Meet Our Staff for the 2024/2025 School Year

2's/3's Partial Immersion 

Lead Teacher

Precare Lead Teacher

  Siria was born and raised in Hermosillo Mexico. She is married and mother to two children ages 7 and 15.  Most recently, Ms. Siria held a lead teacher position for 5 years at Strauss Early Child Center in Tucson. She has experience working with children ages 6 months through 17 years of age.   

 "I believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine throughout their school day."

2's Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Teacher Assistant 

Tiffany recently relocated from Riverside, California, where she was raised on the family dairy farm. She holds a BS in Liberal Arts from California Baptist University and a Teacher Assistant Certificate from Riverside Community College. In addition, Tiffany holds an Associate Teacher Permit. She comes with extensive experience working in private preschools, public school programs, and Vacation Bible programs throughout Riverside County, California. Tiffany enjoys painting, latch work, and spending time with her 5-year-old niece. 

Aftercare Lead Teacher

    Paula Wright completed her studies toward her AA Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2018 at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA. Before she went to college, she started out as a secretary and then transitioned into bookkeeping. She is also a writer. She has been married for 38 years and has 3 grown children; all are artists. She has been a Preschool Teacher for over 15 years. She spent the bulk of her teacher training in the Head Start Program. She has strong abilities in teaching coping skills, building resilience, and conflict resolution. She loves working with children and enjoys helping them find their best self. 

Hebrew Enrichment Teacher

Jodi is so excited to be returning to ISP. She was born and raised in Johnstown, PA and has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She moved to Tucson in 1992 and doesn't miss snow one bit! Jodi has volunteered for many years in various preschools and elementary schools; she loves spending time with children and she enjoys watching them learn and grow. Jodi has two beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband who keep her very busy. She enjoys long walks, practicing yoga, and Zumba workouts. Jodi is forever grateful for all the beautiful things that life has to offer. 

Teacher Assistant  

Andrea has been working with infants and toddlers for nine years. During this time, she has continued to improve her skills by attending periodic training courses and workshops on infant care and health. She holds several training certificates. Andrea is passionate and dedicated when it comes to working with kids and she takes her responsibilities very seriously. The kids in her care are naturally attracted to her sweet and loving manner, and their parents have frequently expressed their appreciation and comfort with the level of care that she provides.

Program Assistant  

Jennifer is a passionate early childhood educator with over nine years of experience in bilingual and multicultural learning environments. She has worked as a preschool teacher assistant at Corvallis Waldorf School and is now returning to the International School for Peace in Tucson. Previously, she spent nine years as a youth care worker, helping unaccompanied minors express themselves through art and storytelling.

Ms. Valdes values family, community, and creative expression. With her warm and encouraging personality, she strives to inspire young learners and celebrate diversity in the classroom. She is honored to be part of a team dedicated to immersive and meaningful education.