[New Arrivals] Year 2 Co-Teacher Megan Banerjee

In this week's New Teacher Profile Series, we chat with Year 2 Co-Teacher and Year Level Leader Megan Banerjee who shares the inspiration behind her teaching and why she chose YCIS Beijing as her next destination to further her teaching career.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Megan Banerjee. I’m from the United States and with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Indianapolis. I am licensed to teach in the US, Canada, and the UK, plus schools that follow the IB-PYP curriculum. I enjoy honing my skills and have acquired additional licensing to enhance my classroom instruction. I specialize in Reading, Mild Interventions (Special Education), and Technology. I am also currently working on my master’s degree.

I worked as a 6th grade teacher (Year 7) in the US before moving to Suzhou, China where I worked as a Kindergarten teacher (Year 1).  Since then, I have taught Grades 1 & 2 (Years 2 & 3).  I stayed in Suzhou for 5 years before coming here to Beijing.  I am excited to begin my 6th year in international education in China.

What inspired you to be a teacher?

I was most inspired when working with a struggling first grader in the US. His parents were working multiple jobs; he had little structure at home and found school to be very difficult. I was devastated to hear this five-year-old tell me: “I’m stupid.  I’ll never be good at anything.” I had always enjoyed working with kids (as I am a big kid myself), but it was hearing this that I really decided I wanted to make an impact on others through teaching.

What do you like most about teaching as a career?

There is never a dull moment. From the “light bulb” moment when a child fully understands something they hadn’t before to overcoming challenges – it’s the students that makes teaching such a rewarding profession.

Why did you chose YCIS Beijing as your teaching destination?

I wanted growth as an educator.  YCIS Beijing does a great job of supporting teachers in providing professional development opportunities. They also have a good reputation in China for providing academic excellence.  My husband and I consider China our home, so Beijing was a logical choice for us.  We are excited at the chance to explore Beijing as a local and not as a tourist!

To read more about Megan, please click "read more".