Hi, my name is Mary Wenstrom and I’m the Experiential Learning Coordinator at the International School of Beijing.

Because I believe strongly that we never stop learning, I have been gaining extensive knowledge and skills with Experiential Learning, Global Education, technology in the classroom, 21st Century Learning and Understanding by Design curriculum. I make a point of continuing my professional development through workshops, classes and conferences. For many years, I was employed with the National Youth Sports Program. I started at the University of St. Thomas and moved to Gustavus Adolphus College’s campus in Minnesota. With the NYSP, I worked with underprivileged youth as the Activity Director of the program. It was a challenging and worthwhile experience that taught me a lot about life and the hardships that many of our youth face. It showed me what some kids have to overcome in order to be successful individuals. I also witnessed what happened to students if they did not get the support they needed from their families and school systems. This experience has stuck fast with me wherever I have lived. I have had the privilege of working with several programs, organizations and foundations that help kids overcome obstacles to get an education to be positive contributors to society.

I graduated in 2003 from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, USA with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education and also a coaching minor.  I attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland as part of a study abroad program for a semester. After graduation at Gustavus, I worked with the Eden Prairie School District in Minnesota.  Because I was passionate about Global Education and Experiential Learning, I decided to continue my learning journey abroad.

I am fortunate to have the freedom and ability to create authentic learning experiences for students which include the application of rigorous content and 21st century skills.
We know that content mastery is no longer enough to remain literate in our ever changing world. The skills needed to succeed are to be practiced, cultivated and then refined. Experiential Learning gives students hands on opportunities to practice and implement curricular concepts articulated locally and globally, both on-campus and off-campus. With the interdisciplinary nature of the real world, students synthesize information from a variety of subjects. Students apply what they are learning in order to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. They implement the content and skills they are learning by seizing opportunities to positively change and impact our world.

Using Experiential Learning, educators have the pedagogical room to get to the heart of their professional areas. They immerse students in a variety of best practices. They enable students to explore dreams and passions by educating, empowering and engaging. Teachers focus on the ingredients of how to create students who are 21st Century learners and contributors, not just students who score well on a test. Students want this, students need this, and our world does as well.
As US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It is today that we must create the world of the future.”

I have worked at three different international schools.  First, I had the great experience of teaching at the International School of Frankfurt. It was a good school to start my international teaching experience and I learned a great deal.

Next, I had the privilege of teaching in Spain at Sotogrande International School.  At SIS, I was head of Primary Physical Education.  I taught PYP and MYP Physical Education to grades 1-9, and I coordinated and implemented the MYP Health curriculum for grades 6-9.  I became experienced at using UbD (Understanding by Design) while designing the health and physical education curriculum.

After Spain, I have had the honor of teaching at the International School of Beijing, China.  At ISB, I have been very lucky to hold a variety of positions at the school.  I have been the Experiential Learning Coordinator for two years.  I taught Health and Physical Education, grades 1-12, and was the Curriculum Area Coordinator (Head of Department) for High School Physical Education.  I was the Co-Coordinator for the Adult Wellness Council (WellCo) where I created several school-wide events and initiatives that have been very successful, worthwhile and fun.

I am also passionate about coaching and currently work with the varsity girls’ basketball team and 7^th grade girls’ basketball team.  There have been a lot of successes with my sport teams over the years, and it’s been a pleasure being a part of it.

The goal of creating this site was to continue educating myself and others in the areas of experiential learning, health and physical education.  Each day I strive to bring a positive attitude and an open mind to learning new ways of educating children.  I believe I owe it to my students, colleagues and community, to bring consistency, motivation and warmth to in the hope that I can ultimately inspire such traits in my students.

Thanks for taking the time to have a look.  If you have any questions or comments for me, the best way to reach me is by email: mwenstrom@isb.bj.edu.cn.

Wishing you all the best,     

Mary