Mr. Peterschmidt
My name is Thomas Peterschmidt and this is my first year as a home room Kindergarten teacher! I have been teaching since 2021 as a substitute teacher at Pacific Ridge School and then had the opportunity to teach English abroad in Korea for a year and a half and then in Vietnam for another year. Through this experience I fell in love with teaching and wanted to pursue this passion by getting my credential and masters in Education. This past year I was able to start my masters program and in tandem be a Teacher Resident at High Tech Elementary North Country for 4th grade and Kindergarten. Now having my credential, I am more than excited to start this year off in Kindergarten at Albert Einstein Academy.
I was born in San Diego and raised in Carlsbad. I went on to attend Sonoma State University, where I earned my degree in Communication and Media Studies with distinction and a minor in Studio Art. Throughout my journey in education I’ve learned how to be a warm demander, how to lead with clarity and care, and how to use engagement and empathy to make learning accessible for all students.
I am the youngest of two older brothers and love to surf, draw, play piano, soccer, and video games. My favorite animal is an elephant. I love ice cream and Pokemon too.
Ms. Johnson
My name is Nicole Johnson and this will be my 13th year teaching kindergarten, and my fifth year full-time at AEA. I was introduced to AEA nine years ago when I substituted all around the school. I fell in love with the school as I explored the campus and got to know the team.
I was born and raised in San Diego. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development and minor in Asian American Studies from San Jose State University. After that, I obtained my Master's Degree and Elementary Teaching Credential from UC Irvine. I started my teaching career at an IB influenced school in Mission Viejo, and fell in love with the model. I am very excited to continue teaching in an IB school as I fully believe in and love the IB philosophy which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
I have a 4 year old son named Ethan and I spend most of my time with him exploring around San Diego. I also enjoy spending time with the rest of my family, rock climbing, camping, going to the zoo, and painting.
Ms Rosario
Hello, I am Jessica Rosario. I am a San Diego native and very lucky, to say the least. This is my 2nd year teaching Kindergarten at AEA. I am the oldest of two younger male siblings and am first generation Mexican-American citizen.
I am an IB Learner, just like your child is. In my free time, I work to become more knowledgeable and I love to read books. To stay balanced, I go on walks. Being a risk-taker, I took dance classes over the summer! When I am away from my teaching duties, I show my enthusiasm for my home team - Go Padres!
I am currently getting my master's at SDSU in Child Development. I obtained a Bachelor's in Education in 2022, also from SDSU - Go Aztecs!! I am the first college graduate in my family and they are very proud of me. I hope my brothers (and your child) follow in my footsteps.
Mrs. Black
Hello, I am Mrs. Black. I am originally from Chicago, I’ve lived in San Diego for 16 years and bring a strong belief in community, collaboration, and curiosity to my teaching. This is my 2nd year teaching at Albert Einstein Academies and I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten- it is where the magic begins!
As both an educator and a proud parent, I’m deeply committed to creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow—academically, socially, and emotionally. My teaching philosophy centers on the whole child. While I focus on building strong academic foundations in reading, writing, and math, I equally prioritize creativity, curiosity, and social-emotional growth. My classroom culture is also grounded in trauma-informed and restorative practices, helping students build confidence, meaningful relationships, and a love of learning.
Outside of the classroom, I’m a proud wife and mother to two amazing daughters who inspire me every day. As a parent, I deeply understand the importance of strong home-school partnerships, and I’m committed to fostering those connections with every family in our classroom. When I’m not teaching, you can find me with my family exploring, reading, dancing, or relaxing by the ocean—simple joys that keep me grounded and refreshed.
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”These words remind me to lead with heart, generosity, and purpose—in the classroom and in life.
Frau Van Doren (German Aide)
Growing up in Alaska for me meant 9 months of winter. The short summers were spent in a walled-in city which would one day return to being Germany’s capital and cultural center: Berlin. As a result, I grew up speaking Denglisch (Deutsch and English) and folk dancing along with the other children in our German/Austrian/Swiss and even French community. In terms of education, my father could have attended university at the age of ten and in kind treated me like an adult from a young age. Through him I learned to love cultures, history, languages and to ask lots of questions.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Arts and Sciences for Film and Television from San Diego State University with the dream of making documentaries. Instead, I became a news reporter and a weather anchor and producer. Then I found teaching. I obtained my Multiple Subject Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Now I get to investigate, create, think and learn in “realtime” alongside my students. I hope to kindle the same love of learning and critical thinking inside my students as my father did in me. For the last several years now I have been working either as a substitute, a part-time teacher, or a one on one tutor, always in the German language, and always connected with Albert Einstein Academy.
When I am not working, I am either studying through Goethe Institute or another Forum in which to further my education as a GSL (German as a Second Language) Instructor.
TBD (English Aide)