PYP Teachers
Corrales International School offers an IBO authorized primary years programme. The PYP at Corrales International School consists of grades K through 6. In grade K and 1 students have one homeroom teacher and see specials (PE, Music, Art and Computers) twice each during the week for 45 minutes. Instruction in the Kinder and 1st grade classrooms is 90% Spanish instruction, with students learning to read and write in Spanish.
Teachers in grades 2 and 3 as well as those in 4 and 5 share students with 50% of instruction in English and 50% in Spanish. These students also have specials offered twice per week per subject (PE, Music, Art and Computers) for 45 minutes.
Students in Grade 6 have a homeroom teacher with instruction primarily in English. The students have Spanish 3 times per week. Students also have Science or Social Studies offered in Spanish. Specials consist of Art, Music and PE classes once per week.
Kindergarten Teacher – Maestra Gaby Escobedo
escobedog@corralesis.org
Maestra Gaby Escobedo has been the Kindergarten teacher at CIS for 11 years.
Before teaching at CIS, Maestra Gaby taught at the Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School in Albuquerque. She also taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades in Chihuahua, Mexico at the Instituto La Salle de Chihuahua, and Kindergarten through lower elementary school at Colegio Montessori de Chihuahua, Mexico.
Ms. Escobedo holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting, and Business Administration, and Masters in Finance, and Bilingual Education. She holds a Level III Kindergarten through 8th grade license, TESOL endorsed, Bilingual Education license, and a Level III Modern Classical and Native Languages license.
Birthplace: Chihuahua, Mexico Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Kindergarten Educational Assistant – Blanca Gasson
gassonb@corralesis.org
View Teacher’s Page Here.
First Grade Teacher – Maestra Claudia Zamudio
zamudioc@corralesis.org
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to first grade! My name is Claudia Zamudio-Larranaga and this is my twenty nine year teaching. I have many fun ideas and things planned throughout the year.
I would like to tell you a little bit about myself both personally and professionally. I was born in Mexico City. I started to work here in Albuquerque since 2006. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and the Master of Science in Educational Psychology. I love going on vacations anywhere there is beautiful landscapes and beach. I like to read, swimming and indoor cycling. My husband Michael was born here at Albuquerque. We have one son, Mikey who is now ten years old.
I would like to work closely together with you, and I believe frequent communication is vital. If you would like to send me notes via email, my school email address is zamudioc@corralesis.org I will try to answer you back as soon as possible.
I am delighted to have your child in my class this year. I am looking forward to a very successful year and I know you are too. I have high expectations for your child and I will do all that I can to help your child achieve those expectations.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your child!
Sincerely Mrs. Zamudio
Queridos Padres y estudiantes:
¡Bienvenidos a primer grado! Mi nombre es Claudia Zamudio-Larranaga y tengo 29 años enseñando.Tengo muchas ideas divertidas y cosas planeadas a través del año.
Me gustaría decirles un poquito acerca de mi misma, en lo personal y profesionalmente. Nací en la Ciudad de México. Comencé a trabajar aquí en Albuquerque desde el 2006. Tengo una licenciatura en Educación Primaria y una maestría en Psicología Educativa. Me encanta salir de vacaciones a donde sea que haya hermosos paisajes y playa. Me gusta leer, nadar y la bicicleta estacionaria. Mi esposo nació aquí en Albuquerque. Nosotros tenemos un hijo, Mikey quien ahora tiene diez años de edad.
Me gustaría que trabajaramos juntos, creo que la comunicación frecuente es vital. Si a usted le gustaría mandarme notas via email, mi correo electrónico de la escuela es zamudioc@corralesis.org trataré de contestarle lo más pronto posible.
Estoy encantada de tener a su estudiante en mi clase este año. Espero tengamos un año exitoso y sé que usted también eso espera. Tengo grandes espectativas para su estudiante y haré todo lo que pueda para ayudar a que su estudiante alcance esas metas.
¡Muchas gracias por la oportunidad que me da de trabajar con su niño (a)!
Sinceramente Maestra Zamudio
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Second Grade Teacher – Maestra Dora Lavenburg
lavenburgd@corralesis.org
My name is Dora Lavenburg, I am the second-grade teacher at Corrales International School since 2018.
I graduated and obtained my license in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2010. I also have a Bilingual Endorsement with the State of New Mexico. At this moment I am currently working on my Masters in Special Education at University of New Mexico.
I have taught in the elementary grades for 14 years. I have had the pleasure to teach Pre-School, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second grade. I enjoy family time, especially outdoors. I enjoy reading educational books that can help me in my profession and how I can help students succeed. Apart from that, I am always on a quest to meet new people and learn about their language and culture.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Third Grade Teacher – Maestra Monica Saenz
saenzm@corralesis.org
I was born and raised in Raton, NM where I lived most of my life. My parents migrated to the U.S from Mexico just a few years before I was born. I had the amazing privilege of spending my childhood summers at my grandparents ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico, playing in the river, running through the rocky hills looking for lizards and shiny rocks, baking with my grandmother, and working in the corn fields with my grandfather. Due to the language barrier, my first years in school were quite difficult, and oftentimes came with a lot of unexpected challenges, but my love for learning was greater than those challenges. It wasn’t long before I learned the English language and eventually developed a love for reading. As a young girl in elementary school, I often told my sisters that “one day” I, too, would become a teacher. Thirty plus years later, here I am – a teacher. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my 10+ years in the field of education is that children want to know how much you truly care, before you can teach them all there is to know. My move to Albuquerque seven years ago confirmed my love for this profession and I am now delighted to be part of a community like Corrales International School.
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Fourth Grade Teacher – Maestra Ana Perea
pereaa@corralesis.org
Ana Perea was born in Granada, Nicaragua; moved to the United States of America in 1995 with her husband (a native New Mexican). She is the mother of a college student who graduated from Corrales International School (CIS) in 2019. Ana Perea has earned two bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s in art with a concentration in architecture and a bachelor’s in science with a concentration of education. Mrs. Perea has completed a master’s degree of art, in a concentration of bilingual education, and is currently a doctoral student at the University of New Mexico. Ana Perea is certified as an educational administrator and has taught all primary grades K-6. In 2010 she became the 4th-grade teacher at CIS. Since 2017 Mrs. Perea is the bilingual director and Primary Year Program Curriculum Coordinator at CIS.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Fifth Grade Teacher – Maestra Melissa Chavers
chaversm@corralesis.org
Melissa Chavers was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and moved to the United States at age six with her mother. They resided in Tucson, Arizona until moving to New Mexico due to her parent’s job transfer. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM, then began working as a 7th and 8th grade ESL/Spanish Language Arts teacher in Clovis, NM. During that time, she received her graduate degree in Bilingual Education from ENMU and subsequently moved to Albuquerque, NM in 2011.
In Albuquerque Ms. Chavers taught dual language in grades 3rd to 5th before joining Corrales International School in 2017. She holds a Level III license in Bilingual Education with endorsements in Bilingual Education, Modern and Classical Languages, and TESOL. Ms. Chavers has competed in swimming, is an avid runner, and loves to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys being able to teach students in a dual language environment.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Sixth Grade Teacher – Brent Diaz
diazb@corralesis.org
Mr. Diaz was born in Spain and spent much of his childhood abroad, eventually settling in Albuquerque. He attended La Cueva High School and Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Southwest Studies. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Diaz was a member of the 1996 La Cueva High School state champion soccer team and also played collegiate soccer for Fort Lewis College. Go Skyhawks! Mr. Diaz enjoys traveling, history, hiking, snowboarding, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with his wife and two children, ages 13 and 11.
Previous to his employment at Corrales International School, Mr. Diaz provided in-home tutoring services throughout the greater Albuquerque area. While in California he was lead tutor with UROK, a supplemental education service company, and later directed tutors throughout New Mexico. Prior to having children, Mr. Diaz taught social studies and physical education at Sunshine Peak Academy, a KIPP charter school located in Denver, CO. He coached 7th and 8th grade volleyball and baseball as well. Mr. Diaz enjoys working with diverse students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
MYP Teachers
English Teacher – Megan Chatterton
chattertonm@corralesis.org
Megan Chatterton is in her eighth-year teaching and fourth year at Corrales International School. She graduated from the University of New Mexico summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s in Secondary Education (and a black belt in karate!). She enjoys reading, video gaming, exploring nature, and creative writing in her spare time. When not teaching, she also tackles the school’s yearbook and sponsors National Honor Society and Natural Helpers at CIS.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Math Teacher – Anthony Valdez
valdeza@corralesis.org
I have been teaching high school math for 12 years now. I have taught most of the high school math classes, including, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus. Before I was a high school math teacher, I was an engineer. I have a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. I worked in engineering for almost 20 years. The last 15 years of my engineering career, I worked at Intel Corporation in Rio Rancho. I also have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from New Mexico Highlands University. I am a voracious reader!
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Project Lead the Way Teacher – Scott Copley
copleys@corralesis.org
Scott Copley is in his eighth year at Corrales International School teaching Project Lead The Way, Biomedical Science. He graduated college and taught science in Lincoln, NE before moving to New Mexico. I have embraced IB and PLTW as world class programs and enjoy delivering the content in the charter school setting. I really enjoy the applicability of the biomedical program to our personal lives. I enjoy officiating high school football and wrestling as well as camping around NM.
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Science Teacher – Elizabeth Scharrer
scharrere@corralesis.org
I have been teaching for over 10 years. Prior to that I worked in radiology as an x-ray tech, ultrasound tech, MRI tech and CT tech for 33 years. I am an Albuquerque native and graduated from both the University of New Mexico and NM Highlands University. My mother likes to remind me that it took me 50 years to realize that teaching was my first love. I am a NM Level III teacher certified in Special Education, Social Studies, Language Arts and Science. I was an APS teacher of the month as well. I am proud to be part of Corrales International School and fully embrace the International Baccalaureate learner profile. I teach Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
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Social Studies Teacher – Lisa Tiger
tigerl@corralesis.org
I have 27 years of teaching experience, six of those in New Mexico. My teaching background began with Language Arts, then moved to Journalism, Public Speaking, Film and Television, History, and Health Education. Coming from the Oklahoma/Arkansas public school systems, I had little knowledge of charter schools, but quickly began to see the benefits. I love the creativity and culture of Corrales International School. More importantly, I love that I’m given the opportunity to have a small part in the development of these wonderful students’ learning. I have committed myself to providing them with a quality education and to best serve them by growing myself professionally within my content area, as well as extensive training in IB related areas, like Service Learning. I also advocate for growth within our state’s educational system to better support the needs of every child and promote a rigorous curriculum designed to help them succeed in an ever-changing world. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child.
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Spanish Teacher – Maestra Michelle Adam
adamm@corralesis.org
This is my third year as a Spanish teacher for MYP students at Corrales International School! As a global citizen, raised in Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S., with an Argentinean father, I embrace diversity, language, creativity and teaching students to become part of a global society. I have taught Spanish for 16 years, covering all levels of Spanish from K through 12th grade. Prior to CIS, I taught level I Spanish for ten years to 7th and 8th graders at Southwest Preparatory Learning Center here in Albuquerque. Before that, I taught students grades 8-12 Spanish at all levels, including the highest, and have been a teacher to elementary students and adults. I also bring my own background as a professional magazine writer, novelist (my novel is in English as Child of Duende, and in Spanish as Niña Duende) and artist to the classroom, in addition to my years living in Spain and speaking Spanish. I have also performed to my novel with Flamenco guitarists and dancers in the U.S., Argentina, and Spain, and this summer my book was released by two foreign publishers in Portugal (in Portuguese) and in Spain. I am currently working on numerous children´s books.
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Special Instruction
Performing Arts Teacher – Juan Duran
duranj@corralesis.org
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. I attended the University of New Mexico where I received degrees in Music Education and Economics. I have been teaching with APS for just over ten years and have taught grades K-12. I love the outdoors, traveling, and my dogs. When I am not teaching I love to play music and have been in several bands over the years.
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Physical Education Teacher – Virginia Rivenbark
rivenbarkg@corralesis.org
I am married 29 years to Keith and mother of two grown children, son Douglas 24 and daughter Elizabeth 22. I have lived in Albuquerque for 21 years. I am originally from New York. I attended St Lawrence University where I received a BA in Government and Psychology. I was an intercollegiate swimmer and ROTC scholarship recipient. I served 7 years active duty in the US Army Corps of Engineers. I am an experienced Personal Trainer and coached swimming for 12 years. I was a substitute teacher at CIS for three years before becoming the PE Teacher. I love working with children and people of all ages. Coaching and fitness as an opportunity to improve lives is my passion.
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Visual Arts Teacher – Laurie Crump
crumpl@corralesis.org
My name is Laurie Samaniego-Crump. From a young age I knew I loved art, that I must create art and must be immersed in it. Through merit scholarships I studied at Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn and received Student awards for my work prior to entering college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Oregon in 2006 with a focus in Painting/Drawing and Sculpture. Though I enjoy creating art I also have a joy for exploring and sharing art with my own children. I received my primary and secondary teaching license through CNM alternative program and began teaching Visual Arts at Corrales International School in 2015. I teach kindergarten through 10th grade and it has been a joy to share what I know, to explore together, to inquire about the unknown, the debatable and to facilitate their self-discovery.
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ELL Teacher – Norma Giannini
gianninin@corralesis.org
I was born in 1950 and I lived in the south Broadway portion of the city. In elementary school I attended Sacred Hear and Coronado School. I attended high school at St. Mary in downtown Albuquerque and I graduated from Valley High School in 1968. I enrolled at the University of NM in the fall of 1968 and I graduated in the spring or 1973 with a degree in Art Education K-12. In the same year I married my husband. I received my TESOL endorsement a few months later. I have worked as a teacher at Casa Linda Special Needs Private School, Marie Hughes Elementary and Corrales International. My Knowledge in both the special needs and regular education spectrums has given me a solid background in developing skills that have shared with my fellow teachers in APS and at CIS.
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Special Education
Special Education Teacher/Coordinator – Kimberly Romero
romerok@corralesis.org
Kimberly Romero was born and raised in Southern California before moving to New Mexico in 1997. She has worked with students in Pre-K and Directed the AWANA Youth Group, (Approved Workman are
Not Ashamed), at Hesperia Community Church for Middle and High School students. Mrs.Romero has been with Corrales International School for 10 years. Prior to teaching at C.I,S., Mrs. Romero worked for Bernalillo Public schools as a substitute teacher and PTA President. She actively participated in the development of Cien Aguas International school, helping to facilitate their initial lottery process and serving on the Governing Council board as a voting member for three years. Mrs. Romero obtained undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Special Education, Cum Laude, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a focus in ASD, (Autism Spectrum Disorder). She holds a Level III General Education, (Kindergarten through 8th grade), licensure, Level III Special Education, (Kindergarten through 12th grade), licensure and is G.L.A.D. certified, (Guided Language Acquisition Design). She met her future husband Shane in 1991 and has been married for 25 years. They have two children together, 21 years and 16 years. She enjoys playing cards, hanging out with friends, two dogs and watching football.
Favorite Quote: “I am different, not less.” ― Temple Grandin
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Gifted Teacher – Alexa Banks
banksa@corralesis.org
Alexa Banks has been teaching Gifted for 10 years in Albuquerque public schools, and before that taught community health and income generation skills in rural Mozambique. She has a Bachelor’s degree from University of Denver in Sociology and Women’s Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from University of New Mexico.
Alexa’s global teaching philosophy encompasses educating the whole child to be as independent and cooperative as possible. Her goal is to empower students to confidently navigate our complex world with useful skills, creativity and confidence. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring outdoors, and gardening
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Educational Assistant – Marisa Lopez
lopezm@corralesis.org
Marisa Lopez is a PYP Educational Lead Assistant and has been with Corrales International School since 2013. After receiving a bachelors degree in communications and journalism, from the University of New Mexico in 2009, while working part time with children, she discovered working with children was one of her passions. Starting with teaching Pre-K and moving through primary grades and now special education, Marisa wishes to continue her teaching education and obtain a degree in Special Education. Her passions also include the violin and singing, and she has been fortunate to share these passions in her after school Glee Club.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
For more information:
PYP Classroom
Sharing and celebrating what we are learning in our classrooms by working collaboratively, sharing ideas, thinking through problems and exploring artefacts and sources of evidence!
MYP Classroom
Promoting student success in a changing world with classrooms that encourage student centred teaching and learning through global contexts linked to the world.
Biomedical-Sciences
Biomedical Sciences classrooms have access to equipment and software employed by industry, so that they can see the real-world implications of what they learn.
