Every school year brings new students, new classes and new teachers. This year, Ms. Madison Gordon, Mrs. Elena Garcia, Mr. Charles Braddock, and Mrs. Vicky Puentes have joined the school community.

Each teacher comes from a different background and has their own reasons for becoming an educator.

For Ms. Gordon, teaching is about helping students who struggle with certain subjects. She chose ILS because she likes the message of the school and said the faculty and students are welcoming. One of her biggest surprises has been how much the school floods. Ms. Gordon hopes her students can learn to appreciate math and use it to improve their problem-solving skills in real life. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening and running.

Mrs. Garcia’s interest in teaching started when she was in fourth grade. Her fourth-grade teacher inspired her to become an educator. She chose ILS because of its community feeling. Ms. Garcia said she wants to, “see them grow as individuals,” demonstrating that her goal goes beyond academics. She has also noticed the amount of technology used at the school. Outside the classroom, Ms. Garcia has a unique talent: she can make sound effects.

Mr. Braddock became a teacher after seeing it as, “a God-given opportunity and a door that got opened.” He decided to come to ILS school because he wanted a change and something new. One thing that surprised him was the freedom teachers have when teaching. His goal for his students is simple: “To be iconic.” Outside of the classroom, Mr. Braddock says he is really good at FIFA and NCAA.

Although these four teachers have different experiences and personalities, they all bring something new to campus. Their goals and backgrounds will give students the opportunity to learn from teachers who have taken different paths to reach the classroom