Ms Joan Roach
Head of Primary International
Speaks English, Dutch

Hello! I am Joan Roach, from London, UK. The Netherlands has been my home for nearly two decades. Before joining the ISE, I started my education career as a primary class teacher and Literacy Curriculum Coordinator.

20 years ago while I was dropping off my children at school, I was approached by the ISE head, who learned about my teaching background. “Mrs. Roach, you are a teacher; please, can you substitute next week?” It was this proposition that led me to the ISE. Saying “Yes” turned out to be a life-changing decision, and I have never looked back.

Every morning, I am motivated by the prospect of engaging in meaningful conversations with students and supporting colleagues to be the best educators they can be. What I am most proud of, extends beyond the physical spaces of the school. It’s the commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity of the staff, the opportunities offered to students, and the overall success and achievements embraced by the learning community.

The ISE is an amazing school that values and encourages an effective home-school partnership. Parents are invited to actively participate in the school community, and the collaboration between staff and parents is a cornerstone in enhancing the development and progress of every student.

Ms Marieke Geurts
Head of Primary Dutch Bilingual
Speaks Dutch, English and German. And a bit of Spanish and French.

Hallo! My name is Marieke Geurts. I grew up in Heerlen, in the south of the Netherlands, but I also lived in Libya for a while when I was little. I graduated from Hogeschool Zuyd in 2002, and moved to Aruba right after graduating to teach at a local school. After this wonderful experience, I worked at several (international) schools in the United States, Singapore, Spain and Belgium. The past two years I have been working at a local primary school in Eersel, both as a teacher and member of the management team.

When I visited a Brainport event at the ISE campus, I realised how much I missed working at an international school. My experience at various schools abroad sparked my passion for international education, because of the warm and open atmosphere and vibrant mix of cultures. Working with colleagues and students from different cultural backgrounds has had a great impact on my view on education. We can learn so much from each other!

When I saw the vacancy for Head of the Dutch Bilingual Department I didn’t have to think twice about applying for this position. I am looking forward to getting to know all students, parents and staff, and to make the new location of the Bilingual Department at the Jan Luikenstraat a great place to learn and play, together with the fantastic team.

Ms Marcella Watts
Head of Secondary
Speaks English, Dutch

Halò, My name is Marcella Watts. I am originally from Scotland, but I spent my childhood moving to countries from Saudi Arabia to Spain then the Dominican Republic and returning to Scotland.

After graduating from art college, I worked in the fashion industry for several years before deciding to become a teacher. I was lucky enough to get a teaching position at the ISSE (former name for the ISE Secondary Department) right after I graduated. Originally, I accepted the role as I wanted to move to Eindhoven to join my Dutch partner, and since then I have happily been working at the ISE for 30 years. What kept me at the ISE for so long was the collaborative and caring nature of all the people that make up the ISE: the wonderful students, colleagues and parents – a true community environment. I can honestly say that in 30 years not a single day has ever been the same. I feel energised and challenged every day.

I am proud to be part of a school that has never been afraid to keep developing for improvement in order to offer the best education for our students. The ISE has the care and well-being of the students at the heart of everything that we do.

I am excited to get up to come to work every day knowing that my day will always bring a new challenge and experience.