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• Mr. Ray Bertram Upper School Astronomy Elective
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Astronomy, (dual major in Anthropology), University of California, Berkeley
    • Postgraduate Anthropology: University of Hawaii and Northern Arizona University
    • Electrical Engineering Technology: Northern Arizona University
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • High School math, science private tutoring, southern California
    • High School math, science teaching, (U.S. Peace Corps volunteer) Botswana, Africa
    • Honors Program Astronomy Instructor, Northern Arizona University
    • Astronomy, Photography instructor, Thames, New Zealand
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Tours and lectures for Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii), Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff), and Steward Observatory (Tucson).
    • 30 years in Astronomy research and applications with Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii), Ohio State University, Lowell Observatory, and Steward Observatory (Arizona).
    • Years Experience: Professional astronomy: 30; teaching: 4
• Mr. Taylor Bungard 7th and 8th Grade Physics "Learning is hard work, but it should be fun hard work."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Pima Community College West Campus Learning Center
  • Years Experience: 1
• Ms. Cheryl Carnes 6th Grade Biology "Learning should be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!"
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona
    • MS in Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley
    • MEd in Teaching and Teacher Education, University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Carnes taught 7th grade science at Corona Foothills Middle School, Vail School District, AZ, and prior to that, she taught science at Miles Exploratory Learning Center as a student teacher.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Ms. Carnes has always loved science and has worked on several different projects in Arizona and California. She has surveyed birds and bird behavior including grassland sparrows, Bell’s Vireos, and raptors. Furthermore, Ms. Carnes has monitored wildflowers in vernal pools and spring annual wildflowers in the desert. One summer she participated in prescribed burning of grasslands to control invasive plant species. Ms. Carnes took at trip down the coast of Mexico monitoring nesting sea turtles and collecting their eggs to protect them from poachers. During her first masters, she worked with using insects to control insects in agriculture.
    • Years Experience: 2
• Ms. Rachel Cesnik 5-7th Grade Art "It is my belief that once a child is exposed to art their perspective of the world is enriched and their studies in other subjects enhanced."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics from Northern Arizona University
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Her previous teaching experience includes running an after school art program at Saint Joseph’s elementary school in Tucson, AZ. She also spent two years teaching ceramics at a state run facility for the disabled.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Ms. Cesnik has been pursuing her studies of the arts for the past 13 years and has been a part of many juried art shows. While her first love is clay, she also enjoys designing jewelry.
    • Years Experience: 5 This is Ms. Cesnik's second year at BASIS
• Ms. Yi Chen 7th thru 11th Grade Mandarin "My objective as a foreign language teacher is to motivate students toward a level of independence where students develop a desire to learn and think for themselves, and to promote cross-cultural awareness and appreciation as well."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Chinese Language and Literature from Zhejiang Normal University, P.R. China
    • MA in Chinese Linguistics and Teach Chinese as Second/Foreign Language from the University of Arizona
    • Primary and secondary school Teaching Certificates from P.R. China
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Yi Chen has taught Chinese to native speakers in China, University of Arizona and Beloit College in the United States
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Ms. Chen is a reader for AP Chinese Language and Culture exam; and was the judge for the Speech competition in Tucson Chinese School and Southern Arizona Language Fair. Ms. Chen also had taught Chinese, calligraphy and singing classes in Tucson Chinese School for two years. Besides teaching, Ms. Chen also performs traditional and temporary Chinese music with Summer Thunder Chinese Music Ensemble and Tucson Sino Choir and does Calligraphy Demonstration in Tucson and Phoenix.
    • Years Experience: 3 This is Ms. Chen's first year at BASIS
• Mr. Jacob Chinn Upper School Digital Photography
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Northern Arizona University – Graduated in 2001 with a BS Chemistry and a BS Photography, Magna Cum Laude from the New Centuray Honors Program
  • Other Professiona Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Chinn has been a professional photographer for seven years. He has worked as the staff photographer for the University of Arizona Athletic Department for four years and has owned his own photography business for three years. Some of his clients and publications include ; Miraval Resort and Spa, FHM Magazine, ESPN the Magazine, he Chicago Tribune, USA Today and many others.
    • Years Experience: This is Mr. Chinn’s first year teaching at Basis.
• Ms. Shawn Corbett 7th Grade Mathematics, Director of Student Services "I believe that every student can be successful through differentiated instruction and a creative approach to teaching which allows students to use multiple intelligences".
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in French and a BS in Mathematics from the University of Scranton
    • MA in Special Education (Cross Categorical) from the University of Phoenix
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Sylvan Learning Center: Teacher, Director of Education
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Monitored French Club & led student trips to France & Quebec
    • Coached students to compete in the Southern Arizona Language Fair (French Drama and Poetry)
    • Student-taught at Catalina Foothills High School (self-contained classroom for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities).
    • Years Experience: 11
• Mrs. Pascale Cutillas 8th, 10th, 11th & 12th Grade French "Genius without education is like silver in the mine" Benjamin Franklin
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Law (commercial/labor) from the University of Nice, France
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Private tutoring , teacher for the French American Center, Costa Mesa, CA and Saint Augustine High School, Tucson, AZ
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Coached students to compete in the Southern Arizona Language Fair (French Drama and Poetry)
    • Real estate agent
    • Administrative/legal assistant
    • Boarding school supervisor in different high schools
    • Years Experience: 6
• Mrs. Lynn Davidson 5-7th Grade Music "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without."-Confucius
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA of Music from the University of Arizona
    • Certification in Music K-12
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mrs. Davidson was a private piano teacher for 20 years, and has also taught at BASIS TUCSON for 10 years.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in the subject area:
    • Mrs. Davidson was residential student supervision and detention hall monitor for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind
    • Years Experience: 23
• Mrs. Ruth Elder 5th Grade Language Arts "A good teacher nurtures a love of learning."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Elementary Education from Covenant College
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mrs. Elder taught at Fitzgerald Elementary School, Fitzgerald, GA
    • Stockbridge Elementary School, Stockbridge, GA
    • First United Methodist Pre-School and St. Mary’s School, Ft. Walton Beach, FL
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Home schooled three of four children for six years from grades Kindergarten through seventh grade
    • Years Experience: 9
• Mrs. Cecile Gomez-Deboffles 7th & 9th Grade French
  • Institution Attended and Degree Certification Earned:
    • Bachelor Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Aix-en-Provence, France.
    • Prior Teaching Experience: Last year Mrs. Gomez-Deboffles was volunteering at BASIS Tucson, she assisted the French teachers.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Mrs. Gomez-Deboffles did an internship in an Adult Mental Retardation Center and another one with a speech therapist in order to study child dyslexia.
    • Years Experience: This is Mrs. Deboffles’ first year teaching.
• Ms. Jennifer Hamnett 5th Grade Classics, Advanced Topics Philosophy
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Philosophy and Sociology with honors and a minor in Spanish from The University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Hamnett has experience teaching young children coping skills for transitioning families with Divorce Recovery and trained student workers in her position at The University of Arizona Foundation.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Moral and Political Philosophy presenter at the First Annual Southwest Student Philosophy Conference
    • Years Experience: This is Ms. Hamnett’s first year teaching.
• Ms. Teresa Harings 8th English, 9th World Literature, 9th Writing and Critical Analysis, 10th AP English Literature, 12th Capstone: Gender Studies "I find that community—and communication—among students, parents, and teachers is still the greatest factor in a student’s success."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in English Literature from Dartmouth College
    • MA in progress from Middlebury College School of English
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Harings has taught at Basis for three years. She was a teaching assistant in German and ESL at Dartmouth College, and taught 1st - 8th grade at Kilange Elementary in the Marshall Islands.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Editorial Assistant in Publishing
    • Paralegal
    • Poet
    • Years Experience: 5
• Ms. Betsy Hasman 6th Grade English and 6th Grade Latin "I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing." – Socrates
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • M.A. in Classics from the University of Arizona
    • B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Hasman has experience teaching at levels from preschool through college in a wide variety of subjects. Ms. Hasman was a G.T.A instructor for writing emphasis courses in Humanities at the University of Arizona. Ms. Hasman also was a preschool teacher assistant for 2 years.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Violinist
    • Years Experience: 9 This is her fifth year at Basis.
• Mr. Richard Hood 6th Grade Chemistry and Physics "Teaching is not telling, learning is not repeating."
  • Institutions Attended and degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Chemistry Education from Arizona State, 1981
    • Other undergraduate credits in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics from University of Arizona
    • Graduate credits in Physics, Physical Science, Teacher Education, and Mathematics from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University
    • Professional Development in Middle School Science, Nuclear Technology, Science Olympiad Coaches training at the University of New Mexico, Northern Iowa University, and sites in Colorado, California, and Michigan
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Hood has taught since 1981in the Metropolitan Phoenix area. Assignments include physical science lab instructor for elementary teachers at ASU during graduate studies; 4th-12th grade integrated science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other core subjects in private schools; integrated physical science, chemistry, physics, and math in public high schools.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Hood has set up and taught summer middle school summer programs in the community colleges and McNary School. He has taught workshops at various conferences such as the National Science Teachers’ Association and Science Olympiad Coaches’ Training. He pioneered the ALEKS math on-line program for an alternative high school. He and his students have received recognition, grants and prizes in metropolitan science fairs, state and local Science Olympiad, Invent America, regional math and science competitions, technology competitions such as Solar Splash.
    • Years Experience: 27+
• Mr. Kevin Johnson 7-11th Grade Drama "When a child is expected to reach high academic goals, they should be just as stimulated with elevated artistic goals - working together in an environment that encourages them to reach for excellence that is higher than is what is expected by most."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • B.A. from Southwest Texas State University
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Johnson taught at Pueblo Gardens Elementary School, Shonto Prep School, and Numerous Theatrical Studios. Mr. Johnson also taught at the University of Arizona Special Education and Rehabilitation.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Arizona Onstage Productions and Arizona Youth Onstage
    • Years Experience: 14
• Mr. Matt Johnston 8th Grade Biology, Honors Biology, Biology/Chemistry Capstone "How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children." – Charles Darwin
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • B.S. Organismal Biology, University of Kansas.
    • M.S. Entomology, University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Taught introductory and advanced biology courses at the University of Arizona, and introductory biology at Pima Community College.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Presentations at scientific meetings. recently had a research paper accepted to a peer reviewed science journal. Attended AP Biology Conference in 2008.
    • Years Experience: 11 This is his second year at BASIS
• Mr. James Kittredge 8th Grade English and 8th Grade Literary Magazine "Education is a mutual journey between teacher and student in which the questions asked are just as important as the questions answered."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • MA in Theater from the University of Arizona
    • BA in Theater from Dartmouth College
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Kittredge taught theater at the university level for two years, and various Theater History courses.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Directing Internship
    • Counselor/ Instructor
    • Years Experience: 3 This is his second year teaching at BASIS.
• Ms. Rebecca Knight 5th & 6th Grade Physical Education – Martial Arts Instruction I teach because... I have the ability to encourage positive change. I have room for creativity. I am challenged. I can see improvement in myself and others. I can encourage respect and discipline. I can share my passion for the martial arts with others
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • 1998 1st Degree Black Belt - Kenpo Karate
    • 1999 Certified Kickboxing Instructor – City of Tucson Parks & Recreation
    • 2001 2nd Degree Black Belt – Kenpo Karate
    • 2003 3rd Degree Black Belt – Kenpo Karate
    • 2007 Certified Kickboxing Instructor – Pima Community College
    • 2007 4th Degree Black Belt – Kenpo Karate
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • 1997 – Present - Martial Arts Instructor at AKKA Karate UAS & American Institute of Kenpo
    • 1999-2002 Kickboxing Instructor – City of Tucson Parks & Recreation
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • 2003- Present – Manager and Program Director for the American Institute of Kenpo
    • Years Experience: 10
• Ms. Tatiana Kolesikova 8th Grade Algebra 2, 9th Grade Pre-Calculus, 10th Grade Calculus, 11th Grade AP Calculus, and 12th Grade Capstone Seminar "Lead students to excellence through hard work."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • MA in Secondary Education with an emphasis on Mathematics and Physics from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mrs. Kolesikova taught mathematics at middle and high school in Slovakia and at Pima Community College.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • 2003 Research to Practice Summit Workshop in Washington DC
    • Years Experience: 15
• Mr. Neil Kozlowicz 7th Grade English & Rhetoric
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in English from Western Michigan University
    • MFA in English from the University of Minnesota
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Kozlowicz was a Graduate Assistant and Instructor at the University of Minnesota for three years teaching Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Editor of English at Minnesota , Alumni Magazine
    • Book Reviewer for Rain Taxi Review of Books
    • Published Poet
    • Esther Freier Endowed Lecture in Literature Event Organizer
    • Years Experience: 6
• Mr. Robert Lee 6th and 7th Grade Chemistry & Physics "An expert is a man who has made all of the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field." -Bohr
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • B.S.- Physics - Millersville University
    • M.S.- Physics - University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Lee has taught physics for several years at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College. He has also taught MCAT courses and worked as a state tutor on the AIMS program.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Lee previously worked as a research assistant at the Imaging Technology Laboratory. The emphasis was placed on computational models of solid state detectors.
    • Years Experience: 6
• Ms. Michelle Mason 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Latin "non scholae sed vitae"
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Anthropology from the University of Arizona
    • MA in Classics from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Mason has twelve years of experience teaching Latin. She taught seventh and eighth grade Latin for three years at St. Michael’s School in Tucson. She returned to the University of Arizona and taught Elementary and Intermediate Latin for several years. She also taught Roman Art and Archaeology and Classical Traditions at the University of Arizona Orvieto Institute in Italy.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • In addition to Latin, Ms. Mason has a strong background in Roman architecture and archaeology. She excavated a Roman site in Italy for five years and studied several ancient sites in Italy, such as Pompeii and Paestum. It is her goal to give her students both an understanding of and enthusiasm for the treasures of the ancient world.
    • Years Experience: This is Ms. Mason’s second year at BASIS.
• Mr. Kevin Mathews 8th Grade Chemistry, Honors/AP Chemistry
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • MA in Chemistry from the University of Arizona
    • BS in Chemistry from Rhodes College in Memphis
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Mathews taught undergraduate labs at the University of Arizona as a graduate student. Mr. Mathews also taught English in Korea during the time between college and grad school.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Matthews is a versatile teacher who has taught science in every grade that BASIS has including 5th grade science, 6th grade Biology and Chemistry in addition to his current courses. He has attended multiple AP Institutes and Workshops in chemistry as well as coordinated nthe Science Bowl team and led them to competitions. He also has lead students in a variety of trips including taking students to be counselors and leaders at the Northwest Oregon Outdoor Science School.
    • Years Experience: 10
• Britney Murray AP Psychology
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • B.S. in Psychology from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • This Ms. Murray’s second year teaching AP Psychology at BASIS.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • While at the UA, Ms. Murray was a research assistant in a social psychology lab for a year and half. In this lab she participated in research studying discrimination and cognitive dissonance. Also in addition to teaching, she currently works at Providence Service Corporation which provides mental and behavioral health services to children.
    • Years Experience: 1
• Ms. Michaela Pliesovska 8th Grade Math, 9th Grade Pre-Calculus, 10th Grade Calculus "Math is everywhere!"
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • MS in teaching Mathematics and Biology from University of Ceske Budejonice, Czech Republic
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Pliesovska taught high school during the final phase of her graduate work, followed by a year of teaching at the middle school level.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Off-Campus Math Competitions
    • End of the Year Projects based on mathematical themes
    • Years Experience: 7
• Mrs. Agnes Post 5th - 6th Grade Math
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Elementary Education with special concentration in math from the University of Arizona
    • MA in ESL from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mrs. Post was a fifth grade teacher for three years.
    • She taught middle school science for one year.
    • Mrs. Post worked with families in a virtual school for two years, one of those years as a Title 1 math specialist.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Mrs. Post was a private math tutor at the high school level.
    • Years Experience: 7
• Mr. Larry Priser 5th Grade Geography "The two most important things a teacher can give a student are roots and wings."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • University of Arizona
    • University of California at Los Angeles
    • Pima Community College
    • Eastern Arizona Junior College
    • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Accounting major
    • Bachelor of Arts in Education - Business Education major
  • Certifications Earned:
    • Temporary Secondary Teaching Certificate - Business Education
    • Emergency Teaching Certificate - Elementary Education
    • District Specific Teaching Certificate - Computer Science - Pima College
    • Substitute Teaching Certificate
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Math/Computer Science - Chicanos Por La Causa
    • Aviation and Substitute Teacher - Tucson Unified School District
    • General Business Studies - Pima College
    • Adult Business Education - Tohono O’Odham Education Department
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Accountant - Tucson Electric Power
    • Senior Accountant - Tohono O’Odham Police Department
    • Budget Analyst - Houston Light & Power
    • Pilot - Single Engine - Land and Sailplane ratings – 200+ hours total time
    • Commercial Drivers License - Certified in Hazardous Materials and Tankers
    • Years of Experience: 22
• Mr. Roberto Ramirez 8th-12th Grade Spanish "I enjoy having an active and real life oriented classroom atmosphere, where students play a leading role in their learning experience by reaching goals at their individual pace."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Bachelors Degree in Economics and Business Universidad del Sol, Mexico City
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Middle School Spanish Teacher Tucson Country Day School
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Volunteer teacher in Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico during the summer months
    • Years of Experience: 4 This is Mr. Ramirez’ first year at BASIS
• Dr. George Rising Academic Director 8th Grade World History, 12th Grade Capstone Seminar "Learning is simple but not easy, like running a marathon is simple but not easy."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in History from the University of California, Berkeley
    • MA in History from the University of Arizona
    • PhD in U.S. History from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Dr. Rising teaches U.S. History part time at the University of Arizona, where he won a commendation for receiving outstanding teaching evaluations from his students.
    • Dr. Rising previously taught AP U.S. History and Government at St. Gregory College Prep.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • AP Classic Institute
    • FTE Teaching Economics in History
    • Who’s Who among America’s Teachers
    • 8 awards for Scholarly work
    • 25 Professional Conferences
    • Published two books about U.S. political history and is finishing a third
    • Member of several professional academic organizations (AHA, OAH, ASPA)
    • Years Experience: 14
• Mr. Scott Shaver 6-7th Grade Social Studies, 7th Grade Rhetoric "I don’t have to teach- I get to teach."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in English from Northern Arizona University
    • MA in English from Northern Arizona University
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Shaver taught freshman English, while he was obtaining his Masters Degree.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Improv Comedy
    • World Travel
    • Years Experience: 8
• Ms. Noreen Sleator 5th Grade Introduction to Science "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." -Aristotle
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Continuing Education: Education and Design from Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ Fall 2005
    • Continuing Education: Reading Endorsement from University of Phoenix, Tucson, AZ June 2001-present
    • Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate Program from University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ May 1990
    • B.S. Agriculture, Major: Animal Health Science from University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ May 1982
    • Studied Biology, Chemistry, Mathematic, and General Studies from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ August 1978-May 1980
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • General Science, Pre-Algebra, and Literacy, grade 6 August 2004-May 2006 and Literacy: Grade 8 November 2002-May 2004
    • Literacy Assistance Program, grades 4-5 August 2001-November 2002
    • Integrated Physical Science, grade 9 August 1991-October 1994
    • Chemistry, Biology I, Biology II, General Science, and Study Skills, grades 6-12 July 1990-May 1991
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Research Assistant I-III
    • Lab Tech
    • Years Experience: 10
• Mr. Andrew Sterling 8th Grade AP World History Prep, 11th Grade AP U.S. History, Speech & Debate
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Amherst College (Amherst, MA) BA Law Jurisprudence & Social Thought with Minor in Theater & Dance
    • The University of Texas School of Law (Austin, Texas) J.D., with honors, Member Texas Law Review
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Amerischools College Preparatory Academy (Tucson, AZ)
    • Taught World & US History, Speech & Debate, US Government, Drama
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Goodwin Procter (Washington, D.C.) Associate attorney, commercial litigation department (2002-2004)
• Ms. Jane Strohm 7th Grade Chemistry, 7th Grade Biology, 7th Grade Spanish
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BS in Biology from the University of Arizona
    • Secondary Teacher Certification for Biology and Chemistry with Spanish Bilingual endorsement from the University of Arizona
    • Gifted and Talented Endorsement from the University of Phoenix
    • Firefighter and EMT – Basic Certifications from Pima Community College
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Strohm taught 7-8th grade bilingual GATE Science and Spanish Language, and 7th grade GATE Language Arts, Social Studies, and Literature at Pistor Middle School . Ms. Strohm also taught Biology and Algebra I at Verde Valley School .
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Course Studies in the Chemistry of fire suppression
    • Emergency Medical Response of Human Biology
    • In 2001 Ms. Strohm was awarded the Discovery Youth Science Challenge Teacher’s Award for mentoring a science fair award winner.
    • She assisted in coaching the 2007 BASIS Tucson Science Bowl Team to Regionals 2nd Place win.
    • In 2008 she was awarded the AZ-START internship for summer research.
    • She is currently attending the University of Arizona Master’s in Biology program for teachers. She has elected to do research with Dr. Wulfila Gronenberg investigating insects as a model for neurobiology, specifically investigating learning and memory in bumblebees.
    • Years Experience: 6
• Ms. Elizabeth Thies 6-12th Grade Physical Education Athletic Director "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." - Plato
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA of Sociology (Graduate in May), Northern Arizona University
    • Associates Degree, Administration of Justice, Pima Community College
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Physical Education Teacher, Satori Charter School
    • Academic Core Teacher, Satori Charter School
    • SPED Assistant, Satori Charter School
    • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her
  • subject area:
    • Athletic Director, Satori Charter School
    • Nationally Licensed Soccer Coach (US Soccer)
    • Also coached MS Softball, Cross Country, and Flag Football
    • Years Experience: 4
• Ms. Julia Toews 8th Grade English, 11th Grade AP English Literature, and 12th Grade College Counseling "Tough Love (just kidding) I believe in collaborative critical thinking in the classroom (seminar style classes) and also in keeping expectations high for students. My students are expected to engage with class material, with other students, and with their own writing. In other words, I ask students to become involved in the educational process, and to strive for intellectual depth. I also tell a lot of jokes.
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in English from Reed College, Phi Beta Kappa
    • MA in English from John Hopkins University
    • Secondary School Teaching Certificate in English
    • Preliminary/ Provisional endorsement in ELL
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Ms. Toews was a Teacher's Assistant and Instructor at Johns Hopkins University, an English teacher for
    • grades 9-12 at the Verde Valley School in Sedona, and an English teacher for grades 10 and 11 at the
    • Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy before coming to BASIS in 2004.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Freelance writer at the Willamette Week in Portland, Oregon
    • Research Assistant
    • Editorial Assistant
    • Dorm Parent, Verde Valley School
    • Years Experience: 13
• Mrs. Ling van Bree 6th Grade Math "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with the problem longer." -Albert Einstein
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BS in Mechanical Engineering from China
    • BS in Physics from the University of Utah
    • Minor in Mathematics from the University of Utah.
    • Masters degree in Physics in progress.
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • While attending the University Of Utah Mrs. van Bree taught entry level Physics for a year. She tutored Mathematics at the University of Utah for three years. Mrs. van Bree also taught conversational Chinese for one year. Most recently before coming to Basis she volunteered at a local elementary school for one year.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in the subject area:
    • Two years of designing and optimizing different machine parts for equipment used in a pharmaceutical factory, Mrs. van Bree was also a key person in the architectural design of a new building for the factory.
    • Years of Experience: 6
• Ms. Hester J. van Heemstra Grades 7-12th Visual Art
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Lycee Francais de New York, Philosophy Baccalaureate
    • BFA cum Laude in Printmaking from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York
    • Rio Grande Precious Metal Clay teaching certificate
    • Arizona teacher certification in secondary visual arts
    • Structured English Immersion endorsement
    • Art endorsement K to12
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Past co-president of Southern Arizona Clay Artists for two years, participated on the board of "Step into the Arts" for the original downtown family arts festival, participated at the TMA artisan's market since 1993, attended AP Studio Art workshop.
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Student teaching, Townsend Middle School
    • Substitute teacher, SUSD K-12
    • After school and summer art instructor for Catalina Foothills Community Schools
    • Clay and drawing classes at Tucson International Academy
    • Years Experience: 8
• Mr. Marc Waggoner Economics 8th Grade / AP Micro & Macro Game Theory
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Economics with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Arizona
  • Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Waggoner comes from a forestry/wildland fire background where he trained new firefighters in the application of fire suppression methods and fire prevention techniques.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Waggoner has assisted in the management of forestry resources and budgets for various forestry projects, wildfires, and prescribed burns.
    • Years Experience: 1st year at BASIS
• Ms. Kathi Waldron 8th Grade Biology, 8th Grade Math, AP Biology, AP Chemistry "Never Forget Your Dreams."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BS in Chemistry and Minor in Mathematics from Indiana University of PA
    • MA in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mrs. Waldron was a substitute teacher at Tanque Verde and TUSD. Mrs. Waldron has been with BASIS TUCSON since it opened.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced her knowledge and skills in her subject area:
    • Mrs. Waldron taught Med-Start Student Programs at the University of Arizona.
    • Years Experience: 11+
• Mr. Tim Warren Music-AP Theory, Middle School Band and Orchestra, Upper School Instrumental Ensemble, Extreme Sports Extracurricular (Upper School)
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BS in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY
    • Music Studies at University of Newcastle Conservatorium, Newcastle, NSW Australia
    • MM in Conducting Performance from the New England Conservatory, Boston, MA
    • DMA in Conducting (anticipated 2010) from the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Warren was a teaching assistant at Roberts Wesleyan College, New England Conservatory, and University of Arizona and was Instrumental Ensemble Director at Greece Christian School in Greece, New York and BASIS Middle School in Tucson, Arizona.
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Warren has worked with student and professional ensembles domestically and internationally. His recent professional engagements have taken him to Australia, France, and Argentina. He was the 2004 Conducting Apprentice for the Hochstein School of Music and Dance in Rochester, New York. He has appeared as a guest conductor at music schools, universities and conservatories. He will be co-director of ACE (Arizona Contemporary Ensemble) during the 2008/2009 season and is a coordinator for the 2008 Messiaen/Crumb festival at The University of Arizona. During the 2008/2009 season he will be conducting several musical theatre performances with Arizona Onstage Productions. Mr. Warren teaches private music lessons in conducting, trumpet, saxophone, and music theory. His students have attended music festivals throughout the United States. As an orchestra administrator he has worked at several colleges and universities and at Symphony Hall in Boston
    • Years Experience: This is his second year at Basis
• Mr. Jeffrey Winkelman 5th Grade Geography and 6th Grade History "Keep expectations high and never stop learning."
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • BA in Anthropology with a minor in Astronomy from the University of Arizona
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Mr. Winkelman taught Language Arts at Safford Magnet Middle School, History at Cholla Magnet High School, and Geometry at Catalina Magnet High School. Mr. Winkelman was also a tutor in Greek Classic and Anthropology
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • Mr. Winkelman coached the BASIS 5th grade Chess team to victory in 2007. They took First Place in the State of Arizona.
    • Years Experience: 8
• Dr. Mark Zellmer 8th Grade World History, 9th Grade AP World History, 10th Grade AP European History History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity. Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), Pro Publio Sestio
  • Institutions Attended and Degree Certifications Earned:
    • Ph.D. in Latin American History from the University of Colorado, Boulder
    • M.A. in Medieval History from University of Colorado, Boulder
    • B.A. in History from University of San Diego
    • Adjunct Professor, Red Rocks Community College, Golden, CO.
    • Adjunct Professor, Columbia College, Aurora, CO.
    • Graduate Instructor, University of Colorado, Boulder.
  • Prior Teaching Experience:
    • Dr. Zellmer taught at BASIS Scottsdale/David Ricardo School, Athenian School, Danville, CA, Waterford School, Sandy, UT, and Teikyo Loretto Heights University, Denver, CO. Dr. Zellmer was an Adjunct Professor at Red Rocks Community College, Golden, CO and Columbia College, Aurora, CO. He was also
    • Instructor, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
  • Other Professional Experience that has enhanced his knowledge and skills in his subject area:
    • AP National Convention
    • AP European History Seminar, University of Denver
    • AP World History Seminar, Bowdoin College
    • Dr. Zellmer, funded by a Fulbright and Organization of American States fellowships, researched in Caracas, Venezuela, for over two years, and also spent a year teaching in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In addition, he has attended AP workshops for World and European history.
    • Years Experience: 25