At GAIS, all teachers are credentialed and qualified to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

Our Middle School Teachers

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Julia Mumme - Homeroom Teacher of Grade 8 and Teacher of Math

I was born and raised in Rinteln, Germany, and studied at the Heinrich-Heine University in Duesseldorf. I spent some time in New Zealand and Australia before finishing my studies as a Gymnasium level teacher for mathematics and biology. I am very much looking forward to working at GAIS.

Andre Biesel - Homeroom Teacher of Grade 7 and Teacher of German, History and Social Studies

I was born in the beautiful Lausitz area in Germany and studied German, mathematics and education of children with special needs. Later, I directed a center focused on helping students with reading and writing challenges and dyslexia in Magdeburg. I am looking forward to the new challenge of teaching at GAIS in an international environment.

Bridey Baring - Homeroom Teacher of Grade 6 and Teacher of English, US History and Social Studies

I was born and raised in the wine region of country Victoria in Australia. In 2000 I graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). I then worked full time for seven years in three Elementary Schools, teaching all subjects from 3rd through to 6th grade. During this time I was heavily involved in student sporting programs and coaching. Before moving to the Bay Area in January of 2008, I taught English, Computer Technology and Social Studies at a girls’ school in Brisbane, Queensland. I am looking forward to becoming a member of and contributing to the GAIS community.

Sabrina Grossmann - Teacher of Science

Early this year, I moved with my family from Bavaria, Germany to California. After my parental leave, I am now excited to return to my profession at GAIS. I graduated from the University of Regensburg in 2005 and worked as a science teacher at two schools (type: Realschule) until the birth of my second daughter in 2009. Being enthusiastic about science myself I always enjoy to arouse the children‘s interest for natural sciences.

Katharina Taatz - Teacher of Visual Arts

I was born and raised in a small village near Leipzig, Germany. I studied German, Mathematics, Geography, Social Science and Physical Education at the Otto-Friedrich-University in Bamberg. After graduating I taught for two years in an elementary school near Bamberg. After that I went back to Leipzig to become the homeroom teacher of a third grade at a Private School that had a focus on creativity. I also taught Literature and Performing Arts. I'm experienced teaching in a variety of grades. In my teaching I have a personal focus on group work and differentiation. In my spare time I love to swim, read, bike and I love Basketball. I am really looking forward to putting all my passion and enthusiasm into my work at GAIS. It's great to be part of the GAIS community. 

Anneliese Messner - Music Teacher

I grew up in Minnesota and Austria and studied in Innsbruck, Austria, and Amherst, Massachusetts. I earned Master’s degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. I have taught grades K-12 at private and public schools in Austria, Germany, Massachusetts, and California.

Amanda Rodriguez - Teacher of Spanish, US History and Government

¡Hola! I have lived, studied, and taught in the U.S. State of Illinois most of my life. I received my Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University with endorsements in Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, Spanish, Language Arts, and Humanities. I was a classroom teacher in a Spanish Bilingual Education program for the last 6 years and worked with students from grades 1-6. At the same time, I continued my studies and completed my Master's Degree in Educational Administration, as well as completed the technology training courses offered by Smart Board, Inc. I worked as the District Bilingual Program Advisor, the building data/technology training representative, and taught Grade 5 my last 2 years in Illinois. I am excited that my move to the Bay Area has brought me to GAIS. I look forward to learning even more as I become a part of an international learning community.

Celine Wahl - Teacher of French

Bonjour! My name is Celine. I am the new French teacher and very pleased to work for an IB school. I was born in Lille, in the northern part of France, where I later studied German at the University of Lille, to become a teacher. In 1995 I moved to Munich/Germany, where I taught French to children and adults. In 2000 we moved to California and we really enjoy the Californian way of life! My passion is teaching my mother tongue and conveying the original French culture. I also work for PAFEA, teaching French to French children who live here. My goal is to make your children speak French without the fear of making mistakes - as this is part of the process of learning a foreign language. A bientot!

After-School Teachers

Isabelle Heller - After-School (Hort) Teacher

While gaining my credential for elementary and middle school in Heidelberg, I taught Music, Art, and English in 1st through 7th grade. I also had a little after school choir and music group, which I enjoyed very much. My family and I moved to the Bay Area in 2009, where I started teaching German at the Saturday School in Willow Glen. While continuing my 1./2. class there, I am now looking forward to working with children every day in the GAIS after school program.