Meet the Third Grade Team
Namaste! We are so pleased to welcome you to third grade at the American School of Bombay. We have a team of returning teachers and teaching assistants, all with a wealth of experience and knowledge about children and best practices in education. As a grade level, we individualize learning to best meet the needs of our students.
Chris Baker, Teacher
Hello! I am Chris Baker. I’m from a small town in Southern England and am excited to be starting my first year at ASB. Prior to my teacher training in the UK, I lived in India for three years, and Cambodia for two years, working in public health education and research. I’m really looking forward to creating some wonderful, learning experiences with the children in Grade 3, employing our imaginations to their full potential. I particularly enjoy seeing children pursue their own passions and set their own challenges to deepen their understanding.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nisha Budhrani, Teaching Assistant
My name is Nisha Budhrani, I am the Teaching Assistant for 3Lopez. I am moving into my 12th year at ASB. Looking forward to meet new families and kids where I can channelize them to achieve their goals. It would be wonderful to work with Grade Three students. It would be great to spend time with your kids and see them grow in every way.
[email protected] |
Sunita Lulla, Teaching Assistant
My name is Sunita Lulla. I am the teaching Assistant for 3Baker. I grew up in Dubai which is the place I call home. I love traveling and reading. Having 9 years of teaching experience with schools in Mumbai and Dubai, I have developed my philosophy of valuing each child as an individual, as well as part of a community. I look forward to my second year with Grade 3. I aim to give children as many learning opportunities and experiences as possible in order to engage, motivate and prepare them for future life.
[email protected] |
Beth Lopez, Teacher
Greetings! I am Beth López and I am originally from Michigan, USA. This is my fourth year at ASB and my third year teaching third grade. I have three adult children who have grown up in a school like ASB in Brazil, which was our home for 23 years. During my years as an educator, I have taught a number of grade levels and had different leadership roles in the United States, Brazil, and Colombia. My husband, Henry (a Colombian) and I are very happy to be in India as each day is a new adventure. I look forward to spending time with both you and your children and am thrilled to be a part of your child’s academic journey in third grade. [email protected] |
Vandana Manwani, EAL
Hello! My name is Vandana Manwani and this is my 6th year teaching English as an additional language (EAL) at ASB. I support second language learners to acquire both academic and social language to participate fully in all aspects of school life at ASB. I hold Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate from the TEFL International Teacher Training Centre; Phuket, Thailand and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Boston University. I facilitate learning by fostering an environment where students have opportunities for academic choice and are encouraged to reason and ask questions. I believe that learning is a journey of discovery for both the student and the educator. I am excited to be working with grade 3 students and look forward to a year full of fun and learning. All information about the EAL Philosophy, curriculum, program and resources for all six units of Literacy, Unit of Inquiry (UOI) and Math are available at: http://vandanamanwanieal.weebly.com/
Please contact me at [email protected] or in person. |
Vani Mehra, Teaching Assistant
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I am eager to start a new year, along with another batch of enthusiastic young minds. This is my 12th year at ASB. For the past 11 years, I have worked in Grade 4. This year I am excited to be part of the Grade 3 team.
The close knit community of ASB has helped me grow immensely… as a teacher, a parent and most importantly as an individual. Prior to taking up this role, as a Teaching Assistant, I worked with differently abled children, a job that was challenging but immensely gratifying.
I believe in being hands on in the classroom and prefer the role of being a ‘facilitator’ rather than that of a ‘teacher’. I believe in facilitating learning opportunities where students are encouraged to develop a comfortable relationship with making mistakes while pursuing their learning.
[email protected]
The close knit community of ASB has helped me grow immensely… as a teacher, a parent and most importantly as an individual. Prior to taking up this role, as a Teaching Assistant, I worked with differently abled children, a job that was challenging but immensely gratifying.
I believe in being hands on in the classroom and prefer the role of being a ‘facilitator’ rather than that of a ‘teacher’. I believe in facilitating learning opportunities where students are encouraged to develop a comfortable relationship with making mistakes while pursuing their learning.
[email protected]
Mary McPherson, Learning Coach
I am Mary McPherson and I am delighted to join ASB as an Elementary Learning Coach. I have held similar roles in The Netherlands, Zimbabwe and in my home state of Maryland. I say similar because as you know, there is nothing quite like ASB! I am looking forward to working alongside you and these educators to support your children’s growth. My contact is [email protected]
Tracy Blair, Teacher
Hi, I am Tracy Blair. I am excited to be starting a new school year and I look forward to seeing everyone back at school. My family and I come from New Zealand and have lived and worked internationally for the past 15 years. I have one son who is starting 7th grade and my husband teaches PE at the Upper School. We love to travel, explore our passions and continue to learn outside of the classroom. I feel grateful to play a role in the lives of children in developing responsible citizens who will be successful in their world by being effective, passionate, creative, and critical learners.
[email protected]