Meet Alyssha Parkin

Step into Alyssha’s Early Years classroom at ISL, and you’ll find an environment full of warmth, where happy faces and curious minds thrive. With a deep commitment to early childhood development, Alyssha shares her journey, teaching philosophy, and what makes ISL a unique community for students and families alike.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at ISL?
My name is Alyssha, and I'm from New Zealand. My whole family is part of the ISL community: my husband, Michael Parkin, is a Grade 5 homeroom teacher, my daughter is in Grade 1, and my son is in Early Years. As for me, I’m an Early Years teacher here at ISL, where I have the pleasure of nurturing our youngest learners. 

What inspired you to become an Early Years teacher, and how long have you been part of the ISL community?

Most of my teaching experience is actually in upper elementary classrooms. Becoming a parent and having my own children is what inspired me to become an Early Years teacher. I became deeply interested in the development that takes place during these formative years. Observing my own children’s joy, wonder, and curiosity sparked a deep appreciation for this stage of learning.

I have been a part of the ISL community for 13 weeks, and have been really enjoying it.

What did you do prior to working at ISL, and what brought you to our school?

Before joining ISL, I worked as an Early Childhood Education Coordinator in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I was responsible for the mission, vision, and curriculum design for the early learning program of a new Early Learning Centre. Prior to that, I was an international educator in Saudi Arabia.

I was drawn to ISL by its caring, international community. The school’s commitment to inclusivity and a supportive learning environment for students and staff really resonated with me. ISL is not only somewhere I want to work, but also somewhere I want my own children to attend.

What does a typical day look like in your Early Years classroom?

Children arrive and settle in - a warm and nurturing greeting and intentionally set up environment help children feel safe, valued, and respected. 

Every day we gather as a group for our Morning Meeting. This is a valuable time for building community and ensuring all children feel connected and have a sense of belonging. 

Each day involves a mix of routine, inquiry and exploration, outdoor play, eating together, resting and caring for our bodies. All of these things ensure that the children feel secure and supported while having the agency to follow their interests, make choices, and develop their love of learning.

What do you love most about your work?
I love building warm, caring connections with each child and creating an environment that supports their social and emotional development.

According to the IB, “Play is more than fun—it’s the key to unlocking a child’s potential to learn and grow.” How does the PYP Early Years framework help children build the curiosity, creativity, and confidence they need to thrive today and in the future?

Play is learning! When children engage in play, they’re developing critical thinking skills, building relationships, exploring their creativity and so much more. Play provides a natural and equal opportunity for children to access the curriculum at their own pace and level of understanding, supporting all-round emotional, social, cognitive and physical development.

What are some of the most important skills you hope to instill in your students as they begin their educational journey?

Definitely a sense of agency as they explore the world around them - their awareness and belief in their ability to make choices, take actions, and influence their own life and surroundings. It is my hope that my students see themselves as capable individuals who can make decisions, be caring towards others, solve problems, and actively participate in their learning and interactions.

Can you share a memorable project or experience from your time at ISL that stands out to you?

One memorable experience that stands out to me was meeting my students and their families at the beginning of the year during the Listening Conferences. These initial meetings allowed me to learn about each child’s background, interests, and family values. I was so impressed by the warmth and commitment families showed in sharing their hopes and insights for their child’s learning journey. I could see why they chose ISL and our holistic approach to education for their child.

What do you think is unique about ISL?

ISL is a place where people really matter. There’s a strong culture of positive relationships, and it’s a community where I feel a real sense of belonging.

Please describe ISL in five words.
Inclusive, caring, diverse, globally-minded, purposeful.