Briana Samuelson
Collaborative | Globally Minded
Experiential Educator
Collaborative | Globally Minded
Experiential Educator
It has been my great joy and privilege to teach and learn alongside students around the world. As an International Baccalaureate, Middle Years Programme (IB, MYP) and California credentialed teacher, I have taught a wide range of adolescents and adults in English language acquisition, literature, and the humanities. I have also led curricular development, intervention initiatives, and mentored new teachers to become servant leaders.
After nearly ten years teaching overseas in Turkey and South Korea, I returned to the US and currently serve as the MYP Coordinator for an IB continuum school in Washington state. My teaching experience within the IB includes MYP Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, and English Language Acquisition.
As an educator, my philosophy is formed through the lens of conceptual learning and skills development. The child-centered approaches of Cathryn Berger Kaye and Kath Murdoch have greatly influenced my practice and commitment to creating service learning opportunities for students. As a literature teacher, I utilize mentor texts under Carl Anderson's guidance and strive to make students' learning visible thanks to Harvard University's Project Zero. I am currently pursuing an IB Leadership Certificate through Western University in Ontario, Canada, to deepen my pedagogical practice. I believe students learn best through experience, encouraged to make meaning for themselves, to been seen and heard in a safe and supportive environment.
As an avid podcaster and Audible listener, I learn best about the world through literature. Below are some of my top reads of 2023:
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Mecca by Susan Straight
The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Reservation Restless by Jim Kristofic
After nearly ten years teaching overseas in Turkey and South Korea, I returned to the US and currently serve as the MYP Coordinator for an IB continuum school in Washington state. My teaching experience within the IB includes MYP Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, and English Language Acquisition.
As an educator, my philosophy is formed through the lens of conceptual learning and skills development. The child-centered approaches of Cathryn Berger Kaye and Kath Murdoch have greatly influenced my practice and commitment to creating service learning opportunities for students. As a literature teacher, I utilize mentor texts under Carl Anderson's guidance and strive to make students' learning visible thanks to Harvard University's Project Zero. I am currently pursuing an IB Leadership Certificate through Western University in Ontario, Canada, to deepen my pedagogical practice. I believe students learn best through experience, encouraged to make meaning for themselves, to been seen and heard in a safe and supportive environment.
As an avid podcaster and Audible listener, I learn best about the world through literature. Below are some of my top reads of 2023:
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Mecca by Susan Straight
The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Reservation Restless by Jim Kristofic
