Contact: amyp@sv.ycef.com

“I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I went to Oregon for a few years for school, but ultimately ended up moving back home around 2021. I have 2 year old cat named Cricket and I love everything arts & crafts! I chose to teach at YCIS because I like and agree with the child-led, emergent curriculum and hope to get the opportunity to grow and learn, as both a person and as an educator. Having a bicultural, bilingual classroom helps, both the students and educators, to get a better, more well-rounded understanding of the world.”

Education:

B.S. Psychology from the University of Oregon

Year joined YCIS: 2023

Contact: christinap@sv.ycef.com

“I made it my goal to one day teach at YCIS after meeting some YCIS students at an outdoor science camp. YCIS students are some of the most respectful, well-rounded, enthusiastic, and goal-driven students I have ever met. After being hired, I knew this was a place to set down some roots. I feel privileged to teach at a school where all teachers are devoted to excellence and educating the whole child. Teachers, administrators, and parents work with a team mentality— striving to provide the best education possible for our students. I am proud to be a part of the YCIS family.”

Education:

B.S. Economics and Communications, University of California, Davis; M.S. Education, University of California, Davis; Certifications: Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CLAD, and ELD/SDAIE certification.

Year Joined YCIS: 2013

Contact: seemap@sv.ycef.com

“Hello! My name is Seema Punjabi, and I have been teaching Mathematics and English for 23 years. I began teaching in New York City and then moved to California with my husband, Manish. We have two kids who are 19 and 14. We love to travel, socialize with friends and family, and I am the president of an organization known as the National Charity League, which fosters a strong mother and daughter relationship. I love teaching elementary school English and Math because of the students’ genuine curiosity and their rich discussions and investigations that result. I am very excited about my new role as a second-grade teacher and I devote my teaching expertise to enhancing the whole child’s sense of success and helping them achieve their highest potential, through immersing myself in a dual-language school setting.

I look forward to embracing the YCIS culture and striving to reach my highest potential. When I am not teaching, I enjoy retail therapy, exercising, swimming, and watching The Golden State Warriors. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead at YCIS.”

Education:

BS In Early Child with a Mathematics Minor and Masters in Applied Mathematics from Columbia University Teachers College. Certification: Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Year joined YCIS: 2023

Contact: vivianq@sv.ycef.com

“I joined YCIS Silicon Valley in 2003. I like YCIS’s uniqueness of blending West and East. A culturally rich world classroom makes school learning much more meaningful and enjoyable. In my years with YCIS, I have witnessed respecting individual learners and promoting multiple-intelligence development to allow each student to develop their own individual talents. At YCIS, I have experienced how a learning community greatly benefits all its members. YCIS students, staff, even our parents and family members are greatly encouraged and supported to seek and explore knowledge, to foster individual and collaborative skills. I enjoy my everyday working, learning and growing at YCIS. We welcome you to join us. We will be very honored to assist your family and guide our young learners as they start their amazing educational journey! See you at YCIS!”

Education:

A.A. Multidiscipline concentration in Early Childhood Education, De Anza College; B.A. Child and Adolescent Development, San Jose State University; M.Ed. Educational Leadership, American College of Education. Certification: California Child Development Director Permit

Year Joined YCIS: 2003

Contact: beckyq@sv.ycef.com

“Born and raised in Beijing, China. I received my bachelor degree in Mathematics and became a middle school math teacher after graduation.

I joined YCISSV in 2003 and my entire professional growth has been with YCIS. I was here when the school started with less than 10 elementary students and am still here today to witness YCIS’s expansion to a full preschool and elementary school. I have had the privilege to know so many YCIS students since they were in YCIS preschool and have watched them grow up and become global citizens with exceptional bilingual language skills.

I am so proud to come along all the way with YCIS and am honored to continue to serve the school.”

“Returning to YCIS-SV after 10 years away, including 4 years in Shanghai, I am filled with excitement. With over 35 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and administration in public, private, and international schools, I am eager to engage in collaborative work with our teachers, administration, students, and parents. YCIS-SV is a unique community that blends Eastern and Western cultures to provide an exceptional English-Chinese dual language education. Drawing from my diverse experiences, I am motivated to utilize my knowledge to enhance this learning environment.

Being part of the YCYW global community of schools fills me with pride. We have embraced a co-teaching model in all of our classrooms, where English and Chinese (both language and culture) are equally spoken and respected.

I am grateful for the opportunity to return to YCIS-SV and contribute to the growth and success of our school community. Together, we can continue to create a truly exceptional educational experience for our students.”

Contact: perlar@sv.ycef.com

“I was born in Mexico but have lived in the Bay Area since the age of one. In my free time, I enjoy movies, spending time with my family, reading, and trying new places to eat. What I love most about teaching is observing children learn and grow from the beginning to the end of the year. I love how honest, smart, and kind they can be. Also, the innocence with which they perceive the world. What I like about YCIS is how kind and friendly the teachers, administrators, and parents are. I am always looking forward to learning and growing as an educator, and becoming a part of the YCIS family will provide me the opportunity to do so. Maybe along the way, I hope to add Chinese to my language list.”

Education:

AS-T in Early Childhood Education from Foothill College

Year joined YCIS: 2023

Contact: xitlalir@sv.ycef.com

“My passion for teaching started when I was a child. I remember holding a small chalkboard and asking my brothers, “What’s 1+1?.” As I grew older, my interest in teaching continued but I thought about majoring in Math because it’s another passion I have. After attending a conference focused on Early Childhood Education at Pacific Oaks College, I decided to major in Education with a focus on Early Childhood. My journey with children started when I volunteered at a preschool in Willow Glen. The children captured my heart and there I understood what a gift children are to our world. I believe in educating the whole child and learning along with them. When I visited the YCIS family I saw these beliefs acted on. I saw how everyone treats the children with respect and how they use their interests to create meaningful activities for them. This is why I am proud of being a part of the YCIS family and I am delighted to teach in this beautiful community.”

Education:

A.S in Math and Science from National Hispanic University, B.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, M.A in Educational Leadership from Santa Clara University. Permits: Child Development Site Supervisor Permit

Year Joined YCIS: 2022