Program Teachers

MICHELLE MAK

LITERACY SPECIALIST

Hello Families.  I am the Literacy Specialist at Chinese Immersion School who has the great fortune of working with our wonderful students and teachers.  
 
A little bit about myself.  I was born and raised in San Francisco.  As a student, I attended St. Mary’s Chinese Day School & Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High School before earning my Bachelor’s degree at  UC Davis.  I also hold a Masters in Language and Literacy from San Francisco State.
 
I have been teaching and working with English Language Learners in San Francisco Unified School District since 1999.  My passion, as a teacher, is to pass on my love of reading onto my students.  To help them discover that one special book that will begin their life long journey with books.  
 
During my spare time, I enjoy a good mystery, discovering the newest children’s books, and spending time with friends and family.  Food is another love.  I love a  great cheeseburger, bowl of ramen, slice of prime rib...

WENDY DERE

STREAM TEACHER

Greetings! I am the librarian/STEAM teacher here at CIS, and I run the STREAM program, which integrates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. Weekly classes include activities that allow students to tinker and make, while working collaboratively and creatively to problem-solve. This is a new role for me, and I thoroughly enjoy the time that I spend exploring and working with the students each week.

I’m a native San Franciscan and have been teaching for over 25 years. I am a true believer in language immersion education, having witnessed how beneficial such a program can be with my own children. I wish that I had the opportunity to attend a language immersion program while growing up so that my Chinese would be better!

In addition to my work, I am a busy mom of four. Much of my free time is spent with family - shopping, cooking, and eating! We enjoy walks with our corgi - all around the wonderful neighborhoods that the City has to offer.

I look forward to working with all of you and your children throughout the year.

JOSHUA SCHMIDT

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Hello! I am fortunate to have been teaching Physical Education at CIS as well as Bret Harte Elementary since 2016. It has been rewarding working with the students and families of this incredible community. I believe all should be exposed to physical activity from a young age and I encourage families to stay active outside of school.

Before teaching Physical Education, I worked for a nonprofit school enrichment program called Playworks. To this day, I apply the qualities of this program to how I teach; respect, inclusion, and a healthy lifestyle. Prior to moving to San Francisco in 2013, I grew up in New Jersey playing ice hockey and riding bikes. Since moving here, I picked up the sport of disc golf so you can find me at the course in Golden Gate Park most weekends. When I am not playing there, I am traveling to play new courses or competing in a tournament. This sport has created many friendships and adventures over the years. I am currently at over 450 courses played.

In July of 2022, my wife and I welcomed our daughter into the world! We are learning something new every week and are now professionals at changing diapers. In December of 2023, a little brother will join us! We are hopeful that, one day, these two will get to attend CIS!

ROSE WADE

OUTDOOR EDUCATION TEACHER

Hey there!  My name is Rose, and I am CIS's garden teacher (flower name - teaching garden was clearly meant to be).  I have always enjoyed working outside, both in my own backyard and in my past experience as a garden instructor, camp counselor, and preschool teacher.  I look forward to teaching about how awesome nature is and how much fun environmental science can be!  Now, let's get excited for the ways (and things) we will grow together this year! 

IVY LU

Music Teacher

My name is Ivy Lu.  My major is master degree in piano performance and my minor is viola. For the past teaching experience, I have been teaching individual piano lessons at the gifted program of a public elementary and a high school as well as teaching the piano and piano pedagogy course at a college in Taiwan over 8 years.  Currently, I am teaching the group keyboard and violin classes at CIS.

This page was last updated on November 27, 2023