In an interview conducted by Sofia Ermoshkina '27, High School Psychology and EAL Teacher Stephanie Chevalier shared her journey at TASIS, where she has worked since 2016. Chevalier began as a dorm parent after her family moved to the school in 2015 when her husband became Director of Communications. Since then, she has taught AP Psychology, EAL, and IB English B. She also serves as tutoring coordinator and remains a dorm parent in Lanterna, roles that allow her to connect with students beyond the classroom. Chevalier's educational background includes undergraduate studies in English and Psychology, and she has taught in South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and Maine before arriving at TASIS. She describes her teaching philosophy as fundamentally relational: 'It's a relationship between people first and foremost, and the content and the learning grow out of that.' She emphasizes that when students feel known and comfortable, they are more willing to ask questions and take risks, which is when real learning happens. Chevalier values the boarding school environment for its family-like atmosphere, noting that connections outside the classroom enrich the time inside it. She also praises the campus, calling it the most beautiful place she has ever seen, and hopes her IB Diploma and AP students feel well-prepared and confident for their exams.
Chevalier discussed how her two disciplines, English and psychology, complement each other. She explained that psychology helps understand human beings, while literature is about understanding human relationships, so each subject makes the other more meaningful. When asked what an outsider might not notice about TASIS, she pointed to the strong sense of family and community, as well as the international mix of students with diverse perspectives. She highlighted the many opportunities available, including travel, ski week, and the Global Service Program, calling it 'a magical mix of everything.' Chevalier recalled her first impression of the school as a beautiful, unique, and magical place, and noted that even after years, the views, campus, and light over the lake never get old. For students unsure about taking AP Psychology or IB English B, she advised choosing the course that makes them most curious, because curiosity is what makes a class worth taking. She believes both courses help students understand themselves and others, and the skills learned will be useful regardless of future studies. Throughout the interview, Chevalier's passion for teaching and her appreciation for the TASIS community were evident, reflecting her deep commitment to students' growth both academically and personally.
