Meet our teachers

Our passion for bilingual education drives our recruitment processes. We are committed to hiring excellent teachers who are passionate about educating young people because we are aware of how much of an influence teachers have on their students' education and development. 

For this reason, we have strict selection criteria for our teachers. Our teachers must possess outstanding academic qualifications including a distinguished university degree. They must also be German-English bilingual on a C1 level based on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Furthermore, we expect our teachers to have completed the second state examination or a Master of Education. Additional qualifications in 'German as a foreign/second language' teaching or other relevant advanced training are highly appreciated. These high expectations ensure that our students benefit from dedicated and highly qualified teachers and thus receive a first-class education. 

Since we are convinced that education doesn't only happen on an academic level but also through a positive school environment, we also pay attention to a good 'cultural fit'. That's why we look for teachers who share our values and philosophy, fit well into our team and want to actively get involved.

Our teachers receive additional support in the classroom thanks to our internship program. Motivated young people who are studying in Germany to become a teacher come to Melbourne to gain first practical experiences as a teaching assistant. We are proud to provide these young future teachers with the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers and at the same time enrich our students' learning experience and support our DSM teaching staff.

Christina Remshardt

Assistant Principal
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2013

What I particularly like about our school:
"...is to see how quickly the students gain confidence in both languages with our bilingual model. It’s part of my role to further develop our successful bilingual immersion model at our school. I am excited to see the growth of the extra-curricular programs and I am particularly amazed when I receive feedback from our teachers, how impressively our students can switch between the two languages so easily."

Alanna King

Assistant Principal, Head of Curriculum and Assessment and Specialist Teacher for French and English
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2016

What I particularly like about our school is:
'...the ease with which students transition between the two languages and cultures. Naturally, they speak to teachers in their language of instruction, but it is not uncommon to see friends switching fluently between German and English on the playground as well.'

Elke Naumann

Classroom Teacher 
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2019

What I particularly like about our school:
'...is to work in a multicultural and multilingual surrounding with a highly beneficially collaboration between students, parents and teachers. It is also very exciting to be the person, who teaches the little ones how to read and write in German.'

Raquel Onkes

Classroom Teacher 
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2019

What I particularly like about our school:
'...is the positive learning environment within the whole school community. The school provides an opportunity to learn and teach in an inspiring bilingual setting.'

Hannah von Gehlen

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2023

What I particularly like about our school:
'...is the immersion of the linguistic and cultural features of the German as well as the Australian way of life. It creates a feeling of being at home even if you are thousands of kilometres away from your home in Germany. The friendly, intimate and cosmopolitan atmosphere that once can feel within the entire school community provides the optimal foundation for bilingual teaching and learning. Extracurricular events and excursions make the school life particularly exciting and educational for the students.'

Rohan Johnson

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2020

What I particularly like about our school is:
'...the multicultural environment that inspires our students to think creatively and critically. It is amazing to observe the students openly converse with one another as a part of their journey to build essential life skills, which they will treasure forever.'

Ruth Schweda

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2023

What I particularly like about our school is:
'… is to have the best of two worlds in one school with regard to teaching methods, curriculum and colleagues who all have Australian or German backgrounds. I love the swift switching between my two favourite languages when talking to colleagues while working and living in one of the most liveable cities of the world.'

Tara Burgers

Classroom Teacher, Risk Coordinator, English Coordinator
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2019

What I particularly like about our school:
'The very welcoming community feel that exists amongst the diverse range of learners who cherish and take pride in their school culture where language learning is celebrated. It is wonderful to be a part of an integration and immersion of cultures and curriculums, embraced wholly by school staff, parents and students.'

Leon Gabler

Specialist Teacher and PQM Coordinator
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2013

What I particularly like about our school:
'...is that we create an environment which gives our students the security and confidence to be part of two cultures and the ability to embrace and acquire two languages at the same time.'

Tabea Frenkler

Individual Needs Teacher & Learning Diversity Coordinator
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2020

What I particularly like about our school:
'… the community spirit that can be felt throughout the school and the intercultural atmosphere as well as the fact that the students learn in a motivating, inclusive, bilingual environment that they can benefit from their entire life.'

Kathrin Khoshmashrab

Classroom Teacher, Student Advocate
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2021

What I particularly like about our school is:'… the warm and genuine staff and the culturally authentic learning experiences created for students at DSM. Attending school in Germany and moving to Australia at a young age with my family, I experienced a new culture, language, and school system all at once. This experience provided me with the understanding of the cultural shock sometimes associated with moving to a new country. Being part of DSM has given me the opportunity not only to share my own personal experiences with students but also to support them academically and emotionally in meaningful ways.'

Claudia Remeza

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2020

What I particularly like about our school is:
'...that you’ll find your little piece of Germany in Melbourne where all of us love to have a smile on our faces and make you feel welcome. That’s why it’s so much fun to teach and learn here. Speaking and learning two languages alongside just comes naturally!'

Emily Crosthwaite

Classroom Teacher, Teacher for the German Language Certificate Program
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2022

What I particularly like about our school:
'…is stepping into a bilingual world every day – and, more importantly, allowing students to do so as well. Having lived and worked in Germany for eleven years, I feel at home at DSM. As if a German bubble was created in Australia and I never left. It is easy to sense that students, colleagues, and all involved at DSM feel welcomed and accepted – as I did from day one.'

Sylvie Guschel

Specialist Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2023

What I particularly like about our school:
'…is that it creates something unique. Students, teachers and parents create a unique, welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where everyone supports and helps each other. All this takes place in a unique, bilingual, authentic setting where multiculturalism is lived and celebrated. I find that very special.'

Elisabeth Höbartner

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2023

What I particularly like about our school:
'...is to witness the positive school atmosphere that embraces students and their families, as well as teachers. Together, we all shape this healthy environment into a great place of learning, thriving and growing, for our children. And the gift of doing it all in two languages is one for a lifetime!'

Pia Demasi

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2017

What I particularly like about our school is:
'...that the students work, learn and play together in mixed year level settings whenever possible. I am fascinated how this creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere in which the students acquire language naturally and how it forms a positive attitude towards learning.'

Aniko Slaughter

Specialist Teacher 
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2019

What I particularly like about our school:
'I am proud to be part of an engaged and professional team which enables children to learn in a safe bilingual environment. Having lived abroad myself I appreciate and love the strong sense of community among colleagues and the families.'

Nicolai Albrecht

Classroom Teacher 
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2024

What I particularly like about our school:
'From day one I entered our school, there has been a warm atmosphere shaped by friendly students and a supportive teaching staff. Everybody feels this spirit of belonging and Deutsche Schule Melbourne highly profits from this sense of being a team in preparing our students as best as possible for their individual future.'

Eva Wilhelm

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2024

What I particularly like about our school:
'... is that DSM places great emphasis on a positive atmosphere and learning environment. The diverse cultures and languages within the school community complement each other excellently inside and outside the classroom, providing everyone the opportunity to grow beyond themselves in an exciting environment.'

Melanie Zimmermann

Classroom Teacher
At Deutsche Schule Melbourne since: 2024

What I particularly like about our school:

'... is the warm culture of welcome among colleagues and the passion and dedication to exceptional bilingual education. It's remarkable to witness students flourish in such a positive and encouraging learning environment. They gain not only linguistic skills in German and English but also cultivate a profound understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures. This approach enhances academic knowledge and equips our students to become globally minded and empathetic individuals. I look forward to being part of a school that pursues such a holistic educational approach.'