein-Gesamtschule, Werdohl, Germany. 2017-2018, Middle and High School Teacher (Grades 5-10), Erich-Fried-Gesamtschule, Wuppertal, Germany. 2016-2017, Tutor for German, Math, and Chemistry, edu.art-Institute, Wuppertal, Germany. 2016, Tutor for diagnosing and promoting writing in multilingual regular classes, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Gymnasium, Remscheid, Germany.

Languages: German, English

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

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, Kindergarten 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: 1983, Zoo Veterinary Technician & Veterinarian Assistant.

Education: 2001, Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Northeastern University, certified to teach English Language Arts and Social Studies in Grades K-9 with an endorsement in Middle School Teaching.

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

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. 2008, M.A., European Comparative Literary Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

Experience: 2020-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2016-Present, IB Coordinator, GISC. 2016-2019, Become Bilingual Teacher, GISC. 2014-2018, Elementary School Teacher, 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. 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: 2019, B.A., Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Preschool Teacher, GISC. 2023, Vice Director, Evangelischer Kindergarten Tersteegenhaus, Cologne, Germany. 2019-2023, Preschool Teacher, Evangelischer Kindergarten Tersteegenhaus, and Parent Course Instructor, FamilienForum Köln e.V., Cologne, Germany.

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: 2005, Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, Spanish Language & Literature, Creative Writing, and Secondary Teaching Certificate, University of Michigan. 

Experience: 2023-Present, Middle Years Program Coordinator, GISC. 2018-Present, Faculty and Co-Manager, Charlotte Lit. 2015-2017, Middle School English, Humanities, and Spanish Teacher, Mackintosh Academy - Littleton; 2014-2015, Manager of Tutoring Services, Regis University. 2011-2013, High School English and Humanities Teacher, Chicago Waldorf School. 2012-2013, Teacher, Northwestern Center for Talent Development. 2008-2010. English Teacher, Bladins International School of Malmö, Sweden; 2005-2007, Qingdao International School of Qingdao, China; 2008-Present, Award-winning author of YA adult, travel memoir, literary novel, and essay-collection-in-progress.

Languages: English, Spanish

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.

Experience: 2020-Present, English Teacher, Elementary & Middle School, 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.

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

Experience: 2023-Present, 2nd Grade Go-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’s Degree, Applied Mathematics, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL. In Progress, Master’s Degree Program, Computer Science, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL. 2001, MBA in Engineering and Science (Arbeits- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftliches Aufbaustudium), Technical University Munich, Germany. 1996, M.Sc. in Physics, Latvian University Riga, Latvia.

Experience: 2023-Present, Mathematics and Science Middle School Teacher, 5th Grade Homeroom  Teacher, GISC. 2005-Present, Instructor, Professional Tutor in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL. 2023, Instructor in Mathematics, Physics, Science, Brightmont Academy, Northfield, IL. 2021-2022, Math Assistant II Faculty, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL. 2020-2022, Graduate Assistantship Teacher, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL. 2019, Math Instructor Algebra, Geometry, Russian School of Mathematics, Skokie, IL.

Languages: German, English, Russian

Education: 2023, M.Ed. (Teaching Profession at Primary Schools), Subjects: Art–Media–Aesthetic Education, German Studies, Mathematics & Educational Studies, University of Bremen, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Art Teacher, GISC. 2021-2023, Primary School Teacher, Bremen, Germany. 2021-2022, Research Assistant at a foundation for early education and language promotion where I developed a preventive and holistic learning program for families with children from the time of birth until school entry, Bremen, Germany. 2018-2021, Group Fitness Instructor (Yoga, Cycling, Zumba etc.), Bremen, Germany.

Languages: German, English

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.