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.”