Heather holds a Master of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Her academic background in psychology reinforces empathy over judgment. Recognizing that behavior is shaped by complex and interrelated influences, she encourages compassion rather than quick assumptions. This perspective promotes self-awareness and the ability to recognize and redirect unhelpful thought patterns, qualities she seeks to cultivate in both herself and her students.
Building Confident, Independent Thinkers
Heather’s role as a teacher is rooted in building confidence and developing independent thinkers. Through her own experiences and ongoing observations, she has come to understand how profoundly self-confidence and self-belief shape success. Skill, ability, and determination are most fully realized when individuals believe they are capable. She maintains that every student has value, talent, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society, and that recognizing this potential is often the first step toward achievement.
Equally important is fostering intellectual independence. Heather often reflects on Bertrand Russell’s observation that “fools are sure of themselves and the wise are full of doubt,” acknowledging that confidence, rightly or wrongly, frequently influences who drives change in the world. In her classroom, she encourages students to question rather than simply accept, to remain curious, to think critically and deeply, and to trust their own reasoning. Inspiring students to believe in their abilities while developing the confidence to think independently lies at the heart of her teaching philosophy.
Leadership & Student Voice
Heather supports student voice and leadership through meaningful, student-driven initiatives. As part of the CAS program, she guided two successful TEDxYouth events, one in Tokyo and one in Hanoi, where students designed, organized, directed, and coached the talks themselves. These events provided young speakers with a powerful platform to share their ideas, reflecting Heather’s commitment to fostering confidence, agency, and intellectual independence.
Intellectual Courage
As a long-time Theory of Knowledge (TOK) teacher and Diploma Programme Coordinator, Heather emphasizes the development of individual perspectives and intellectual confidence. Justifying, explaining, discussing, contrasting, affirming, and extending are not merely IB command terms; they are habits of mind she deliberately cultivates. Through dialogue and exposure to diverse viewpoints, she fosters intellectual accountability, the confidence to defend and challenge ideas, and openness to differing perspectives.
Her classroom is a space where learning unfolds through thoughtful discussion, intellectual courage, and respect for difference — preparing students not only for success in the Diploma Programme, but for meaningful engagement in the wider world.
