Close
One of the core strengths of any school lies in its educators. At International Christian School Nonthaburi, our teachers are the heart of our vibrant community. They are mentors dedicated to fostering a love for learning within a nurturing, Christian faith-based environment. To help you get to know the incredible teachers shaping our students’ futures, we are thrilled to launch our “Meet the Teacher” series.
We’re delighted to sit down with Mrs. Sarah Gurnett. As the Art Teacher for students from Grade 3 through Grade 12, Mrs. Gurnett plays a pivotal role in nurturing creativity in students across our campus.
Hi, I am Mrs. Sarah. I have been living in Thailand for 13 years. For the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching art at International Christian School Nonthaburi.
Our journey to ICSN started when my husband finished his teaching degree in Canada. After praying about where God wanted to lead us, his aunt told him, “Why don’t you try GES?” At the time, ICSN was known as Global English School, a growing Christian school in Nonthaburi, just a few minutes from Bangkok. So, my husband, Nate, helped start the school. After a year, we felt very homesick for Canada. But when we were in Canada, we felt very homesick for Thailand! We decided to come back, and this just became our home and our community, and we’ve been here ever since.
ICSN is special to me because it’s our entire family’s community. I’m a teacher here, my husband is part of the administration, and all six of my kids go to school here. I have so many relationships—with my kids’ friends, with their teachers, and with my own students. I feel really connected to the school as a whole. This community-focused school isn’t just educating my children; it’s helping me raise them.
I love that I teach art because our art program is an opportunity for kids to show a part of their personality that they don’t show as much in other classes. They get to tell me about the animals they love, the anime that they love, or just what they think is beautiful. I really get to know the kids in that capacity. I enjoy it so much because this group of students is so fun, they make me laugh every day, and we really get to grow together in a creative and supportive learning environment.
A core value that guides my teaching is the belief that every child has artistic potential. When I was in Grade 9, a teacher told me I shouldn’t continue with art, so I stopped. For years, I didn’t think I was an artist. But when ICSN was looking for qualified teachers for the art department during COVID, I took the opportunity and fell in love with it. I even went back to school and got my Master’s in art Education. I love showing students that “being an artist” isn’t just about drawing or painting; there are so many different ways for people to show their artistic abilities.
My teaching philosophy is centered on student-centered learning and individual success. I want to help every child feel successful on their own terms, not by comparing themselves to other students or trying to be what they see on Instagram. I want them to be proud of their work and, most importantly, to enjoy the creative process.
I genuinely hope that my students feel loved. Beyond any art technique, that is the most important thing. That’s a huge part of the caring Christian environment we cultivate at ICSN. I love having students come into my classroom to visit me between classes, and I want every single student to feel that our school is a safe and welcoming place for them to be themselves.
