We are proud of the UWC ISAK Japan faculty who bring experience, dedication and enthusiasm to the classroom and beyond!
Arico Bolger
Japanese
Subjects:
Global Politics, EE Coordinator
“I love helping students discover the world around them. I especially enjoy helping students analyze causation and correlation when studying human behavior and events shaped by such behavior. ”
Education:
BA Secondary Education, Toccoa Falls College; MA International Relations, Staffordshire University
How long have you been teaching?
9 years. I’ve previously taught at St. Gilgen International School in Austria and Amman Baccalaureate School in Jordan.
If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to teach. I have had many small jobs as a student, which include working in restaurants, maintaining the athletic grounds at my university, and lifeguarding during summer holidays. If I had to pursue a career outside of education, I believe I would work for the U.S. as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) in development, particularly USAID.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
With the mission of using education to unite people, nations and cultures for a peaceful and sustainable future, the UWC understands globalization can be used as a preponderant force, which is why I am enthusiastic about being part of the movement. In addition to the mission statement, I appreciate the UWC’s assessable approach to education. I believe education should be made available to all, regardless of background.
Something that is important to me…
My family is very important to me. I love spending time with my wife, as well as our families in the US and the UK. I enjoy fitness and healthy living and it is not uncommon to see me on a road or mountain bike.
How do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy riding bikes, spending time with my wife, traveling, learning languages, playing guitar and Clemson University Football.
Subjects:
Japanese
“I love helping students discover the world around them. I especially enjoy helping students analyze causation and correlation when studying human behavior and events shaped by such behavior. ”
Education:
BEd Hiroshima University
How long have you been teaching?
16 years. Before this, I was at K International School Tokyo (KIST).
What do you enjoy about teaching Japanese?
It allows me to find out more about Japan!
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
The diversity of our school community
Something that is important to me…
Yoga, jogging and traveling
How do you spend your spare time?
Reading books, watching movie and cooking
Subjects:
Deputy Head of Programs, Mathematics
“I love the ‘AHA!’ moment when a student pushes themselves further than they thought they could go and then discovering a new insight to solve their problem.”
Education:
B.Sc. Physics, M.A. Mathematics, B.Ed. Education (Physics/Mathematics)
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
Hong Kong, Turkey, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
The ability to create something new in education with the faculty and staff.
Something that is important to me…
I like to work with my hands and build things.
How do you spend your spare time?
I like to discover and experience new things with my wife Sharon both in Japan and abroad.
Subjects:
Music, Design Innovation, Activities Director
“I enjoy helping students compose music. When you combine traditional techniques with today’s technology amazing things can happen.”
Education:
Deakin University, Master of Business Administration, Master of Educational Leadership, B.A. (Music)
How long have you been teaching?
13 years
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I was a professional musician and a teacher at United Nations International School in Hanoi.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
UWC ISAK Japan is a very caring school. We intentionally take a lot of time time to nurture students for growth and provide them with the mindset and tools to build capacity.
How do you spend your spare time?
Triathlons, hanging out with my family, traveling, sketching, playing music.
What do students say about Mr. McGibbon?
“He is a perfectionist, yet patient.”
“He takes the time to listen to us.”
“He has a great sense of humor!”
Subjects:
English
“I love working with such passionate students. It gives me hope for the future.”
Education:
BA Communications, Brigham Young University, MA Curriculum Development University of Cincinnati
How long have you been teaching?
5 years
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I taught at UWC Changshu China. Before teaching literature, I worked at an advertising agency as a copywriter. This means that I wrote scripts for TV and internet spots as well as copy for billboards, print ads, and digital spaces.
Why do you love teaching English/Literature?
Exploring Literature gives me the opportunity to experience more than I could hope to accomplish in a lifetime.
What is something important to you?
I recently completed my paragliding license. I love learning and think it is vitally important that people make time to pursue their personal interests in order to stay inspired.
How do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy spending time outside with my wife and my two daughters, curling up with a good book, and being active.
Subjects:
Mathematics, Scheduling Coordinator
“I love helping students become more confident in their mathematical ability.”
Education:
BS Software Engineering, University of Málaga, Spain; PGCE Mathematics, University of Oxford, UK
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I’ve taught at Marbella in Spain, Leipzig in Germany and Yokohama in Japan. I also worked previously in computer consulting, graphic design and advertising.
What is something you love about working at UWC ISAK Japan?
The school allows me to empower students to take ownership of their learning, their careers and their life.
Something that is important to me…
Besides teaching mathematics, my other passion/hobby is building robots, drones and other computer-controlled devices.
How do you spend your spare time?
Outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, fishing or going for a walk in the forest.
Subjects:
English, Theory of Knowledge
“I love teaching writing. It is wonderful when a person can communicate their ideas successfully in either a creative piece, or in nonfiction form.”
Education:
Master of Teacher, University of Tasmania
How long have you been teaching?
12 years. Before this, I was at Hiroshima International School.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I love the focus on innovation and leadership.
Something that is important to me…
I care a lot about access to education and literacy. I’m passionate about cycling and the associated health and mental benefits of rigorous physical activity.
How do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy looking after my three daughters, creative writing, cycling, and martial arts.
Subjects:
Mathematics, Mathematics Department Chair
“I find Mathematics very interesting, it can be interpreted as a tool, or as a universal language, something that everyone can understand. There is healthy competition in the classroom, as students feel pride more strongly when they get something right. I enjoy how students are able to understand the same concept in different ways and how their points of view are sometimes different from mine, thus allowing me to learn from them as well.”
Home Country:
Colombia
Education:
B.A. in Physics, Universidad Nacional de Columbia
How long have you been teaching?
10 years. Before I joined UWC ISAK Japan, I taught at Changchun American International School in Changchun, China.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I like the flexibility we give our students, and how we make them responsible of their own learning. We don’t police them and instead they come to us by their own initiative to propose ideas for positive change.
How do you spend your spare time?
During my free time I enjoy watching films, when possible at the cinema. I think the cinema makes a film an experience more than a simple activity. I also enjoy spending time with my pet dog, Mochi, and I am also trying to learn Japanese by taking lessons and practicing!
Subjects:
Theory of Knowledge
“I love the diversity of the student population. Multiculturalism broadens the mind, and I am amazed at how much I learn from such a diverse student population.”
Education:
BA Honours Sport and Adventure Recreation, Bedfordshire, UK; PGCEI Nottingham University, UK
How long have you been teaching?
3 years. I previously taught at St. Gilgen International School in Austria and Amman Baccalaureate School in Jordan.
Before teaching, what did you do?
I have always enjoyed being outside and taking part in outdoor activities. Before becoming a teacher I worked in Outdoor Education centres teaching students transferable life skills through outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, climbing and expeditions.
Something that is important to me…
I have always had a strong passion for sport and outdoor activity. I think it is vital to lead a balanced, healthy and active lifestyle. I also think that it is our job to look after the planet we live on and try to recycle whenever possible. I dream of having my own vegetable garden in the future.
How do you spend your spare time?
Being involved in physical activity is extremely important to me; I love to try new activities especially with other people. I also love to be creative, making things, drawing or just general craft projects.
Subjects:
History, Theory of Knowledge, Advisor, Head of G12
“I love history because it is critical analysis, discussion, grappling with tough topics, and finding hope for the future based on resilience of our predecessors”
Education:
BA Vanderbilt University, MSSc Syracuse University, Maxwell School
How long have you been teaching?
Forever and a day. I previously taught at International School of Curacao and Atlanta International School.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
The people.
Something that is important to me…
Refugee crisis, building bridges between peoples and cultures, races.
How do you spend your spare time?
Writing poetry, listening to music, reading, family and friends.
Subjects:
Biology
“Biology is the most rapidly advancing science, so it is always exciting to learn about new techniques, discoveries and processes. You really can be a lifelong learner!”
Education:
BSc(HONS)Biological Sciences, PGCE Secondary Science 11-18, Main Biology, PGDip Conservation Biology, all at Manchester Metropolitan University
How long have you been teaching?
26 years. I was previously at Tathva International School for a short period but before that UWC Maastricht in The Netherlands.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
Working at a UWC allows you to fully interact with students from many parts of the World in a rich multicultural educational environment. Working with young people who are extremely proactive, both in and out of the classroom, with a unique mindset to problem solving and global issues is a breath of fresh air and a wonderful experience. It is a privilege being part of their enthusiastic and energetic community and seeing them grow personally in their ability to face and overcome challenges, due to their similarities and differences, over the short time they are here.
Something that is important to me…
Aikido is my passion. I have practiced for 23 years. I currently hold the rank of 4th Dan. I care deeply about preventing all forms of animal cruelty.
How do you spend your spare time?
Aikido and Yoga. I have also walked the coast to coast route in England, from St. Bee’s Head to Robin Hood’s Bay, and I have walked most of the Fells in the Lake District. I was actively involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme as a Supervisor during my time in the UK.
Subjects:
Global Politics, Theory of Knowledge Department Chair
“The best part about teaching is being able to walk with a student along their journey of learning. It is the most fulfilling thing I do. ”
Education:
MA Peace and Conflict Studies, European Peace University
How long have you been teaching?
About 10 years. Before this, I was at the Harbour School in Hong Kong and UWC Mahindra in India.
What did you do before teaching?
I was a diplomat for a few years and worked in public health for a while. I worked for the Jamaican foreign service, researching and negotiating foreign policy. I also worked with the Clinton Foundation for governments in the Caribbean and Southern Africa on responses to HIV and malaria. I served as a peacekeeper in South Sudan for a short time.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I love that UWCs create spaces for passionate young people to come together to learn from each other.
Something that is important to me…
I meditate by juggling, spinning diabolos, or twirling pole.
How do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy playing basketball and slacklining.
Subjects:
IB Biology, Mindful Self-Discipline, Leadership Program Coordinator
“Leadership: I enjoy the opportunity to explore what students care about or are curious about from their heart and support them in figuring out their personal vision. I like being able to explore various human experiences and find ways in which we can create change based on compassion and connections. The combination of the two help students design their path forward which is based on personal purpose and kindness, both of which I value deeply.”
Education:
B.S. Biology & Educational Studies, Macalester College, M.Ed International Education Policy, Harvard University
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I taught at the Shanghai Community International School. Before that, I worked as an education consultant and as a program officer for various NGOs including Save the Children and Room to Read, and Government in order to improve the quality of literacy education in various South East Asian Countries. I also worked as a yoga teacher.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I love the energy that I get to feel and be part of when students are creating meaningful changes that are important to them. I love that I get an opportunity to share and hear stories from the heart and make connections with students that are on a human level, rather than simply on the superficial teacher-student level.
Something that is important to me…
I care that every person is able to meet others with kindness and openness. I care that every person can explore their curiosity wholeheartedly and feel a sense of fulfillment. I am always learning to give my very best to enable such a learning environment.
How do you spend your spare time?
I like to play my flute, especially with an orchestra or in small groups and practice yoga. I love traveling to different places and eating food from different parts of the world. I love to play with my daughter, Lenka, and re-discovering the world from a little kid’s perspective.
Subjects:
Mathematics, Theory of Knowledge, G11 Level Coordinator
“I am fascinated by the world, people and their motivations. Each are constantly changing and I am committed to continually building an understanding through pursuing knowledge that is both holistic and data based.”
Education:
Mathematics and Education (BA), University of Chichester; Multicultural and International Education (MA), Oslo Metropolitan University
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I taught for 8 years in Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Why do you enjoy teaching Mathematics?
Its ability to rationalise and accurately evaluate data to debunk misconceptions about the world.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
Recognising how the individual student connects to the world, such the focus on mindfulness, autonomy and leadership that is encouraged in the college.
How do you spend your spare time?
Cycling, running, tennis, reading, cooking, and volunteering in communities affected by natural disasters.
Subjects:
Physical Education, Outdoor Education Program
“I love to enable students to move and become more physically and mentally active and competent. It is fantastic to see students pushing themselves in all different kinds of sports, and I love being outside and on the move.”
Education:
BS Physical Education
How long have you been teaching?
10 years. I previously taught at the International School of Monaco.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I am very excited to work with diverse groups of students and am thrilled about the outdoor learning opportunities.
Something that is important to me…
I enjoy travelling anywhere as it opens up my mind, I consider myself a practical learner and putting myself into new situations really broadens my perspective. I also like to think about how to encourage people to commit to a lifestyle that is promoting health.
How do you spend your spare time?
Sports of any kind, being outdoors, reading, travelling
Subjects:
English A and Chinese Ab initio
“I enjoy teaching because of the ability to get students to learn about English and also think through the language.”
Education:
BA English Language & Literature, King’s College London; PGCEi, MA World Englishes, University of Nottingham, TCSOL (Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages) TQUK Award Certificate
How long have you been teaching?
11 years. I’ve taught at different international and IB schools across China.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
The fact that I can experience the world through UWC!
Something that is important to me…
I care passionately about feminism and gender inequality.
How do you spend your spare time?
I am a keen practitioner of yoga and meditative practice.
Subjects:
Chinese, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator
“Literature is a reflection of life. I love sharing the gems that writers show us when they transform what they observe in life into literature. Through writers’ eyes and pen, the world we live in becomes full of interest. ”
Home Country:
I was born in Taiwan.
Education:
B.A., Chinese Literature, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
How long have you been teaching?
16 Years. I spent 15 years in the UK and started my teaching career there. I taught at Marymount International School in London before joining UWC ISAK Japan.
Before my teaching career…
I was a magazine journalist. My work was to gather and report on cultural and art aspects of information in the modern world. A typical day for me would include attending media conferences, interviewing for a stylish restaurant, or coordinating a photo shoot in a photo studio. Most importantly, I had to write up everything that was worth knowing for our magazine readers!
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
There is less about inheriting rules and more about writing history. At UWC ISAK Japan, we use every minute to create our own heritage.
I care about…
The students I interact with, the plants I grow, and the environment I live in! I also value spending quality time with my family and with myself.
Subjects:
Spanish, World Languages Department Chair
“I love UWC ISAK Japan for the diversity we have and the possibility of being more open-minded citizens. ”
Education:
Law Degree, University of Málaga; Masters Degree in Spanish as a Second Language, UNED Madrid and PGCE in Spanish Language and Literature, University of Málaga
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I taught at Yokohama (Japan), Leipzig (Germany) and Málaga (Spain).
What did you do before you became a teacher?
I worked as a lawyer in a law firm for two years.
Something that is important to me…
I really enjoy reading novels, watching movies and travelling. When I have time I enjoy designing jewelry.
How do you spend your spare time?
Visiting places, meeting with friends, going shopping, enjoying nature
Subjects:
Visual Art, CAS coordinator
“Creativity is magical. It can open doors you never knew existed.”
Education:
Cambridge University, BEd (Hons)
How long have you been teaching?
Over 25 years
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I taught English in Turkey and Italy, ran a commercial photographic studio in the UK, and have done hands-on stuff like restoring two old houses in Italy.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
The existence of a shared endeavour, where participants are equally engaged but in slightly different ways.
How do you spend your spare time?
Drawing. I sit on the edges of roads and corners of fields and draw. I am currently working on a series of relief prints based on the changing seasons of the Nagano landscape. The project currently stands at 22 prints!
Read more from Mr. Hinton:
Subjects:
Film, Theory of Knowledge, Financial Aid Student Coordinator
“I love storytelling, the whole transfer of an idea from one person to another fascinates me.”
Education:
BA Stockholm University, Sweden; BEd University of Toronto, Canada
How long have you been teaching?
14 years. Just before UWC ISAK Japan, I was at the Canadian International School in Hong Kong.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
The freedom to create and customise content in my classroom to reflect our focus and concerns as a community.
Something that is important to me…
I love the ocean and being in the ocean – the state of the world’s ocean’s is something that I care deeply about. I am also passionate about education and specifically the right for girls to be educated.
How do you spend your spare time?
Exploring areas I do not know, reading, listening to podcasts, making art, watching good film, being with friends.
Subjects:
Japanese, G10 Grade Coordinator
“I believe that learning languages is the key to becoming a citizen of the world and enjoy supporting students in becoming respectful and responsible global citizens.”
Education:
MA Japanese -Teaching of Japanese as a Foreign Language
How long have you been teaching?
I’ve been teaching for 17 years, and I was last at Woodside Priory School in California.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I love to be a part of such an innovative school in a beautiful environment!
Something that is important to me…
My passion at this moment is to educate myself to become an innovative teacher and support my students to be innovative.
How do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy walking with my dog, JJ, who takes me to a lot of places!
Subjects:
Japanese
“I enjoy Japanese language and literature because I can travel to any time and place through many works. ”
Education:
BA Japanese literature and language, Waseda University
How long have you been teaching?
30 years! Before this, I was at the International School of Dusseldorf in Germany.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I feel very comfortable in the diverse and accepting atmosphere here.
Something that is important to me…
Playing the Koto (a Japanese traditional instrument), swimming, pottery, hiking
How do you spend your spare time?
Gardening, Cycling with my family
Subjects:
Physics, G10 Mathematics
“I love working with students from different countries towards the vision of a peaceful and sustainable future.”
Education:
MS Astronomy, Leiden University
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I taught at YCIS Shanghai. I’ve only been teaching for less than a year — before that, I edited academic papers, managed an editing company, started and ran my own editing business for a decade, and organized several interdisciplinary, informal learning projects including two festivals, The Story of Light and The Story of Space.
Why do you enjoy teaching Physics?
Unpacking quantum physics and its implications on the nature of physical reality
Something that is important to me…
I like to write on the intersections of science, philosophy, art, and society. I currently care about and am investigating waste, Islamophobia, unequal power structures, and decolonising mindsets.
How do you spend your spare time?
Writing, reading, swimming, cycling, spending time with my family.
Subjects:
English, Theory of Knowledge, English Department Chair, Peer Support Trainer
“I love teaching because it allows me to accompany my students not only in their intellectual development but also in their personal growth. ”
Education:
MA International Relations and Affairs, University of Trieste; Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages, BSC Oxford; Humanistic & Transpersonal Counseling Certificate, SICUT Convivium; MA International Educational Leadership and Change, Education University of Hong Kong (ongoing)
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan…
I was with Caritas in Rwanda, and also at UWC Adriatic in Italy.
What is something you love about UWC ISAK Japan?
I love the determination, entrepreneurship and the “punching above your weight” attitude that our school embodies while it continues to grow. Also, there is a kind of spirit that is unique to UWC. It is about being part of a worldwide community of intelligent, provocative, compassionate, young (and not so young) people who really care about the projects, communities and causes they commit to. One is never bored when UWC people are around.
Something that is important to me…
My passion: languages (I speak Italian, English, French, Spanish, Russian and some two hundred words of Japanese) Something I care about: empowering people, especially young people, to discover and develop their own talents with an awareness of the needs of their communities.
How do you spend your spare time?
I love sharing meals and meaningful conversations (about movies, books, history, cultures, international politics, food, the meaning of life…) with my wife and our friends. I love playing (baby) football (aka soccer) with my son. I love reading, hiking and travelling.