Celeste Mims

Assistant Teacher

Jocelyn Manzanarez (Ms. Jocelyn)

Music Teacher

As a music specialist, I am honored to provide children at Tucson International Academy the opportunity to experience all of the benefits music education offers.  I received my BA from the University of Montana in Music Education and MA in Music Education from the University of Washington. I hold a certification as a k-12 certified music educator. 

The unique piece about teaching music at TIA is that the classes are virtual and I am teaching from my office in Seattle, Washington! In our weekly musical classes we play instruments, sing, dance and most of all have fun learning through music. I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing community of learners.

Jem Herald A. Deliarte

Teacher – Grades 9-12 ELA & History

Using my humble beginnings as a lad who grew up in the hinterlands of the Philippines, I’ve gained international and global teaching experiences. I am seasoned with various sociological perspectives across diverse cultures and practices from the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand. I know that I do not need magic to change the world because I carry all the power I need inside myself already. My life mission is to inspire boundless, fertile imagination among my students and colleagues by promoting and exemplifying the universal attributes of being an effective communicator, critical thinker, and socially responsible Christian/citizen through diverse, purposeful educational endeavors on- and off-campus; educators and learners who are driven by the motto, “Carpe diem!” I impact the world by seizing every moment! As time has proven across the ever-changing seas of education, making change happens. I have confirmed that determination and imagination can get us anywhere we want. I am good at adapting to cultures, redefining norms, and bringing with me best practices from places I explored. I enjoy improving myself in every opportunity I encounter, growing, and thriving to become the best version of myself. Moreover, I can only do more to be more, ultimately for my family. I experience success in my mission when I embark on another, more challenging journey of life, bear the seal of being a Lasallian educator ever so proudly and make the future happen. Carpe diem!

Sheena Soler

Teacher – Grades 4, 5, 6

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”- Malala Yousafzai.

Inspired by the story of a little girl who stood up for education, I believe every child should have equal access to quality education. Just like Malala’s story, education is the key to the change that we want to see.

I am Miss Sheena L Soler, from the beautiful country of the Philippines, consisting of thousands of islands in Southern Asia. I grew up in a lower-middle-class family, but my parents strived hard to send us to school and get a formal education. I graduated with a Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in Chemistry, and from then, I have become an advocate for quality education. In my 11 years of teaching, I have equipped myself with the knowledge and skills to help students achieve their goals. Education certainly determines the quality of an individual’s life. It is an honor to be part of the TIA team this school year. I am looking forward to being part of the change!

April Reidy (Ms. April)

Special Ed

I was born in Anchorage, Alaska as an Air Force brat but, I moved to Tucson when I was 13 years old. I have an MA in special education and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, all from U of A. My husband is from New Zealand, so we do a lot of traveling. My son is in the Navy stationed in Japan and My daughter is a sophomore in high school. When not working, I am playing with my three big fuzzy fur babies or drinking Starbucks.

Ripley

Ms. April’s Special Service Therapy Dog

“Ripley” is a seven-year-old golden retriever. She has been working in public schools for the last five years. Ripley has been trained both as a service animal and a therapy animal. When she is not in school she visits friends in hospice care. She really enjoys running, playing, and especially swimming with her other two fuzzy sisters at home.

Xiuqing Sun (Ms. Sun)

Chinese Teacher – All Grades & Campuses

I went to China Communication University and have a degree in Media Management. In China, I taught Chinese to foreigners before I moved to the U.S. I’ve been teaching Chinese at TIA since 2012. I have traveled to Thailand, Japan, Korea, China, and around the U.S. I cannot give a direct translation, but my favorite quote is something like this; “If I walk with two other people, I can learn from at least one of them.” It shows humility and the willingness to learn from different people, regardless of their age, background, or beliefs.

William Chambers (Mr. Chambers)

Teacher – Grades 7-12 Math & Science

I teach Math and Science for grades 6-12, and I have been a teacher for over 25 years. I have taught in Mexico, Gabon West Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, and Peru. I have enjoyed being a teacher and consider myself lucky to have traveled doing my job. I graduated with a B. S. in GeoScience from the University of Arizona, as well as an MS from South eastern Florida University in Curriculum Instruction and Technology. I also have over 70 semester hours in professional development classes. As a military dependent, I have been traveling for most of my life and have been to six of the seven continents and look forward to the day I will be able to go to Antarctica. I consider myself to be lucky to be a teacher. “Every truth has four corners. As a teacher, I give you one corner and it is for you to find the other three.” – Confucius

Mark Narreto (Mr. Mark)

Teacher – 7-12 ELA & History

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step.” – Lao Tzu

I always believe that education is a never-ending voyage. It is a right, not a privilege. And it takes one’s courage and commitment to dream and make it happen.

Madayaw! I am Teacher Markee Narreto and I came all the way from the Southern part of the Philippines — Mindanao. I graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and took up Bachelor of Secondary Education in English. I am a journalist and educator by profession. For fifteen years, I have been teaching in many colleges and universities in my home country while working in a broadcast network at the same time.

For six years, I have had the chance to work with the Department of Education, teaching Senior High School learners specializing in Literary Arts, Media Communication, and Theatrical Production.

My penchant for teaching has made me so engrossed and feel invested with my craft. It is what keeps my motor rolling and expand my horizon to inspire more learners overseas.

I am an actor, writer, filmmaker, and mover.

I am looking forward to having you in my class as we engage, explore and experience ELA and Social Studies together!

Harinawa!

Rubina Herrera (Ms. Ruby)

Teacher – Grades 2-3

I am from Tucson, AZ, and am teaching at TIA East as the 5th – 6th-grade teacher. I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I love going on adventures and am a huge animal lover. Before going to college, I attended TIA Broadway from Grades K-4, then I graduated from TIA West campus. I have always loved kids and helping them. Teaching is one of my passions and I am so excited to get to know everyone. I believe that all classrooms should be a safe environment where students feel free to talk about certain appropriate topics with one another and to have fun while learning. I expect that my students and parents will be involved throughout the academic year and to participate in activities I will provide. Although COVID is here, I do plan on making this year a really fun time for my students to enjoy.

Monique Canez (Ms. Monique)

Teacher – Grades K-1

I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a major in Early Childhood Education. I went to TIA since 3rd grade and had an amazing experience, therefore I wanted to come back and teach at TIA to make an amazing experience for my students, which I plan on doing with a lot of hands-on activities! I cannot wait to get to know each one of my students!

Click to view or download Ms.M’s May 23 Newsletter