Hello QSI Astana! My name is Chante Givens, and I am thrilled to join your team in the fall. Originally from Virginia in the United States, I have spent the past 12 years working abroad in various educational settings. My educational journey has taken me from the classroom in U.S. to Abu Dhabi and China, where I've had the privilege of working with students across different cultures and backgrounds. With 20 years of experience in education, including 12 years of teaching and eight years in administration, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to my role. I have taught grades Kg-6 as a homeroom teacher and served in administrative capacities across grades K-12 as a Head of Faculty, Academic Director, and Academic Vice Principal. My academic background includes a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Ed.S. in K-12 Educational Leadership. As a Yale National Initiative alumni and a contributing writer to their educational magazine, On Common Ground, I enjoy teaching, learning, and developing others to improve education and personal growth. Most recently, I have done webinars for the Renaissance Learning Organization and shared my passion for helping students grow in their reading journey. I am an avid follower of the Marshall Memo, which shares the latest educational articles and enjoy reading and learning myself. Outside of work, I cherish family time with my husband of 16 years and our three boys, ages 9 (almost 10), 8, and 5. We enjoy watching movies, playing games especially UNO, and cheering each other on during the weekend soccer/football games while in Beijing. 

I look forward to joining the team as the Director of Instruction and growing and working with you all in Astana. My family and I are excited about longer months of snow, embracing the Kazakh culture, and the new adventures that await us there. See you soon!