Panthers of ISKL #284: Natalie Beals - The Versatile Panther
“The most enjoyable part of my job is getting to know my students as individuals and seeing them grow as humans. In Middle School, students undergo a lot of change, and I am so grateful for helping them develop into young adults and global citizens.”
Since joining ISKL in 2023, MS Humanities teacher Natalie Beals has brought her passion for storytelling, literacy, and student-centered learning to life. With experience teaching in the US and Vietnam, she values building strong connections with students while fostering their growth as readers, writers, and global citizens. Beyond the classroom, Natalie leads a Dungeons & Dragons ASA, plays violin in a band, and enjoys KL’s outdoor trails.
Here is Natalie’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I grew up in Warrenton, Virginia, USA, about an hour’s drive from Washington, DC. I have five younger brothers and sisters, so our house was always loud and busy!
I started my teaching career at a rural public school in Virginia before moving to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I taught at an international school. It was in Vietnam that I met my two cats, who had moved with me to Malaysia.
When and why did you join ISKL?
I joined ISKL in the fall of 2023. Having lived in Southeast Asia before, I knew about ISKL and had my eyes on the school for a while as a possible workplace. I even visited Kuala Lumpur on holiday in 2018 to check out the city, and I loved it. So when a position to teach MS Humanities opened up during my job search, I applied right away!
Can you tell us more about your position as an MS Humanities teacher? What are your daily activities?
As a Humanities teacher, I see my students every day, which means I get to know them better as readers, writers, social scientists, and people! I also get to confer one-on-one with students about their writing and reading, and help them pursue their literacy goals in addition to what they are required to do for class.
Can you tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about?
The whole MS Humanities department has worked on developing side projects as a way for students to explore their passions and interests in reading, writing, and social studies. I am excited to launch the first grade 8 side project in trimester 3!
We understand you wear many hats—teacher, department head, drama instructor, actor, singer, EARCOS liaison, volunteer, and even Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) leader. What fuels your passion for taking on so many roles?
As a former theater kid and orchestra kid, performance-related activities tend to give me energy rather than take it away. Even after a long day of teaching, I walk out of my Dungeons and Dragons ASA at 4:30 pm, energized by the character work and storytelling we did together. Sometimes I do put too much on my plate, though, and it’s important for me to make sure I am taking care of my own health and personal well-being when the schedule gets particularly busy.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
The most enjoyable part of my job is getting to know my students as individuals and seeing them grow as humans. In Middle School, students undergo a lot of change, and I am so grateful for helping them develop into young adults and global citizens.
The most challenging part of the job is keeping up with the behind-the-scenes work of being a teacher: providing feedback on assessments, attending meetings, planning meaningful lessons, etc. I am grateful for my learning team and the support we provide each other in tackling these difficult tasks.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
One of the draws of Kuala Lumpur is that it’s surrounded by jungle, and I enjoy exploring different hiking trails. I have my own group of friends to play D&D and board games with, and I get to sing and play violin in a band with other ISKL teachers. I also really like to stay at home for a lazy afternoon with my cats, tending my balcony garden, or playing video games.
Who or what inspires you?
As a reader and storyteller, I get inspired by stories, whether real or imagined.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
I love the teacher productions the MS staff put on at the end of each semester. Ms. Palko does such a good job creating and organizing them that I’m happy to go along for the ride!
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
I believe that when we better know ourselves–why we think, feel, or react in certain ways–we can care for others more meaningfully and in a way that is sustainable. When everyone cares for each other in this way, we create a better world together.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, 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.