Celebrating World Teachers Day at CGA

Each year on October 5, World Teachers’ Day honours educators across the globe for their dedication, creativity, and impact. At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), this celebration holds special meaning - our teachers not only shape the minds of students around the world but also lead rich, inspiring lives that extend far beyond the virtual classroom.

Before we celebrate their stories, our principals share a heartfelt message of gratitude.

“Every day you aren’t just logging into your virtual classrooms and bringing lesson plans - you’re creating connections at a distance... you see potential in students you may never meet in person, yet somehow you build relationships that are real and meaningful. You foster discussions so teenagers feel seen and heard, albeit through a camera lens. You’ve mastered the art of creating a vibrant and engaging learning community at CGA. I want you to know you are valued and deeply appreciated. Thank you for pioneering education at CGA.” - Mark Philips, Principal A Level Pathway

“CGA teachers, your dedication, expertise, and innovative spirit are the foundation for everything we accomplish day after day...your passion inspires curiosity and nurtures growth far beyond the classroom. The partnerships you forge with families help create powerful support networks that amplify every student’s success. Through your effort and commitment to excellence, you help us fulfil our vision of empowering students to achieve and discover their limitless potential. CGA teachers, you are the heartbeat of our learning community, and I am deeply grateful for all that you do.” - Brittanie Bates, Principal US Diploma Pathway

At CGA, our teachers are more than educators, they're explorers, artists, athletes, and lifelong learners. Each brings unique experiences and passions to our global online school, enriching lessons with the wisdom of a life well lived.

This year, in celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2025, we’re shining a light on our teachers’ lives beyond the classroom - the hobbies, pursuits, and passions that make them who they are.

With an average of over 20 years of teaching experience, CGA educators come from every corner of the globe. The flexibility of virtual learning allows them to balance their love of education with their personal interests - whether that means exploring new countries, performing on stage, or mastering a new skill.

And it’s precisely this balance that makes learning at CGA so inspiring.

The Explorers: Global Teachers Bringing the World into the Classroom

CGA’s teaching community spans continents - from Tokyo to Milan, Auckland to Miami - united by curiosity and a global outlook. For many of our educators, travel isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life and an extension of how they teach.

For Steve Buckley, Head of Mathematics in Auckland, exploration has always been part of his personal and professional DNA.

Being a school teacher means the breaks between terms can be spent travelling - and cheap airfares and budget accommodation bring it all within reach, he says.

Steve has already visited 132 countries - two-thirds of his goal to see all 195 nations - and brings that same spirit of discovery into his classroom.

In Miami, Cristian Sanchez, a History teacher, found that travel profoundly shaped his teaching philosophy.

Travelling has shaped how I connect history and culture in the classroom. It’s about helping students see learning as something alive and relevant, he explains.

After visiting 30 cities across five continents during his 30th birthday year, Cristian’s stories bring the past to life for his students - showing them how culture, history, and humanity are deeply interconnected.

Similarly, Vince Nguyen, a Mathematics teacher based in Vietnam, says exploring new places allows him to better connect with CGA’s diverse student body.

“Travelling lets me learn about different traditions and cultures so I can build lessons that interest and motivate diverse student groups.”

For Thomas Butler, a Da Vinci primary teacher in Tokyo, travel opened the door to teaching itself.

The novelty of life in a new country was addictive — it’s hard to stay away from environments that feel new and enticing, he recalls.

Across the globe, CGA teachers are united by this shared curiosity - a belief that education, like travel, is a journey of discovery.

The Creators: How Art, Music, and Storytelling Enrich Online Learning

Creativity pulses through CGA’s virtual halls. Many of our teachers express themselves through art, writing, music, or performance; passions that inspire students to think creatively and explore their own voices.

Jaibee Jacob, Da Vinci Business Studies Teacher in India, is a multifaceted artist who sings, dances, and paints.

My father realised I had a gift and always encouraged me, she shares. Creativity keeps me grounded and inspired — it’s how I bring energy into my lessons.

In Armenia, Laura Poghosyan, an ESOL Teacher, sees creativity as inseparable from her teaching.

Teaching isn’t just a skill — it’s a calling,” she says. “I’m passionate about singing, creative writing, and philosophy, all of which expand my imagination and empathy as a teacher.

For Keli Sheblom, Teacher in Charge of English in Auckland, creativity takes many forms. She’s a writer, theatre enthusiast, and lifelong adventurer.

I write mystery novels, explore theatre, and love anything that combines creativity and curiosity,” Keli explains. “Every hobby — from cross-stitching to rock climbing — fuels the same spark I bring to teaching.

In Auckland, Andy Meldrum, Chemistry Teacher, blends science and spectacle with his unique passion: fire performance.

As a Chemistry teacher, maybe it’s natural I was drawn to fire performing, he laughs.There’s something about juggling fire that’s hard to beat.

For Andy, the chemistry of curiosity burns bright - quite literally.

At CGA, creative energy knows no bounds. Whether through art, science, or storytelling, our teachers show students that learning is an act of imagination.

The Adventurers: How Sports and Wellness Shape Resilient Educators

For many CGA teachers, physical activity is more than a hobby - it’s a philosophy of life. Sports, adventure, and movement provide the same balance and discipline they bring into their teaching.

Shane Frenna, a CGA Teacher based in Bangkok, is a certified personal trainer, coach, scuba diver, and fitness nutrition specialist.

Helping children grow and love learning is important, he says. And learning new activities and ideas every day keeps me inspired.

Sameera Shaheed, who teaches across the US Diploma and A-Level pathways from Qatar and India, finds strength in both movement and mindfulness.

Sports and yoga help me cultivate discipline and resilience - qualities I strive to instil in my students, she explains.

Nicholas Hall, teaching Digital Media and Project Management from Bangkok, found his passion for Muay Thai after moving to Thailand.

I wanted a sport that would teach me something different and engage me with Thai culture, he says, It’s also easier on my knees than jogging!

Meanwhile, in France, Shaneikiah Verel, a Science Teacher, balances her love of scuba diving with the adrenaline of roller derby.

It’s a full-contact sport — what’s not to love? she laughs.

And back in the U.S., Cristian Sanchez continues to seek adventure through white-water rafting, a hobby he discovered by accident.

What started as a mistake - signing up for an advanced rafting course - became an exhilarating passion, he recalls.

From calm yoga flows to roaring rapids, these educators remind us that balance, courage, and curiosity go hand in hand.

The Nature Lovers: Teachers Finding Inspiration in Nature and Science

For others, peace and inspiration are found in the natural world - in forests, oceans, and open skies.

Jamie Robinson, Teacher in Charge of Biology in Nova Scotia, Canada, finds grounding in nature.

I grew up in the countryside in Yorkshire, England, he says, I’ve always loved canoeing, camping, and walking - the outdoors keeps me connected to the world I teach about.

In Spain, Becky Hancock, Head of ESOL and World Languages, feels at home in the water.

I love wild swimming, diving, and gardening, she says. Being submerged gives me a sense of freedom and calm - it’s more than a hobby, it’s a way of seeing the world.

Emily Fitzgerald, who teaches History and Social Science from Melbourne, found her love of hiking in New Zealand’s South Island.

Everyone was hiking - it soon became the thing I loved too,”she recalls.

And in Maine, Elizabeth Levasseur, a Da Vinci English Teacher, finds joy on the golf course.

I started golfing with my husband, and now I can’t stop! I’m always chasing my new personal best.

These educators remind us that teaching, like nature, is a cycle of renewal - of taking time to explore, reflect, and grow.

The Lifelong Learners: The Spirit of Continuous Growth at CGA

At CGA, one value unites every educator: the commitment to lifelong learning.

Sara Righetti, a neuroscientist and teacher from Milan, Italy, is passionate about languages.

I’m passionate about learning new languages and hope to learn Chinese one day,”she says. Because I love to travel, it connects me to people and cultures.

Teena Trivedi, based in Bangkok, continues to explore new art forms and technology.

I’m currently learning a new dance form and discovering new tech tools - it keeps me connected to my students’ world.

And in Tokyo, Thomas Butler combines his interests in computing, board games, and music to make learning engaging and relevant.

I have a large collection of board games I use for educational purposes — it’s about learning through play and creativity.

For these teachers, learning isn’t a job requirement - it’s a way of life.

A Global Community of Passion and Purpose

Across oceans and time zones, CGA’s teachers form a community defined by passion, creativity, and purpose.

They are the explorers who bring the world into every lesson, the creators who spark imagination, and the mentors who show students that learning never truly ends.

At Crimson Global Academy, our teachers don’t just teach - they live what they teach. Their curiosity becomes our curriculum, their adventures become our lessons, and their stories remind us why education matters.

World Teachers’ Day is a reminder that great education begins with great educators - those who bring their whole selves to every lesson.

Happy World Teachers’ Day to our incredible CGA educators around the world. Thank you for bringing your whole selves - your passion, creativity, and experience - to every lesson, every day.