Math is more than just numbers to Ms. Baljee, our grade 5 and 6 Pre-Algebra and grade 4 Math & Science Subject Expert Teacher. She sees math as a way to explore nature, logic, and the world. Through her interactive lessons, she introduces students to thinking about math through these lenses. And based on the smiles ever-present in her classroom, students love it as much as she does!
We sat down with Ms. Baljee to learn more about why it’s important to know math is more than arithmetic, the benefits of hands-on activities in the classroom, and her love of dance. Read her full bio here.
Using his passion for history, History Subject Expert Teacher and College Counselor Dr. Hight wants to teach students to appreciate and understand history. He’s preparing his students for college and beyond by giving them, among other skills, the ability to analyze and synthesize information. As a published author, in his elective Narrative Arts, Dr. Hight guides students to produce their own narrative work in the form of their choosing—novel, play, poems, etc.
We sat down with Dr. Hight to learn about teaching and advising high school students, his passion for creative writing, and the surprising nature of history! Read his full bio here.
Middle and high school Art Subject Expert Teacher Ms. Rowland sees unlimited possibilities in art for her students, no matter their level of artistic skill. One of her favorite tactics is to remove all erasers from the classroom so students have to think outside their box and see an accidental line as more than a mistake. In Ms. Rowland’s class, students learn that art teaches problem solving, finding a new perspective, and resilience, all while discovering more about themselves.
It’s hard to know where to start when we sit down with College Counselor and English Subject Expert Teacher Ms. Irving because she has experience with every division at BASIS Independent McLean! She is one of two college counselors here, she teaches English to grade 6 and 8 students, and she has a son attending the school. She loves working with students of many ages and stages.
We sat down with Ms. Irving to learn about her passions for Shakespeare, teaching, and helping high school students find their best fit college. Read her full bio here.
Walking into Subject Expert Teacher Mr. Joseph’s classroom brings back memories of mathematics and science experiments from the moment we walk in, thanks to the array of numerically themed decorations and projects on his walls. His classroom is clearly a place of wonder and excitement for his students in grades 1–3. We sat down with Mr. Joseph to learn more about him, his teaching style, and the joy of math and science. Read his full bio here.
Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! McLean is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.