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 – Silvia Nino
ninos@corralesis.org
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
View Teacher’s Page Here
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. I have a Masters in Special Education at University of New Mexico.
I have taught in the elementary grades for 15 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 Marina Cortes-Nunez
nunezm@corralesis.org
My name is Marina Cortes Nunez
I was born and raised in Mexico City, I graduated in Public Accounting and Education. I am studying for my master’s degree in education and teaching. I have 9 years of teaching experience and have worked teaching in bilingual schools here in Albuquerque. I got married here in Albuquerque and I have a daughter who is currently in high school. I really like teaching through songs. I am in love with nature and respect for the living things that surround us. I also love to travel and especially like going to the beaches since I really like to swim. I am very happy to be back at my favorite Corrales International school.
View Teacher’s Page here
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View Teacher Page here
Fifth Grade Teacher – Maestra Nara Olivas
olivasn@corralesis.org
Nara
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 twelfth year teaching and sixth 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!). Megan formerly taught history and English for four years in Gallup-McKinley County and English for two years with Rio Rancho Public Schools. She enjoys reading, video gaming, exploring nature, and creative writing in her spare time. When not teaching at CIS, she also tackles the school’s yearbook and sponsors National Honor Society.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Greetings!
I am looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year. After a year’s absence, I am back at Corrales International School.
For those of you that don’t know me, I teach middle and high school math full-time at CIS during the day and I also teach part-time in the evenings at CNM.
Teaching math is my second career. My first career was in engineering. I spent 15 years at Intel in Rio Rancho, among a few other companies.
I earned my B.S. in Electrical Engineering at UNM and an M.S. in Educational Leadership at New Mexico Highlands University.
Looking forward to seeing all of you,
Mr. ValdezView Teacher Page here
Project Lead the Way Teacher – Scott Copley
copleys@corralesis.org
Scott Copley is in his eleventh 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.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Science Teacher – Elizabeth Scharrer
scharrere@corralesis.org
I have been teaching over 13 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 a NM Level III teacher certified in Special Education and Secondary Education. I am highly qualified in Social Studies, Language Arts and Science. I was an APS teacher of the month as well. . I am an Albuquerque native and graduated from the University of New Mexico and earned a MA from NM Highlands University. CIS is a great place to teach and an even better school for the students!!! I am proud to be part of Corrales International School and fully embrace the International Baccalaureate learner profile. I teach Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Social Studies Teacher – Lisa Tiger
tigerl@corralesis.org
I have 31 years of teaching experience, eight 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.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Spanish Teacher – Maestra Michelle Adam
adamm@corralesis.org
This is my sixth year as a Spanish teacher for MYP students at Corrales International School! Prior to this, I taught 10 years at Southwest Learning Centers in New Mexico and 4 years in New England all levels and ages.
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’ve returned to Spain often to study, live, and present my novel. I’ve traveled to Morocco, Chile, Argentina, and many European countries. I speak English, Spanish, and German.
I am a professional magazine writer and former photographer. I have 2 published children’s stories that I use for storytelling performances throughout New Mexico. I have also published a novel, Child of Duende, which is in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I’ve presented this with Flamenco guitarists in the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and Argentina. I also offer storytelling workshops. (https://www.michelleadam.net/children-s-stories)
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Special Instruction
Music Teacher – Liam Murphy
murphyl@corralesis.org
In 2015, Liam Murphy moved from New York City to New Mexico with his wife and two small children. His first stop in the Land of Enchantment was in Gallup, New Mexico where he spent five years teaching band, choir and guitar to middle and high school age students. He cherished his time in Gallup, but when opportunities presented themselves in the Albuquerque area, he and his family decided to move. Liam Murphy is an accomplished classical guitarist and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music from the State University of New York. Additionally, Liam has lived (Madid, Spain) and studied (Caracas, Venezuela) abroad, and feels quite at home at the Corrales International School. He is excited to join the staff at CIS and bring his years of music education experience to the students at the school.
View Teacher’s Page here
Physical Education Teacher – Kandy Berry
berryk@corralesis.org
My name is Kandy Berry. I have two amazing children and three beautiful grandchildren.
I am from Wyoming; I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming. While attending University of Wyoming, I competed in Tennis and Powerlifting.
After I graduated from college, I moved to Denver, where I was the strength coach at Regis Jesuit High School and Regis College for Lacrosse and Baseball.
When my children were very young, we moved to Albuquerque, NM, to be near my parents. I applied to teach P.E. at the elementary level so I could be with my children. I was their P.E. teacher for their elementary years. I continued to teach for 20 years then I retired and went to work for a law firm. After three years I realized sitting behind a desk was not for me and decided to go back to teaching.
View Teacher’s Page here
Visual Arts Teacher – Laurie Crump
crumpl@corralesis.org
Native to Las Cruces NM I grew up on green chile and enjoyed the sunsets that we are fully blessed with. From a young age I knew I loved art . I felt I was created to create art and must be immersed in it. I received my secondary education from Pratt Institute of Art and Design and with University of Oregon with a focus in Painting/Drawing and Sculpture . I’ve been teaching Visual Arts with Corrales International School since 2015. It has been my joy to share my passion for the arts with my students and community.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
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.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Special Education
Special Education Teacher/Coordinator – Kimberly Romero
romerok@corralesis.org
Mrs. Romero earned her Bachelor’s in General and Special Education, Cum Laude, from Highlands University and earned her Master’s in Special Education with a concentration in ASD from Grand Canyon University. She is a level III Special Education Teacher, (K-12) & General Education Teacher, (K-8). Mrs. Romero is Project G.L.A.D. and Orton Gillingham certified.
Mrs. Romero has been blessed to be part of the family at Corrales International School since 2010. Prior to 2010, she worked and volunteered for Cien Aguas International school and its founding board, and Bernalillo Public Schools. She has been the Special Education Director for C.I.S. since 2014, creating an inclusive program, overseeing the spectrum of the special needs and Gifted & Talented program. She has a history of and a passion for working with students with diverse needs both professionally and personally, helps to coordinate sports/club’s involvement for students at C.I.S. and is a coordinator for Special Olympics Mrs. Romero continually fosters an inclusive educational environment where students are encouraged to embrace their abilities and talents. It is her mission to educate and empower students to be independent, pro-active, and confident, while teaching academic skills, life skills, self-advocacy, and independence for the success of all students.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Gifted Teacher – Alexa Banks
banksa@corralesis.org
Alexa Banks has been teaching for 13 years in Albuquerque public schools. She has been the Gifted teacher for 9 years at Corrales International, she also teaches Career Exploration and is the testing coordinator. 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. Her love of teaching began in the Peace Corps where she taught community health and income generation skills in rural Mozambique
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.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
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 bachelor’s 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 teaching in special education. Marisa is completing her teaching education at Western NM University and is nearing the end of her program, where she will earn her degree in Special Education with a content area focus on History. Marisa has many passions, which include playing the violin, which allowed her to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City, has a minor in vocal performance, and loves snowboarding. Marisa shares her passion for music with her two sons, whom she could not imagine life without.
Marisa López es asistente educativa de Corrales International School desde 2013. Después de obtener una licenciatura en comunicaciones y periodismo de la Universidad de Nuevo México en 2009, mientras trabajaba a tiempo parcial con niños, descubrió que trabajar con niños era una de sus pasiones. Comenzando con la enseñanza de prekínder y pasando por los grados primarios y ahora la educación especial, Marisa está completando su educación docente en Western NM University y está llegando al final de su programa donde obtendrá su título en Educación Especial con un área de contenido enfocada en Historia. Marisa tiene muchas pasiones que incluyen tocar el violín, lo que le dio la oportunidad de actuar en el Carnegie Hall de la ciudad de Nueva York, tiene una especialización en interpretación vocal y le encanta el snowboard. Marisa comparte su pasión por la música con sus dos hijos sin los cuales no podría imaginar la vida.
Educational Assistant – Cristina Roland
rolandc@corralesis.org
Dear Community of Corrales International School,
My name is Cristina Roland. I was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. I studied Marketing and worked for 10 years in that field. I arrived in the USA in 1996 and dedicated myself to my two children when the youngest reached school age. I started working in daycares and finally came to schools, working as a substitute teacher for five years in Virginia; In 2010, I arrived in New Mexico and worked at Kelly Services as a substitute teacher for 6 years; I had other types of jobs but decided that my passion is
with children so I returned to schools as a kindergarten assistant for four years. I enjoyed it very much and am seriously considering returning to studying to be a teacher. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at Corrales International School, of which I have had very good references.
Querida comunidad de Corrales International School,
Nací y crecí en Medellín Colombia. Estudié Marketing y trabajé 10 años en ese campo. Llegué a USA en 1996 y me dediqué a mis dos hijos, cuando el menor llegó a la edad escolar comencé a trabajar en guarderías y finalmente llegué a las escuelas, trabajando como maestra suplente durante 5 años en Virginia; En el 2010 llegué a Nuevo México y trabajé en Kelly Services como maestra suplente por 6 años, tenía otro tipo de trabajos, pero decidí que mi pasión son los niños por lo que regresé a las escuelas como asistente de kínder por cuatro años. Lo disfruté mucho y estoy pensando seriamente en volver a estudiar para ser maestra. Estoy muy agradecido por la oportunidad de trabajar en Corrales International
School, del cual he tenido muy buenas referencias.
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.
