Staffing Updates for 2025–2026: Farewells and New Beginnings
At Somersfield Academy we are fortunate to have a strong, dedicated team. At the same time, we continue to seek ways to strengthen and refine our staffing practices as we continue to work through our strategic plan 2023-27. This year we are happy to report our lowest staff attrition rate in recent years, like any independent school, we experience regular transitions—our talented educators are often in high demand across the globe. While some of our colleagues will be moving on, we remain deeply grateful for the energy and expertise they’ve brought to our community.
Teachers Leaving at End of 2024-2025
Denise Carpenter (Lower Primary) – 15 years of service at Somersfield
Fabienne Lee (Secondary French) – 15 years of service at Somersfield
Jenni Simpson (Secondary Spanish) – 10 years of service at Somersfield
Nicole Barrett (Learning Support) – 5 years of service at Somersfield
Sarah Pierroz (Secondary Art) – 3 years of service at Somersfield
Each of these staff members has made a meaningful contribution to life at Somersfield, and we wish them all the best in their next chapters.
Teachers Joining at Beginning of 2025-26
As we prepare for the year ahead, I’m pleased to share an update on staffing changes and to welcome the new educators who collectively come with a wealth of knowledge and international experience to joining our community:
Hannah Gibson – Lower Primary Teacher
Hannah brings international experience and a passion for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. Since beginning her teaching career in 2019, she has taught in Spain, Manchester, and most recently at an international school in Dubai. Known for her student-centred approach and dedication to inspiring young learners. We are delighted to welcome her to the Lower Primary teaching team.
Judith Welch – Learning Support & Mathematics Teacher
We are excited to welcome Judith to our school community as a Learning Support teacher for the Upper Primary level. Judith brings over 10 years of experience as a Learning Support and Special Education teacher in the Bermuda public middle school system. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education as well as an MBA. Her strong business background enhances her exceptional communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills. In addition to her primary role, Judith will provide support as needed in Secondary Math, including MYP and DP, drawing on her extensive subject knowledge—particularly in middle school math. She is passionate about creating engaging and supportive educational environments and is dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential through thoughtful, creative, and impactful teaching.
Cecile Leonard – Secondary French
Cecile will be joining our languages department, teaching secondary French. As a French National, Cecile is a competent, dynamic and experienced French Language Acquisition teacher. She has extensive experience in both MYP and Diploma Programmes through her tenures in International Schools in the UK, Germany, Tanzania, China, and most recently – Thailand. As an experienced languages coordinator, Cecile is looking forward to strengthening a collaborative approach across the whole language team. We’re delighted to have someone of Cecile’s skills and experience join our team.
Raul Sanchez Saura – Secondary Spanish
Originally from Spain, Raul joins us with 7 years teaching experience in prominent UK schools such as Eton College, Westminster, Rugby School and St Paul’s Girls School. Joining our language department as an experienced IB Diploma teacher, Raul will be teaching Secondary Spanish, but is also fluent in French and Portuguese. Raul is a young, team player looking to make a positive contribution to our school community.
Maria Anna Jasinski – Secondary Art
With over 30 years of experience, Anna, has extensive Art teaching experience in Canada, Kazakhstan, China, and Ukraine. She is well versed in both the IB MYP and Diploma programmes and enjoys working as part of a collabortive team. Anna is passionate about supporting students in their cultural context and encourages them to interact and share their social values with each other through their Art. We look forward to Anna enhancing a collaborative spirit within our Arts team.
Allie Zuckerman – Part-time Secondary English and I & S (Psychology)
Completing her internship at Somersfield, Allie is no stranger to our Secondary Team. Allie is not new to teaching, having taught German, Social Studies, & English at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, New Jersey for 3 years. Allie is an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about engaging students in history, languages, and philosophy in the classroom, as well as with theatre and debate as extracurricular work. Married to a Somersfield Alumnus, Allie is looking forward to being fully involved in all aspects of school life.
We’re excited to introduce a talented group of educators who will be joining our student-focused team, and proud of the collaborative effort that’s gone into finalising our staffing plans in advance of the 2025–2026 school year. With continued momentum, I’m optimistic about further strengthening our approach to staff retention in the years ahead.