Faculty & Staff

Before joining GISC as Director, Ben most recently served as the Director of Administration at the German International School Washington, DC. Prior to that, Ben held several leadership positions at US-based private independent schools, including headships at Madison Country Day School, an authorized IB World School, and at Quest Academy, a gifted education school in the Chicago suburbs. Ben’s career in education began at the Atlanta International School where he started as a German and History Teacher and eventually became Head of Middle School, a position in which he helped the school earn authorization for the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Program. He holds undergraduate degrees in English and Intercultural Studies, a graduate degree in Communications, and a master’s level certification in gifted education. Ben grew up in Munich, Germany, is bilingual, and also has additional proficiency in Spanish and French. He and his wife Joy have five children, three of whom are currently in college and law school.

Education: 2013, M.A., Sociology, Transnationalization and Development, University of Bielefeld, Germany. 2008, Research Trainee, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2006, Semester Abroad, Université d'Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Andrea has been a long time community member at GISC both as a parent and volunteer. Prior to taking on the role of Enrollment Manager, Andrea worked as a realtor in Chicago for nine years. Before that, she worked at DePaul University for several years where she started out as Marketing Coordinator at The Real Estate Center, and most recently, worked as Assistant Director for Admissions & Recruiting. Andrea holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from DePaul University. She speaks German and English.

Education: 2016, Teacher License for Mathematics and Natural Sciences. 2011, Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.), Research Center Jülich / Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn. 2008, Diploma in Physics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main.

Education: 2011, State Certified Preschool Teacher (Staatlich geprüfte Erzieherin), Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik, Pestalozzi-Fröbel Haus, Berlin.

Experience: 2018-Present, Head of Preschool, GISC. 2016-2018, Co-Head of Preschool, GISC. 2014-Present, Preschool Teacher, GISC. 2011-2014, Preschool Teacher, Kinderladen Karl und Karla e.V., Berlin. Internship in Wroclaw, Polen: 2010, ENTE Centrum Wspolpracy Europejskiej. Internships in Berlin: 2010, City-Initiative für Eltern- und Kinderprojekte; 2009-10, JFE Gartenhaus an der Marie; 2008-09, S.O.S. Kinderdorf; 2009, Karl und Karla; 2008-09, 2007-08, KITA Elfenland.

Languages: German, English, French, Turkish

Education: 1986, Certificate of Proficiency in English, English Language Institute, Dublin. 1983, Diplom in Business (Handelsdiplom), Kantonschule Sargans, Kanton St. Gallen.

Education: 2001, B.A., Liberal Arts, Sarah Lawrence College.

Education: 1989, Second Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn der Studienräte an Gymnasien), Kultusministerium Schleswig-Holstein. 1987, First Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Erstes Staatsexamen), Musikhochschule Lübeck.

Education: 2002, Magister Artium (M.A.) in American Studies (Major), Psychology and Media Studies (Minors) from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz.

 

Experience: 2024-Present, Director of Marketing and Communications, GISC. 2022-2024, Senior Marketing Specialist, Bell Flavors & Fragrances. 2014-2022 Senior Copywriter, Indie PR Agency. 2007-2022, Content Marketing, Social Media & Localization Specialist/Head of US Business Development & Ecommerce, FIFTYEIGHT Products. 2018-2022, Writer and Content Localization Expert, Shepard Fox Communications. . 2016-2020, Writer and Translator, TUM School of Management. 2014-2022, Content Marketing & Localization Specialist, Selligent Marketing Cloud. 2011-2013, Localization Editor (German), The Pokémon Company International. 2006-2011, Copywriter, Threeview Agency. 2002-2006, Editor Germany, Kingpin Magazine.

 

Languages: German, English

Stephen Waguespack joined GISC in July 2018 as Project & Facilities Manager to oversee the final improvements of the school building and property operations of the facility. He is currently GISC’s Director of Building Operations.

Education: 2024-present, Master’s Degree in Mediation, Distance-learning University Hagen, Germany. 2020, Diploma of Advanced Studies in Business Mediation, Leipzig, Germany. 2020, Bachelor of Arts (Transcultural Communication/Translation: German, Italian, Spanish), University of Vienna, Austria. 2016, Erasmus year abroad, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy.

 

Experience: 2024-present, Supervision Coordinator and Substitute teacher, GISC. 2022-2023, English and German teacher, NGO Passos Mágicos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 2020-2022, Wipark (Wiener Stadtwerke), customer service, Vienna, Austria. 2019-2020, Sandrats Media Company, Editor, Vienna, Austria. 2017-2019, German teacher for adults, LOQUI, Vienna, Austria.

 

Languages: German, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French

Education: 2019, Montessori Diploma Elementary, BEL Montessori, Austria. 2019, Montessori Diploma Children’s House, BEL Montessori, Austria. 2014, Bachelor of Education, PH Salzburg, Austria.

Education: 2012, Master’s in Education, certified to teach English and French in Grades 6-12 with an endorsement in Middle School Teaching. DePaul University, Chicago, IL. 2007, Bachelor of Arts in English and French, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.

 

Languages: German, English

Education: 2013, M.A., German Studies, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. 2011, Studies in Media, Art & Communication, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI. 2010, B.A., Art, Music, Media, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany.

Education: 2021-Present, Library Certification (LTA), DuPage Community College, IL. 2018, LEAN Certification (Organizational), Fox Valley Technical College, WI. 2001, M.A., Organizational Psychology, National Louis University, IL. 1999, B.A., Psychology, University-of-Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI.

Experience: 2021-Present, Librarian, GISC. 2021-Present, Information Services Assistant, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL. 2017-2019, Library Assistant/Program Assistant, Kimberly Public Library, WI. 2017-2019, Library Assistant/Program Assistant, Little Chute Public Library, WI. 2015-2019, Library Assistant/Library Assistant Substitute, Appleton Public Library, WI. 2012-2016, Event Assistant, Aep Connections-LLC, WI. 2014, German Substitute Teacher, ACES Xavier Education System, WI. 2001-2004, Non-Profit Program Coordinator, Candlelight Vision, WI.

Languages: German, English, Spanish

Education: 2005, Qualified Teacher Status in the UK. 2004, Teacher License, English and History, Frankfurt, Germany. 2001, B.A., English, History, and German as a Second Language, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.

Education: 2011, B.A., Educational Science (Erziehungswissenschaften), Focus on Early Bilingualism, University of Hildesheim, Germany. 2008, State-Certified Social Assistant (staatlich anerkannte Sozialassistentin), Herman-Nohl-Schule, Hildesheim, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Kindergarten Teacher, GISC. 2014-2023, Kindergarten Year Leader, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2013-2023, Kindergarten Teacher, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2012-2023, Assessment Specialist, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2021-2022, Special Needs Teacher, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2018, Interim Head of Preschool, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2012-2013, Teaching Assistant, Phorms Bilingual School, Steinbach am Taunus, Germany. 2011-2012, Preschool Teacher, Kaemmer International School, Hannover, Germany.

Languages: German, English, basic French and Spanish

Languages: German, English

Education: 1983, Zoo Veterinary Technician & Veterinarian Assistant.

Education: 1978, State Certified Educator (Staatl. geprüfte Erzieherin), Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik, Recklinghausen, Germany.

Education: 2018, Master of Education with a Focus on Inclusive Education, PH Niederösterreich, Austria. 2016, Bachelor of Education for Primary Schools, KPH Graz, Austria. 2015, Bachelor of Education for Inclusive Education, KPH Graz, Austria.

Education: 2013, Illinois Professional Educator License for English and German (Grades 6-12). 2011, Second State Examination for English and German at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12 (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn des Höheren Schuldienstes an Gymnasien), Baden-Württemberg Ministerium für Kultus, Jugend und Sport. 2009, First State Examination for English and German at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12 (Erstes Staatsexamen), Albert-Ludwig-Universität, Freiburg, Germany. 2008, M.A., European Comparative Literary Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

Experience: 2020-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2016-Present, IB Coordinator, GISC. 2016-2019, Become Bilingual Teacher, GISC. 2014-2018, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2013-2014, German Teacher (Grades 6-8), Community School Unit District 200, Woodstock, IL. 2012-2013, Financial Aid Advisor, Career Education Cooperation, Schaumburg, IL. 2010-2011, Instructor for ESL and German (Grades 5-12), Peter-Petersen-Gymnasium, Mannheim, Germany. 2009, German Language and Culture Instructor, English Opens Doors, Santiago, Chile.

Languages: German, English, Spanish

Education: 2022, Bachelor of Education, International Teacher Education for Primary Schools (ITEps) with electives in Inclusive Education, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Meppel, the Netherlands. 2021, Fairytales and Creativity at Oslo Metropolitan School, Oslo, Norway.

Experience: 2022-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2022, Intern, GISC. 2021, Online DAF Educator for Children and Adults, Preply. 2021, Teaching Practice, Grundschule Günnigfeld, Bochum, Germany. 2020, Teaching Practice, International School Ruhr, Essen, Germany. 2019, Teaching Practice, International School on the Rhine, Neuss, Germany. 2016-2018, Au Pair in Washington, DC.

Languages: German, English, Dutch

Education: 2008, Secondary Education Teaching Certification (Certificado de Aptitud Pedagógica), Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain. 2006, B.A., English Philology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.

Education: 2019, B.A., Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Preschool Teacher, GISC. 2023, Vice Director, Evangelischer Kindergarten Tersteegenhaus, Cologne, Germany. 2019-2023, Preschool Teacher, Evangelischer Kindergarten Tersteegenhaus, and Parent Course Instructor, FamilienForum Köln e.V., Cologne, Germany.

Languages: German, English

Education: 2011, Certificate of Horticulture, Garden Design, New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY. 2007, Yoga Teaching Certificate, YogaWorks, New York, NY. 1999, B.A., Theater, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.

Education: 2022, Second State Examination in Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, and Economics, Teacher Training Seminar Neumarkt, Germany. 2020, First State Examination in Mathematics with minors in Science, Physical Education, and Economics, Focused on digital learning strategies University of Regensburg, Germany.  

 

Experience: 2024-Present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2022-2024, Middle School Teacher, Delivered professional development training on Finnish educational principles, Erding, Germany. 2020-2022: Middle School Teacher, School with tablet-integrated classrooms, Deining, Germany. 

 

Languages: German, English

Education: 2017, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, certified in elementary education K-5 and English as a Second Language PreK-12, Butler University Indianapolis, USA. 

Experience: 2024-Present, English Teacher, GISC. 2020-2024, English as a Second Language Teacher, Eakin Elementary IB World School, Nashville, TN. 2017-2020, 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher, Eakin Elementary IB World School, Nashville, TN. 

Languages: English, German

Education: 2005, Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, Spanish Language & Literature, Creative Writing, and Secondary Teaching Certificate, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI  . 

Experience: 2023-Present, Middle Years Program Coordinator, GISC. 2018-Present, Faculty and Co-Manager, Charlotte Lit. 2015-2017, Middle School English, Humanities, and Spanish Teacher, Mackintosh Academy - Littleton, CO. 2014-2015, Manager of Tutoring Services, Regis University,  Denver, CO. 2011-2013, High School English and Humanities Teacher, Waldorf School Chicago, IL. 2012-2013, Teacher, Northwestern Center for Talent Development. 2008-2010, English Teacher, Bladins International School of Malmö, Sweden. 2005-2007, Qingdao International School of Qingdao, China; 2008-Present, Award-winning author of YA adult, travel memoir, literary novel, and essay-collection-in-progress.

Languages: English, Spanish

Education: 2013, Second State Examination (2. Staatsexamen), German, History, and Politics, Berlin, Germany. 2010, First State Examination (1. Staatsexamen), German, History, Politics, and German as a Foreign Language, FU Berlin, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2022-2023, Middle & High School Teacher, German as a Foreign Language, Tours, France. 2019-2021, Managing & Teaching Position in a Kindergarten in Wien, Austria. 2013-2019, Middle & High School Teacher, German, History, Politics, and Rowing, Paul-Natorp-Schule, Berlin, Germany. 2008, Internship, German International School Beijing, China. 2007, Internship, Institut de l'Alma, Paris, France. Several Internships, Berlin, Germany.

Languages: German, French, English

Education: 2020, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Würzburg, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, Counseling Resource Teacher, GISC. 2023-Present, German Teacher, DANK Haus, Chicago, IL. 2020-2023, Youth Center Manager, Jugendzentrum, Marktbreit, Germany. 2018-2019, School-Based Social Work, Mönchbergschule, Würzburg, Germany.

Languages: Albanian, German, English, Spanish

Education: 2019, Post-Bachelor Teacher Licensure, North Park University, certified in Secondary Education to teach English Language Arts and English as a Second Language, with an endorsement in Middle School Teaching. 1994, Master of Arts in English Literature, DePaul University. 1989, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Ohio University, Athens, OH.

Experience: 2020-Present, English Teacher, Elementary & Middle School, GISC. 2019-Present, ESL and ELA Teacher, Triton College, River Grove, IL. 2018-2019, Student Teaching Middle School, St. Edward School, Chicago, IL. 2014-2017, ESL Teacher, Computer Systems Institute, Chicago, IL. 2010-2013, ESL Teacher, College of Chicago, Mt. Prospect, IL. 1997-2009, GRE, SAT, TOEFL Instructor, Kaplan Test Prep, Chicago, IL. 1994-1997, ESL Instructor, American English Academy, Chicago, IL. 1990-1992, ESL Instructor, Prague, Czech Republic.

Language: English

Education: 2023, DSD 1 Deutsches Sprachdiplom in cooperation with ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen). 2021, Master of Education with a Focus on Inclusive Education, PH Niederösterreich, Austria. 2016 - 2018, Lehramt Mittelschule, Universität Regensburg, Germany. 2013, Bachelor of Arts, B.A. International Hospitality Management, Focus: Human Resource Management, FH Bad Honnef/ Bonn, Germany.  2012,  Bachelor of Arts, B.A. International Hospitality Management, Focus: Human Resource Management, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.

Experience: 2024-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2023-Present, Teacher for the ZfA (DSD I courses). 2021-2023 Elementary School Teacher, Seattle Area German American School, Seattle, WA. 2020-2021 Elementary School Teacher, Education Directorate Vienna, Austria. 2019-2020 Head Teacher and Head of Internships, ITM College, Bad Vöslau, Austria. 2019 Elementary School Teacher, Educational Directorate Vienna, Austria. 2017-2019 Teacher and special support teacher, Schülerhilfe GmbH & Co.KG.

Languages: German, English, Spanish

Education: 2022, B.A. in Political Science and Economics with minors in German, Music, and Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

Experience: 2023-Present, 2nd Grade Go-Teacher, GISC. 2022-2023, Fulbright-USTA English Teaching Assistant, Spittal an der Drau, Austria. 2021, Guitar Instructor, Coconut Creek, FL.

Languages: English, German, Spanish

Education: 2016, PhD (magna cum laude) German studies, Universität Jena, Germany. 2008, General, theoretical and comparative linguistics, Freie Universität Berlin & Universität  Potsdam, Germany.

Experience: 2019-2024, German Teacher, Homeroom Teacher, Head of Department “welcoming classes”, School representative for children with difficulties in reading and writing (LRS), Remedial & Training courses, Head of department „elective language workshops“, School representative for „Deutsches Sprachdiplom DSD I“, Wolfgang-Borchert-Schule Berlin, Germany. 2017, STEM-Assessor and STEM-teacher, Universität Potsdam, Germany. 2009-2019, Administrative assistant department „quality assurance of schools“, Management assistant for the secretary general, Administrative assistant communication & press, Administrative assistant communication & press, Research assistant German schools abroad, Standing conference of the ministers of education and cultural affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz), Berlin, Germany. 2008-2010, Assistance communication & press and office administration, K&L Gates LLP, Berlin, Germany. 2007-2008, Scientific assistant collaborative research center, Universität Potsdam, Germany. 2003-2005, Student assistant, broadcasting Berlin Brandenburg, Germany. 

Languages: German, English, basic Arabic, French, ancient Greek, and Latin

Education: 2002, Teaching Diploma for Kindergarten and Elementary School (Grades 1-3), Lehrerseminar Liestal, Switzerland.

Experience: 2023-Present, Elementary School Teacher, GISC. 2021-2023, Elementary School Teacher, Schweizerschule Catania, Italy. 2017-2021, Elementary School Teacher, Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama, Japan. 2015-2017, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, Swiss International School Schönenwerd, Switzerland. 2011-2014, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, German Swiss International School Accra, Ghana. 2008-2011, Elementary School Teacher, Scuola Svizzera Bergamo, Italy. 2003-2008, Elementary School Teacher, Hellikon, Switzerland. 2002-2003, Elementary School Teacher, Tecknau, Switzerland.

Languages: German, English, Italian

Education: 2022, Master of Education for Math, Science and Educational Sciences with a focus on special education at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Bielefeld, Germany. 2020, Bachelor of Science for Math, Science and Educational Sciences at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Bielefeld, Germany.

Experience: 2024-present, Middle School Teacher, GISC. 2024 Science Teacher (Grades 7-10) at BEST Sabel Schule, Berlin, Germany. 2023, Math and Science Teacher (Grades 7 - 12), Schule am Tierpark, Berlin, Germany.  2022-2023, Math & Science Teacher at GISC.

Education: 2015, Second State Examination, English and Economics,  State Institute for Teacher Training (Zweites Staatsexamen, Studienseminar für Haupt-, Real- und Gesamtschulen) Jülich, Germany. 2014, Master of Education for English and Economics at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany. 2009-2013, Bachelor of Education for English and Economics at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-10, University of Koblenz-Landau,

Germany.

Experience: 2020-2024, English, Music and Economics Teacher (grades 5-10) at Erich Kästner Realschule Plus Ahrweiler, Germany . 2015-2020, English, French, Music, P.E and Economics Teacher (grades 5-10) at Deutschherrenschule Waldbreitbach, Germany. 2015-2014, English and Economics Teacher (grades 5-10) at Friedrich-Haass-Schule, Bad Münstereifel, Germany. 2012, ESL Teacher at Greenriver Community College in Auburn, WA.

Languages: German, English, Arabic, French, basic Spanish

and Dutch

Education: 1989, Second Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Zweites Staatsexamen für die Laufbahn der Studienräte an Gymnasien), Kultusministerium Schleswig-Holstein. 1987, First Teaching Certificate for Music at Secondary Schools, Grades 5-13 (Erstes Staatsexamen), Musikhochschule Lübeck.

Education: Current student at DePaul University, B.A. In Psychology since 2023. 

Experience: German Tutor at DePaul University, 2023 - present. Swim Instructor at DePaul University, 2023 - 2024. 

Languages: English, German

Education: 2019-Present, B.A., Major in Data Science, Minor in Statistics, DePaul University.

Experience: 2023-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC. 2019-Present, Math, Foreign Languages, and Piano Tutor, Chicago, IL. 2022-2023, Data Science Intern, American Medical Association, Chicago, IL. 2016-2019, Trampoline and Tumbling Coach, Rise Up Academy, Arlington Heights, IL.

Languages: English, German, Russian, Ukrainian, French

Education: 2022, M.A. coursework completed (no degree), English and American Studies, Universität Stuttgart, Germany. 2019, B.A., English and American Studies and Spanish, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany.

Experience: 2023-Present, After-Care Teacher, GISC. 2020-2021, Assistant to Project Coordinator at Language Center, Universität Stuttgart, Germany. 2019-2020, Student Worker, Online Marketing, ATMO/MBS, Feuerbach, Germany. 2019, Internship Live Marketing, Bosch Rexroth, Lohr, Germany.

Languages: German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, French

Education: Bachelor of Arts in German and Journalism, Minor in Italian

Experience: 2024-Present: After-Care Teachers at GISC. 2024-Present: Student Assistant at DePaul University Modern Languages department, Chicago, IL. 2024-Present: German Tutor at DePaul Modern Languages department, Chicago, IL. 2024 Lycée World Camp Counselor, Chicago, IL.

Languages: German, English, Italian