Panthers of ISKL #258: Nadine Levone – The Inspired Panther
“I know how important it is to know my values, skills, and talents to better care for my students and teachers by supporting them the best I can. And if my support could lighten a colleague’s workload or motivate a student in the classroom, isn’t the world a little better for them then?”
Meet Nadine Levone, the Instructional Assistant for MS Creative Technology at ISKL, a role she has been dedicated to since 2019.
Originally from Sarawak in East Malaysia, Nadine began her career in education after completing her studies in KL. In her free time, she loves socializing with friends over dinner, exploring hidden restaurants or cafes, reading, watching anime, and hiking.
Here is Nadine’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am a native of Sarawak (Borneo) who decided to study in Kuala Lumpur in 2007. After four years of studying in KL, I fell in love with city life and continued to live and work there.
I started to expose myself to the education line through a speech and drama program held in a private kindergarten. I assisted the head coach and then began to coach my own class 3 months into the program; most of my students were in their early years. I started to develop a passion for teaching 5 to 6 years old children, so I moved into a classroom setting to be a homeroom teacher for that age range in three different schools: Kindicare Preschool (2012-2014), Havil International School (2015-2017) and Sri Bangsar Preschool (2017-2018).
When and why did you join ISKL?
I joined ISKL in July 2019, captivated by the tagline “Be All You Are.” A few months before joining ISKL, I was going through a teaching slump, and when I saw “Be All You Are,” my dimming passion for being an educator suddenly lit up, and my heart resonated with the tagline. After my talk with Azra Pathan, the ES Assistant Principal at the time, I knew ISKL was where I could grow and make a difference.
Please describe your role as an Instructional Assistant – MS Creative Technology job and daily activities.
As an Instructional Assistant for the MS Creative Technology team, I support and facilitate a smooth learning experience for the students and teachers in the Art, Food Tech, and Design Technology spaces. Daily, I prepare instructional resources and materials for lessons and engage with students by providing feedback or technical assistance in the classroom.
Can you tell us about anything exciting or interesting happening at ISKL that you’re a part of?
Just before Christmas break, the MS Division started the “Agency” introduction and connect group for the students. “Agency” is a 10-hour project that allows students to work on their passions or learn new skills to help or benefit others.
It will be interesting to see what projects the students come up with and to make sure they are given ample support and resources on my part.
What is your most memorable moment so far at ISKL?
My most memorable moment so far was being fully online during Covid and navigating uncharted territories. I was still an Instructional Assistant for the Elementary School, and we had schedules for virtual playgrounds with the students daily. I was in charge of the “Quiz Time” every Wednesday lunch break, and I truly learned a lot from preparing the presentations for the quizzes and brainstorming on themes or questions. I would use and pick up tech skills that I never thought I could use. In a way, I was grateful for the times we went through during the lockdown.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is not knowing when to stop working. Our space is always full of exciting activities and different projects that the students are working on, and I get carried away with excitement and focus, so sometimes I work until I forget the time.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
Most days after work, I socialize with friends over dinner, and on weekends, we go food hunting at hidden restaurants or cafes. I also love reading, watching anime, and hiking (but I haven’t been hiking recently since I injured my knee).
Who or what inspires you?
For me, inspiration comes from many different places. My friends always joke that I can be inspired by just about anything—a novel I’ve read or a song I’ve listened to, staring at the sky, walking through the jungle, or conversing with someone who shares a point of view unlike my own!
Learning something new about people and discovering things is thrilling and motivating.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
ISKL’s vision is the core of what I do and practice as the Instructional Assistant for my team. I know how important it is to know my values, skills, and talents to better care for my students and teachers by supporting them the best I can. And if my support could lighten a colleague’s workload or motivate a student in the classroom, isn’t the world a little better for them then?
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.