Teachers & Staff
Meet our Team
Sharing School Management
Our Board of Directors
Our Board consists of four brothers who envisioned a new approach to education — a school where students are encouraged to develop their identities and grow into the best versions of themselves.
Education Management
Our Principal
The Principal plays a vital role in guiding our team of educators. Through dedicated leadership, they shape the school’s culture, inspire our staff, and drive the achievement of our educational goals.
David Tigchelaar
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
I started my journey as an educator in secondary special education, working with students with behavioural and learning difficulties. Later, I became a primary homeroom teacher. My first international position was in Namibia where I worked as a lecturer at a teacher training college. It was in Namibia that I first learned about international schools.
I went on to become a teacher, PYP coordinator and later Principal at Windhoek International School. From then, I became Primary School Principal in Germany, Azerbaijan, followed by Head of School roles in Iraq, Indonesia and Albania. My next step was to working as a Secondary School Principal in Saudi Arabia and Whole School Principal in Ukraine. Additionally, I have also worked as an IB workshop leader, school visitor and consultant.
My educational philosophy is closely aligned with the IB Framework. I value an internationally minded approach, a conceptual curriculum, connections between disciplines and student voice and choice. Student mental health has become an increasingly important issue, and I believe that schools play a vital role in helping students develop self-awareness and navigate the challenges they encounter in the world.
Meet our team of COORDINATORS
Our Leadership Team
The Leadership Team consists of international education specialists with extensive experience in the IB Curriculum, delivering an innovative and forward-thinking approach to learning for all our students.
Meet our team of Early Years & Primary
Our Primary School Teaching Team
Our Early Years and Primary educators are committed to nurturing young learners with personalised support. They foster curiosity, confidence, and essential skills in a welcoming environment that inspires joyful and meaningful learning experiences.
Meet our team of Middle Years & Diploma
Our Secondary School Teaching Team
Our Middle Years and Diploma team consists of skilled educators dedicated to inspiring critical thinking, independence, and global awareness, guiding students through a transformative journey that prepares them for academic and personal success.
Meet our team of educators For all ages
Our Content Specific Teaching Team
Our specialist teachers bring expertise and enthusiasm to subjects such as arts, sciences, and languages. They enrich students’ learning with in-depth knowledge, creativity, and unique skills, fostering curiosity and supporting holistic development across all year levels.
Meet our team of support staff
Our Support Staff
Our dedicated and resourceful support staff work alongside our academic and administrative teams to ensure the best possible educational experience for every member of the ISS Madeira community.