Teacher: Heather Vallot – Grades K-1-2-3
I am excited to be your teacher this year! I received my Early Childhood Education degree in 2009, which I utilized when home-schooling my children. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology, which allows me to connect to each child that I meet. I have a passion for helping children reach their full potential, and I incorporate my love of music and history into every project that I create. I look forward to helping each student grow and foster a love of learning that will carry through to all aspects of a student’s life.
Click this link to go to K – 1 grade teacher page
Click this link to go to 2-3 grades teacher page
Teacher: Edgar Bernal Sevilla – Grades 4-5-6
Mr. Sevilla grew up as the eldest of four, and always knew he wanted to be an educator. His first educational job was as an education specialist in the Imperial Valley Desert Museum. It was here where he fostered a deep love for the Sonoran Desert, where his family has 300+ years of history. He also worked as a graduate teaching assistant at Northern Arizona University, where he was a finalist for the 2020 NAU Graduate Assistant Award and worked to mentor college students. After his two-year stint in Flagstaff, he moved to his favorite city in the United States to further his educational career as a 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade teacher at Tucson International Academy. As the grandchild of field workers, Mr. Bernal Sevilla knows what it takes to get to college and succeed there. He is a finished thesis away from completing a Master of Arts in Borderlands History with an emphasis in Public History. Click this link to go to the teacher’s page
Teacher: Kalista Ahouse – Grades 7-12 ELA & SS
Ms. Ahouse is excited to begin working at TIA as the Social Studies and Language Arts teacher for grades 7-12. Ms. Ahouse was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is now completing her Masters of Education at the University of Arizona. Ms. Ahouse is passionate about Greek mythology, Dungeons & Dragons, and her cats – Juno and Ben. Ms. Ahouse is looking forward to working with you to explore literature and ask difficult questions. Click this link to go to the teacher page
Teacher: Robert Garcia – Grades 7-12 Math & Science
Xiuqing 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. Click this link to go to the teacher page
Teacher: Ruth Smith – Spanish – TIA & East Campus
Hola! My name is Ruth Smith and I am from Costa Rica. English is my second language. I have over 25 years of experience working with students. I have done missionary work in Latin America where I worked as a translator (English/ Spanish) and interpreter. In Costa Rica, I was a student at the University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) where I started my Bachelor’s degree in Science Education with an emphasis on preschool bilingual education. Click this link to go to the teacher page
Mr. Shannon Reed – Admin Assistant
A native of Pampa, Texas, but now a resident of Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Reed was introduced to the education system via substitute teacher 3 years ago at TIA Broadway and eventually found his way back in a permanent position. Before his time in education, Mr. Reed served in the U. S. Air Force and retired in 2016. He is happy to have found a welcoming home in TIA and begin a new journey with his wife and children.
Ali Garrett – SPED TA
I am the SPED TA. I went to school for business but I found my love for teaching right after I graduated college. I love working with students that need my help. Some things to know about me are I like to travel and being on new adventures. I enjoy cooking and baking so you might find me in the kitchen once in a while. Or on the couch watching Netflix. (If I’m in a lazy mood)
Jeanette Cannon – Programs Coordinator
I went to school at Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. I decided to become a teacher because I love school, I love learning, I love kids, and I love being in a community environment. I have visited 5 continents and about 22 states. I grew up in a military family. I lived overseas for 9 years, and I play clarinet and saxophone. I want to be remembered for promoting love of reading. “Live, learn, read!”
You can pick up a printed homework packet from your school between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. They are also available to download here.
CALL US TODAY…enroll your child at TIA
Tucson International Academy Campus
1230 East Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85719
Phone (520) 792-3255 ext 1300 OR (520) 624-3448