Ms. Janet Lai joins AIS this year as our new Elementary School STEAM teacher. She has had the pleasure of working with children for more than 13 years, and truly enjoys being around them. She is always amazed at what they do and say, and feels energized every time she is with them. Outside of teaching, Ms. Lai is a passionate dessert lover, and is always on the lookout for new dessert spots to explore.

I chose to work at AIS because of the School’s core values “Justice, Knowledge and Love” and its emphasis on student-centered learning and guiding students to think critically for themselves and be creative. Being able to work in such a positive environment and contribute to the whole child development of young people aligns with my own educational philosophy.

I really enjoy the sense of community and collaboration at AIS. We are surrounded by so many dedicated teachers who want to create a supportive learning environment. I love to see students engaged and excited about what they are learning as well as the diversity of perspectives in the classroom. The energy inspires me to be a part of their growth and success.

I am inspired by my former principal who created a supportive environment for both teachers and students. It was amazing. She consistently encouraged teachers to try out new ideas in their teaching and valued open communication to make all the teachers feel heard and valued. From this experience, I learned how important it is to foster relationships within the school community.

I am trying to be healthier so I’ve been putting sandwiches in my lunch box but sometimes I will include some chips as well.

Today, I had butter chicken accompanied by some vegetables for lunch.

I firmly believe that a smile has the power to change a person’s day. Life is not solely about grand gestures; it is the small, everyday moments that we recognize and acknowledge that can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Therefore my goal as a teacher is to make a meaningful impact.