Adventure has always been a driver in Dani Beth Barsalou’s life. Adventure is what would spur her move to China, as she’d always known — coming from Alaska, US — that she wanted to live in a foreign country and work with children.

“Starting as a teacher and having the privilege of moving into a principal role has given me a deep understanding of what it is like to be a teacher in such a great school,” she says. “It also helps me understand our students and their parents in a wonderful way. It is truly a blessing to serve such a wonderful community.”

As the ECC and Elementary Principal, Barsalou sees how TIS’s youngest students develop a love of “learning through play.” “We not only want our ECC and Elementary students to love learning, but also to learn how to love others and care for them as they would care for themselves,” she says. “Through our House system, it really builds a sense of belonging on top of the excellent academic education that our students receive.”

All students and their parents are sorted into and win points for one of four houses: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.

As TIS celebrates its 40th anniversary, Barsalou sees the next 40 years filled with the teachers’ love for their students and dedication to excellence in education — as it’s always been. “Teachers truly care about their students and desire for them to do well and will go above and beyond for every student,” says Barsalou.

“I often hear from parents who have left TIS that their child misses the care and love that they felt at TIS and wishes they could come back to TIS as the teachers really love and care for their students.”