Teaching Staff - Thu Thiem - Australian International School

Teaching Staff – Thu ThiemEXE2018-10-30T11:13:42+00:00

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

Email: Patricia.Robson@AISVIETNAM.COM

Country of Origin: Australia Masters of Education / Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood

Griffith University – Queensland, Australia

Diploma of Infants Teaching Australian Catholic University – New South Wales, Australia.

Patricia (Trish) Robson joined AIS in August, 2014 on Kindergarten. She has over 18 years teaching experience in Kinder to Year 3 in Australia. This is her second international post and brings much experience from the Australian Education system.

Trish has already been living in Vietnam with her husband – Peter, who works in Animal Nutrition. Trish and Peter have 3 adult children, leading their own lives in Australia and The United Kingdom plus 2 grandchildren. This year she joins the Leadership team as Kindergarten Co-ordinator. Trish looks forward to watching the young students as they grow in confidence with all that they learn at AIS.

Email: Karina.Borup@AISVIETNAM.COM

Teaching degree from the University of Northern Denmark

Karina is an early year’s teacher at Australian International School. Inspired by her own amazing primary teacher, Karina began to have a passion for teaching at a very young age and later decided to pursue a degree in education and child development at the University of Northern Denmark. ‘Teaching in early years for me, is a full-time commitment. You are always on the lookout for useful resources, fun activities and new ‘magic’ for your class. Keeping your teaching inquiry based, which creates curios and open-minded students. Learning should be fun!’ Karina has been based in Vietnam for the past 9 years and join our school in 2016. Prior to joining AIS, she has been teaching at different international schools in HCMC. AIS was a very natural choice for her, as her children have been attending the school since they moved here. For Karina, AIS is not just a place of work, it is a second home. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children and friends, being active and traveling.

Email: jessica.fear@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education (Primary), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia

Diploma of Children's Services, Metropolitan Institute of TAFE, Brisbane, Australia

Jess has taught in Australia for two years and has just finished teaching in the United Arab Emirates for four years. Jess is a passionate early years teacher who believes in positive, holistic education for all students as lifelong learners. Jess is an avid traveller and enjoys living, working and experiencing new cultures. She has lived and worked in England, France, Thailand and the UAE and is very excited about her new opportunities in Vietnam. On her weekends she plans to explore Ho Chi Minh City, look for the tastiest local cuisine and visit as many beaches as possible.

PRIMARY TEACHERS

Taylor comes from the small picturesque farming town of Tekuiti in the heartland of New Zealand. However, he has spent the majority of his career teaching in Asia, having taught in Korea, Japan, Indonesia and now Vietnam. This is his third year teaching year 1 at The Australian International School. Taylor has a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma of Teaching and demonstrates a passion for early years education and literacy development. He enjoys teaching in a dynamic, fun and supportive way within the classroom. In his free time Taylor can be found surfing, trout fishing, reading historical fiction, watching sport or having a good laugh. His philosophy is laughing children are learning children.

Email: Anastasia.Markou@AISVIETNAM.COM

Qualifications: MA Management, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK PGDE Primary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

Stacey has taught in international schools for several years. She is joining us from a school in Seoul, South Korea, where she taught Year 2 children. Stacey is particularly interested in the development of literacy and numeracy skills, with a key focus on EAL learners. Stacey creates a welcoming and supportive classroom where children are encouraged to explore their abilities. She has completed Google training and is adept at using ICT in her classroom. Stacey and her daughter are excited to experience a new country and culture

Email: Emma.Deering@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Primary Education with English, Birmingham City University

Previous to starting at AIS, Emma has taught In Birmingham and London and specializes in Early Years Education. She particularly enjoys using art, drama and story telling to promote learning and creativity

Prior to joining AIS, Luzette taught year 3 and 4 students in Auckland, New Zealand. During this period she coached a number of soccer teams, including the school representative teams, and worked closely with resource teachers for learning and behaviour to model and enhance teaching practise within other local schools. She has also had experience working with children and young people throughout New Zealand, where she worked for a national organisation to support our younger generation through life skills programmes, camps and other programmes to support schools.

Luzette enjoys playing a range of different sports, especially soccer, rugby and gaelic football.

Email: megan.comervelle@aisvietnam.com

Master's Elementary Special Education from Wilmington University, USA Bachelor's in Psychology from Wilmington University, USA

Megan is an Early Years teacher who has a passion for the Primary Years Program. This is Megan’s third year at AIS teaching Year 2. Prior to coming to AIS, she worked at Utahloy International School for 4.5 years. Megan has taught a variety of year levels from 5 year olds to 8 year olds. Before moving internationally, Megan taught as a Special Education teacher in an inclusion classroom in a United States public school. Prior to that, Megan taught students with severe disabilities at a non-profit organization. In her spare time, Megan enjoys traveling, learning Chinese, and reading.

Email: Beth.Wills@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

This is Beth's first year with AIS. She has 17 years of teaching experience ranging from 5-year-olds to 12-year-olds. She has just finished teaching 5-year-olds at Waipahihi School, Taupo, New Zealand. Beth has lived in New Zealand for the past 11 years and has had the opportunity to be the lead teacher of Mathematics and a team leader. She is very passionate about her job and loves teaching!

Her husband Brien is a teacher and is also teaching at AIS. Their girls Lucy (9) and Isla (7) will attend AIS, both girls love dancing and netball. Beth also loves to play netball, enjoys most sports and keeping fit. She is a very active person and likes to be on the go.

After completing her B.ED in Primary education, Oonagh began her teaching career working in a local country school as a Year 2 class teacher. She then decided she wanted to work abroad and spent 4 years working in two different international schools in Dubai.

As well as developing children’s academics, Oonagh has a strong passion for developing children’s confidence and does this by creating a positive and fun classroom environment. “I want my classroom to be a place that children feel safe to express themselves, grow in confident and become risk takers. I encourage the children to express themselves through various mediums such as public speaking, dancing, singing and drama.”

With regards to her personal life, Oonagh loves to travel and has travelled to over 35 different countries in the past 7 years. Oonagh especially loves to explore the outdoors in these countries through hiking, climbing, snorkeling, skiing and various other adventure activities.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia.

Peter is a primary trained teacher with over 25 years of experience teaching students (aged from 7 to 11 years) from diverse cultural backgrounds in Sydney, Australia. He has a passion for focusing on student needs and learning outcomes.

Peter is married and enjoys living and working in Vietnam. He is fond of singing and playing the acoustic guitar as well as being a regular player in the local table tennis scene. Peter supports the West Tigers NRL team.

Email: Alan.Bradfield@aisvietnam.com

Higher Graduate Diploma of Education (PE), Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary), South Africa

Alan has been in education for 34 years of which 23 years has been in international schools. He has taught both Primary and Secondary levels and has been part of start up teams for schools in Africa and Azerbaijan. He has also taught and worked in Libya and Jordan. He comes with immense educational experience both in administration and teaching and learning. In his free time, Alan enjoys playing golf, traveling and supporting all South African sports teams. Alan accompanied by his wife Suzette.

Rebecca.evans@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Primary)(Honours), University of Melbourne, Australia

Rebecca has been a primary school teacher for many years and is passionate about creating engaging learning opportunities that encourage students to think deeply and independently. Rebecca has taught in Australia, the UAE and most recently, the Czech Republic. She joins AIS along with her husband, Stuart (who will teach Mathematics), and three children: Liam, Zara and Felicity.

Email: Paul.Holland@aisvietnam.com

Paul Holland Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University of Nottingham, England. Bachelor of Leisure Studies, University of Luton, England.

Paul comes from Nottingham, England, famous for the legendary Robin Hood. For the last 8 years he has taught English to a variety of age levels here in Ho Chi Minh City, however, it is the primary age group for which he has the greatest passion. Before to becoming a teacher, Paul worked in management, within various industries, for over 10 years which brings with it a wealth of experience in the training and development of people. Paul lives in Ho Chi Minh City with his wife and son.

Email: Leigh.Hansen@aisvietnam.com

Qualification: Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), University of Western Sydney, Australia

Leigh comes to AIS with over twenty years of primary teaching experience in Australia, Fiji and China. He has a particular interest in teaching reading and he loves seeing children working together and supporting each other during sports activities. Leigh is a qualified Reading Recovery and AustSwim teacher. Leigh is married to Claire who is also teaching at AIS.

Email: Ian.Osberg@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Teacher Certification Program of K-6 Education and Pedagogy Bachelor’s Degree: Sociology with a focus in Child Development

Originally from Pennsylvania, Ian has called the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh home since 2011. Ian has been teaching elementary students for six years and is passionate about experiential learning and building a classroom community which thrives on curiosity and creativity. Ian is married and has a toddler, Isabella.

Timothy.shepherd@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Bachelor of Arts (Sports Science), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Before joining AIS Saigon, Tim taught at AIS in the United Arab Emirates for five years. He has teaching experience from Years 3-7, and enjoys teaching all subjects. Tim likes to incorporate as many collaborative and technology based learning activities as possible in class. Tim likes being active, and is a fan of many different sports.

Email: Brien.Wills@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

He is a Primary trained teacher with over 16 years’ experience teaching a range of subjects to 8 -13 year old students mainly in Taupo, New Zealand. He has also taught in London, U.K. for 3 years.

He loves playing/coaching/watching a range of different sports especially Rugby, Cricket and Basketball and love getting involved as much as possible with all school activities.

His wife Beth is also a teacher and our daughters, Lucy 9 and Isla 7, are ready for their next adventure and cultural experience here in HCMC.

This is Leanne’s second year teaching at AIS Saigon. Leanne enjoys the academic and personal challenges that the PYP Programme provide the children and she is very passionate about the environment, especially in reducing plastic waste. Prior to working at AIS Saigon, she spent twelve years working in International Schools in Jakarta, Indonesia where she taught various primary classes as well as being in leadership positions. Leanne continues to enjoy living and working in Vietnam and she is excited for future challenges and experiences.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

Bachelor of Music (Honours), University of the North West, South Africa

Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, University of the North West, South Africa

Suzette obtained her qualifications in South Africa where her honours degree was primarily in music therapy. Her teaching career spans over 25 years, fifteen of which have been internationally in the Middle East, North Africa, Azerbaijan and for the last 4 years, and currently in Vietnam. She has international experience in all the year groups in primary school, both in academic teaching as well as music.

Suzette’s passion is singing and she performs here in Vietnam with the Ho Chi Minh International Choir as well as the Saigon Chamber Consort. She has come to Vietnam with her husband Alan Bradfield, who is also a teacher at AIS. In her free time, if she is not busy singing, she enjoys reading, running and travelling.

Email: Vy.Le@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor in Primary Education (The University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) TESOL Certificate of Irvine University (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Bachelor in Banking (The University of Economic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) I have been working at AIS for 9 years. I have worked in a variety of year level from year 1 to year 6. For the first four years, I taught Vietnamese Language and Culture for Year 1 and Year 2 students based on PYP Curriculum. I have commenced teaching Vietnamese Language and Culture for Primary students from Kindergarten to Year 6 at Thu Thiem Campus since term 2 academic year 2016-2017. My hobbies are reading, art and travelling.

E-mail: Edward.lee@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Art Diploma (English teaching), Xi Hua Normal University, Sichuan, China,PRC.

Teaching English as a second language certificate.

Teaching Chinese as a second language certificate.

Edward has worked as an English language teacher since 2005 in both private and public high schools in China. After two years of business, Edward joined ACG international school since 2009 and continued his service at AIS as a Mandarin language teacher. More than 1o yeas of teaching, self-study and PD, Edward has become an experienced PYP language teacher. Edward volunteers to offer Chinese Afternoon School Activity to students who want to explore more about China and Chinese language and culture.

Edward loves Chinese Kung Fu, music, reading, calligraphy and outdoor adventures.

Qualification(s):

- Bachelor of Art (English teaching studies), HUFLIT / Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology.

- Bachelor of Education primary, Ho Chi Minh City Pedagogy University

- Participating IB PYP trainings from 2008-2018 at AIS school.

At AIS, Linh has taught Vietnamese National Studies for primary students from year 1 to year 6 since 2007. During this time she worked very closely with foreign teachers and administrators to find out the best methods in teaching language. Prior to joining AIS academic team, Linh had four years teaching in many international schools around Ho Chi Minh. As a language teacher, Linh knows and understands how much the important role that the first language plays in an international school!

Linh enjoys reading, playing sports and traveling during her free time.

Andrew (Andy) Manion andrew.manion@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Education – University of Tasmania (Australia).

Andy has taught HPE and PSPE in Australia for over 30 years and AIS will be his first International teaching position. Originally from Tasmania, Andy, his wife Jacquie and their two daughters have lived on the Gold Coast in Queensland for the last 20 years. Andy has also been P-12 Head of Sport for 8 years and has 12 years’ experience with PSPE in the PYP.

Andy loves to play most sports with high representative honours in Cricket and Indoor Cricket in particular. He is also very keen on water sports, bushwalking, motorcycling, camping and travelling.

Email: John.Sampan@AISVIETNAM.COM

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, University of Santo Tomas
World Swimming Coaches Association- Level 2 Certified Coach
Philippine Swimming – Coaching Staff Junior National Team
American Swimming Coaches Association- Level 2 Certified Coach

John is involved in the development of the aquatics program of AIS. He teaches swimming in Secondary levels and is part of the coaching staff of the AIS Titans Swim Team. Prior to joining AIS, John was the Head Coach of the 2016 Philippine National Champions Alabang Gators Swim Club. He was part of the National coaching staff in SEA-Age Games 2012-2016 and a member of the High Performance Coaching Staff for the Philippine Junior National Team. He has helped swimmers to achieve AAAA classification to compete in UAAP, NCAA and FINA international meets.

He is married to Pamela and has two kids, Elias and Serafina and enjoys music and video games in his free time

Email: Jetro.Asis@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Science in Inter-Disciplinary Business Studies (Major in Marketing Management) – De La Salle University - Manila, Philippines Swimming Certifications: from World Swimming Coaches Association; AUSTSWIM; Red Cross

Jet teaches swimming from Kindergarten, Primary to High School students in all campuses. Prior to joining AIS, Jet has been coaching and managing competitive swimming clubs and organizing summer learn-to-swim programmes in the Philippines. He has also been involved with skills and development activities of the national and international level swimmers of the Philippine’s National Swimming Team. He has been a competitive swimmer since 7 years old and was a member of the National Age-Group Swimming team represented his country in national and international events for 8 years.. Since then, he has focused on full-time coaching and managing swimming clubs. Jet still trains as a competitive athlete in Running, Swimming and Triathlon events. During his free time and holidays he does a lot of board sports like Surfing, Skating and Wakeboarding.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

EAL

Email: Adele.Connor@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Arts and Laws (UNSW), Masters of Policy Studies (UNSW), Diploma of Legal Practice (UTS) and the CELTA Certificate (Holmesglen Institute).

Adele is originally from Australia but has called Vietnam her home for the past 3 years. A love of learning and languages have been at the forefront of both of Adele’s chosen professional careers. Adele first honed her English skills in a professional career spanning 12 years as a litigation lawyer and legal policy adviser who represented Australian government clients in all federal jurisdictions, in the Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission and at the New South Wales Bar Association. Adele also has an impressive track record as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher. Prior to her move to Vietnam, Adele taught at the River Nile Learning Centre (North Melbourne) where she was the head teacher in the Asylum Seeker Programme. More recently, she taught English to both primary and secondary students at the International German School, HCMC and is presently enjoying teaching at the AIS in the Intensive English Language Programme.

In her free time, Adele enjoys spending time with her family and travelling with them both in Vietnam and further afield. Adele also enjoys reading, walking, cooking, dancing and exploring the many and diverse districts of HCMC!

Bachelor of Commerce (Business and marketing) Varsity College, Cape Town, South Africa.

After briefly starting his teaching career in South Africa, Nick decided to move abroad to look for other opportunities. This lead him to Vietnam where he has been teaching since 2017. Nick is extremely excited to add value to the AIS community as it continues to grow into one of the premier international schools in HCMC.

Outside of the classroom Nick is a a massive sports fan and enjoys hobbies involving a healthy sports lifestyle as well as music.

Bachelor of Commerce (Business and marketing) Varsity College, Cape Town, South Africa.

Outside of the classroom Nick is a a massive sports fan and enjoys hobbies involving a healthy sports lifestyle as well as music.

MATHS

Email: john.pollard@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics major), Sydney University Diploma of Education (Mathematics strand), Sydney University Masters of Education, Australian Catholic University

John Pollard is an experienced teacher of 30 years, having taught is six different schools in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, where he primarily taught Mathematics. John has a total of 13 years’ experience in Senior Administration, a role which he enjoyed but which he stepped away from in favour of his primary passion: teaching in the classroom.

John finds himself identifying more and more as a learner in this world and he is enjoying the privilege of being part of a learning environment centred on connecting with others in order to enrich their lives.

John’s other passion’s include discovering hidden Café’s of Saigon with his wife, surfing when he can get the opportunity, swimming, Pilates and playing football with the students at break time.

John is currently the Head of Mathematics at AIS.

Email:stuart.evans@aisvietnam.com

Originally from Exeter (U.K), Stuart taught Mathematics and Physics in Melbourne, Australia for 13 years before becoming Head of Mathematics at a large international school in the U.A.E for 3 years. After also fulfilling the role of Director of Studies at an independent school in Melbourne, he was appointed to the role of Junior High School Principal at Riverside School Prague, Czech Republic before moving to Vietnam to teach Secondary School Mathematics here at A.I.S. He is currently studying for an MA in Learning and Teaching through the University of Roehampton (U.K) and holds a Degree in Applied Physics (RMIT, Melbourne) as well as teaching qualifications in both Australia and the U.K.

His passion is for education to be life-worthy and relevant to students in order that what is learned will matter in the lives that learners are likely to live. Outside of school, he enjoys time with his wife and three children, playing the drums, cricket, listening to country music and watching Liverpool.I

Email: Stephen.pulford@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Masters of Science and Teaching, Secondary Mathematics, State University of New York, Potsdam, New York, U.S.A.

Stephen started his teaching career in 1997 and, prior to joining AIS, held the position of Department Head, Mathematics and Computer Studies. Stephen joined AIS in 2018 and is looking forward to contributing to the school community.

Stephen is an avid runner, reader, and football fan, and loves to travel.

Email: David.Gakowski@aisvietnam.com

Email: david.gakowski@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Science (Hons) James Cook University, Australia Bachelor of Education, James Cook University, Australia Master of Education, University of Canberra, Australia

David teaches mathematics to a variety of year levels at AIS. Prior to joining our professional teaching team, he taught science and mathematics for 13 years in Canberra, Australia. He was then an exchange teacher to Japan, where he taught English in a Japanese high school in Nara for a year. For the past 12 years he has been teaching IB Mathematics, at an international school in Guangzhou, China. As an after school activity David coaches volleyball, and has coached volleyball at all of the school he has worked at in the past 25 years.

Email: Sheryl.Gelthorpe@aisvietnam.com

BSc (Hons)Biological Sciences Zoology, The University of Exeter, UK PGCE Seconday Science (11-18), Kingston University, UK

Sheryl started her teaching career in the UK in 1994 and began teaching in International Schools in 2006. She has experience teaching Science, Biology and Mathematics and has worked with students on a number of environmental projects. She will be a new addition to the AIS staff this year, teaching Middle School Maths and Science and IB Environmental Systems and Societies. Sheryl enjoys Yoga, Zumba, Salsa dancing and walking in the countryside.

Email: Stuart.Mullord@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Major in Human Movement/Biology; University of South Australia; Bachelor of Education; University of South Australia

Stuart has combined his passion for sport and his calling to be an educator. His career has taken him to country South Australia, as well as Adelaide Australia. During his career he has taught students of all ages, passing his passion for physical exercise to his students. Stuart has always been heavily involved in football (soccer) Stuart will be coming with his family.

Email: luke.patterson@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Education (Mathematics & Social Sciences), University of Queensland, Australia

Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology & History), University of Queensland, Australia

Luke started his teaching career at his own high school in his hometown of the Gold Coast, Australia. Since 2008 he has taught at international schools in Kalimantan & Jakarta in Indonesia, as well as in Fiji before starting at AIS Saigon in early 2017. Luke is a proactive team player who has held a diverse range of roles in his career including; Year Coordinator, League For Life Coordinator, Work Experience Coordinator, Head of Mathematics, and Head Of Houses. He is very excited to continue working with the quality staff, students and community at AIS.

SCIENCE

Email: Isabelle.Dunnett@aisvietnam.com

Bachelors of Science in Chemistry – University of Bath, Post Graduate Certificate of Education – University of Bath, Masters in Education – University of Bath. Isabelle has taught secondary Chemistry at AIS since 2016. Since 2010 she has taught in several schools in the UK and Japan, she has taught a variety of IBO and UK national curriculum courses. She enjoyed the opportunity to write, develop and implement the IBO’s MYP for science and mathematics in her previous school, but is happy to be back to teaching pure chemistry. She has also been an active musician, involved in choirs and assisting as choral director for the musicals at AIS and previous schools. In her spare time she is an active dancer and sings with the HCMC International Choir and Orchestra, when she is feeling particularly creative, she also likes to write novels.

Email: Stuart.Mullord@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Major in Human Movement/Biology; University of South Australia; Bachelor of Education; University of South Australia

Email: tara.hasan@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Science (Biology), Stanford University

Master of Arts (Psychology), Stanford University

Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University of Sunderland

Tara has been a member of the AIS community since 2018. Prior to joining AIS, Tara taught in a bilingual school in Hong Kong for four years. Growing up in Dubai, U.A.E. as a third culture kid, Tara has always enjoyed travelling and learning about different cultures. She is looking forward to exploring the vibrant country of Vietnam.

Email: ben.armstrong@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics), Griffith University, Australia Bachelor of Education (Physics), Griffith University, Australia

After starting his Mathematics and Physics teaching career on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Ben has been a member of the AIS community since 2012. In that time, he has held many leadership positions including the Head of Mathematics, Head of Science and Head of House System. He is looking forward to continuing the growth of AIS into the premier international school in HCMC.

Ben finds great enjoyment and is passionate about healthy lifestyles. He shows this passion by coaching many sport teams and running general fitness classes for students to help them relieve stress and gain energy.

Email: Sheryl.Gelthorpe@aisvietnam.com

BSc (Hons)Biological Sciences Zoology, The University of Exeter, UK PGCE Seconday Science (11-18), Kingston University, UK

Email: Andy.Cartlidge@aisvietnam.com

Currently studying for an MEd (International leadership and management), University of Bath, UK Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Biology with Science), Newcastle University, UK Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology & Genetics,) The University of Edinburgh, UK

Andy is a highly experienced educator, having worked in state and private schools in the UK, and internationally in Australia and Malaysia, for over 20 years. He is a teacher of Science, Mathematics and DP Biology and has also been a Head of Science, teacher trainer and an IB examiner. Andy joined AIS in 2016 from the International School of Penang (Uplands) in Malaysia where he also served as the IBDP Coordinator. His passion is management and leadership, encouraging and supporting students and staff to be the best they can be. Outside of work, he enjoys travel and sport, and spending time with his family.

Email: danielle.hansen@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Science (Env) University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia Graduate Diploma of Education (Middle Years) Science and Humanities, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Danielle has a strong background in environmental science and has previously worked for both private and government sectors within this industry. Danielle is a new arrival to AIS and will be teaching science, humanities and maths in the Middle School. Danielle has coached several sporting teams including volleyball, netball, basketball and water polo and aims to continue these pursuits at AIS.

Danielle enjoys travelling and spent four years in Samoa where she volunteered at a local primary school. In addition to enjoying the cultural delights of Vietnam, Danielle enjoys pilates, yoga and music, however her favourite way to spend her spare time is discovering new culinary treasures while out cycling with her husband.

LANGUAGES

Email: jinhee.an@aisvietnam.com

Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning, Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Jinhee teaches Korean Language and Literature to Korean students from Year 7 to 13 at AIS.. Before coming to Vietnam, Jinhee taught in Auckland, New Zealand for 6 years. During that period, she worked with students from multi-cultural backgrounds and of mixed abilities as an EAL, English and Mathematics teacher.

She is interested in music, painting and photography. She enjoys spending her free time with her young son, Henry, and her husband, Jean-Paul (French and English teacher at AIS).

Email: Daniel.Engelen@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Senior) – Lakehead University, Canada. Bachelor of Arts (French and Sociology) – Lakehead University, Canada. Additional Qualifications: IBDP ab initio, ToK, Pamoja SBC, UBD, EAL and Spec Ed.

Daniel is an experienced educator who joined AIS after acquiring his Bachelor of Education seven years ago and has greatly enjoyed his time here. He has taught a number of subjects across a variety of year levels including French, English, Humanities, Global Perspectives and Theory of Knowledge. Daniel is also the School Supported Self Taught Coordinator for the Languages Department and believes co-curricular activites are an integral part of holistic education, being the Model United Nations (MUN) Coordinator. He is currently studying his Master’s of Psychology through Yorkville University, Canada.

Daniel is an avid reader and takes advantage of the region to go on scuba diving trips, mountain climbing, sightseeing and jungle trekking. He relishes new experiences wherever he goes, most recently he has taken up spearfishing. He also visits his native Canada once a year where he snowboars and plays ice hockey.

Email: Helen.Zhuang@aisvietnam.com

MA international secondary school education, The college of New Jersey,American

BA Chinese and literacy,Renming University of China,China

Chinese Language Arts Teaching License,China Teaching Chinese as a second Language Certification,China Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Certification, China

Email: Toshiaki.Nomura@aisvietnam.com

Toshiaki Nomura He studied French literature at Rikkyo University in Japan and got a bachelor of literature. After that, He learned Christianity at the same university. While teaching at a private junior high school / high school, He got an English teacher's license in correspondence education. He has three kinds of teacher's license: French, social studies, English (middle school only). He teaches DP Literature A : Japanese at AIS. He was a teacher at private junior high school and high school in Kanagawa prefecture of Japan. After that, He taught English and social studies at supplemental schools for a long time. He came to Ho Chi Minh to start living in 2005. He is an English tutor and a teacher of Japanese supplementary school on Saturday. He has been teaching Japanese to Vietnamese students at university since two years ago. He likes sports and has played golf and tennis, skied for a long time. Because HCM is hot, he does not do much. He likes listening to Western classical music (Brahms, Tchaikovsky etc) and reading novels now.

Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language (HCMC University of Education).

Phuong has taught Vietnamese Language and Literature at ACG and then at AIS since 2008. She is the Coordinator of Vietnamese National Curriculum in Secondary school. She also teaches IBDP Language A: Vietnamese Literature since 2012. She enjoys working with Year 12-13 students as a Homeroom teacher/ Tutor. Before 2008, she had 5 years of experience teaching in a Vietnamese public school. As a language teacher and a mother of a trilingual son, she is keen on first language acquisition and raising multilingual children. She speaks English and French as her second languages.

Her hobbies are reading, cooking, photography and gardening.

Teacher Name: Trang Nguyen
Job title and Year Level (as it appears in your Labour Contract): VNC Teacher
Campus location: (Thu Thiem; Thao Dien or Xi): Thu Thiem
Qualification(s) and name of University: Bachelor of Art, HCMC University of Education, Vietnam
Trang teaches IBDP Language A, Vietnamese Literature and Vietnamese National Curriculum in Middle & Senior School. She joined ACG since 2007 then to AIS in 2013, therefore she has experiences in working with students in international school. She enjoys reading and travelling during her free time.

Qualifications:

Master of Art (Applied Linguistics), Curtin University, Australia

Bachelor of Art (English Literature), Ho Chi Minh University of Social Science and Humanity, Vietnam

Bachelor of Art (English), Dong Nai College of Education, Dong Nai, Vietnam

Certificate in IB PYP training

Brief biography:

Nhien has over 12 years of experience in working as a teacher and a support teacher at International School. Prior to AIS, she worked at International Primary School and at ACG school Vietnam. During this period, her main job is assisting homeroom teachers in teaching English and helping special students who need more help in terms of language, behaviors and functioning skills. She also has experience in teaching host country studies to foreign students and teaching Vietnamese in secondary. She is an enthusiastic teacher who creates a supportive atmosphere within the classroom.

Nhien enjoys reading short stories and traveling during her free time.

ENGLISH

Email: jeanpaul.seigneur@aisvietnam.com

Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (French, English & Outdoor Education), Victoria University of Wellington, New-Zealand. Bachelor of Arts in International Business, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom.

Jean-Paul teaches French and English in the Middle and High school at AIS, including iGCSE and the IB Diploma. He has taught for over 10 years and has been with AIS/ACG since 2011.

Prior to joining AIS, he taught French at a public girls’ school in Auckland, New-Zealand. During this time he led workshops aimed at helping staff integrate technology into the classroom and headed a department of 4 teachers and over 400 students. Previously he taught French and English as an Additional Language in Vietnam, South Korea and France.

He is interested in learning beyond the classroom and has organised several highly successful school trips to France as well as participated in numerous school camps and The Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Jean-Paul enjoys spending time with his son Henry and wife Jin Hee, studying other cultures and traveling during his free time.

Email: Joseph.Brown@aisvietnam.com

Joseph is a new teacher at AIS. He has been living in Ho Chi Minh City since June 2017 and has enjoyed experiencing the local lifestyle and culture. Joe studied English and teaching at Murdoch University in Western Australia. He studied a Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in Creative Writing, Literature and Modern Social History.

He completed this degree with First Class Honours in English and Creative Arts. Finally, he completed a Diploma of Education (Secondary), majoring in English and minoring in Society and Environment. Prior to AIS, Joe taught English as a secondary English teacher for four years at a private school in Western Australia. During this time, he taught English across all secondary grades and to a wide variety of students from diverse backgrounds and levels of ability. Recently, Joe completed a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate and has six months experience teaching English as a Foreign Language at a variety of public schools in Ha Noi. Over the last month he has been working casually at a language center, with university students, in Ho Chi Minh City. Joe enjoys playing guitar and creative writing. He is really looking forward to joining the team at AIS and meeting the students and broader community involved with the school.

Email: Tessa.Maloney@AISVIETNAM.COM

Bachelor of Visual Art and Graduate Diploma of Education.

Tessa Maloney is an Australian-trained teacher and artist. She started her career teaching art in the Western Australian desert and has since taught in Primary schools in Perth and London. She has taught 6-13-year-olds in rural, remote and Metropolitan schools. Tessa's interests include art, traveling and cycling. She has completed bicycle tours across multiple countries and has lived abroad in the United states, Canada and the UK. She is creative and enjoys experiencing different cultures.

Email: Hannah.Maher@AISVIETNAM.COM

Currently completing Masters in Education, State University of New York, Buffalo, United States of America Bachelors of Arts/ Bachelors of Education (Majors English and History), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

For the past four years Hannah has been teaching in Hangzhou, China. Prior to that she taught English and History for six years in Sydney and London. Teaching in China gave her experience teaching students with a range of English levels and different backgrounds. She is excited about teaching at AIS and the adventure of life in Vietnam. Hannah joins AIS with her husband Jeremy, a primary teacher, and young son. She enjoys cooking, reading, yoga and snowboarding.

Email: Lynette. Hutting@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Arts, English (California State University, Chico)

Master of Arts, English (California State University, Chico)

Master of Secondary Teaching (University of Notre Dame, Australia)

Graduate Diploma, Archaeology (University of Western Australia)

Lynette has worked in education since 1985, first as a tertiary lecturer of English in California and later as a secondary teacher of English in Western Australia. For six years, she also worked as a public sector journalist and magazine editor. Recently, she worked at Curtin University in Perth, teaching the next generation of secondary English practitioners.

Before joining AIS in 2017, Lynette pursued her lifelong interest in archaeology at university and worked as a fly-in/fly out teacher to remote Australian communities preparing Year 12 students for their end-of-year examinations. In her spare time, Lynette volunteers with an archaeological group uncovering Western Australia’s colonial past.

Email: Rachel.Candy@AISVIETNAM.COM

Graduate Diploma of Secondary Teaching (English, Drama, Music), Dunedin College of Education, NZ Bachelor of Arts (English Literature), Otago University, NZ ATCL - Associate Trinity College London (Piano)

Before coming to AIS, Rachel taught in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand, and London, United Kingdom. She has most recently come from Auckland Grammar School where she has been teaching English for 10 years. Prior to that, she was in London for 7 years, where she had a range of teaching experiences in secondary, primary and special needs schools. However, the majority of her time there was spent in an independent preparatory school as Head of English. As well as teaching English, Rachel has enjoyed teaching Music and Drama over the years, and has been teaching piano since 1990.

Rachel has come to HCMC with her partner (Mark Vella) and twin daughters, is a keen snowboarder, traveler and musician, and especially enjoys singing and playing keyboard in bands.

Bachelor of Arts (History, Communication and International Relations) University of the Sunshine Coast.

Graduate Diploma Education (Secondary English & History) University of the Sunshine Coast).

Sean started teaching ESL and Business studies in China in 2003. After returning to Australia in 2005 he completed his teaching qualification and began teaching on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. Sean returned to China in 2012 to take up a position with The Yew Chung International School of Beijing where he taught Lower Secondary Humanities and English, IGCSE History, English and Global Perspectives as well as IB TOK and Language B English. Sean will commence his first year teaching at AIS in 2017 teaching English and Humanities.

Sean finds great enjoyment in travelling and embracing new cultures. He is a keen student of History, particularly Asian history and is looking forward to learning more about Vietnam. Sean is a keen surfer who usually spends his summers chasing waves in the Mentawai Islands and trying not to hurt himself.

MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS

Email: Jacqui.Gaynor@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Music (Performance and Composition), Canterbury University, New Zealand, Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, Griffith University, Australia, Fellowship in Singing Performance, Trinity College London, Licentiate in Piano Performance, Trinity College London, Associate in Music Teaching, Trinity College London

Jacqui has worked in education since 1977 as a classroom music teacher, instrumental tutor, strings programme coordinator and instructor, choir mistress and school accompanist in both New Zealand and Australian schools. She has been Musical Director for many major school and semi-professional stage shows in New Zealand and Australia. Jacqui took a nine-year break from school teaching in 1982 to travel the world as a singer and pianist and now shares those performing skills with her students. She joined AIS in August 2011.

Jacqui enjoys crosswords and is keenly interested in the connection between diet and health and Jacqui has a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy too.

Email: colin.burstow@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Music, Middlesex University, England.

Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Secondary Music), Institute of Education, London, England.

Colin has taught classroom Music at an outstanding secondary school in South-West London, he joined after completing his PGCE as a Newly Qualified Teacher and left as Head of Music four years later. He moved to Vietnam from London and is looking forward to his first role in an International School. He is a Trombonist and Drummer and enjoys playing and composing when he can.

Music is Colin’s passion and takes up most of his spare time, but he also enjoys the outdoors and can’t wait to visit the new and diverse geography of Vietnam.

HUMANITIES

Email: scott.garbus@aisvietnam.com

M. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Phoenix Sp. Ed. Teacher Certification, Arizona State University B.A. in Political Science / Secondary Teacher Certification, University of Rochester

Mr. Garbus is teaching IB Diploma and IGCSE Economics and has recently been appointed as an IB Examiner. He has lived and worked in Asia since August, 2000. Prior to joining the AIS team, he served as Social Studies Department Head and MUN Director at another international school in Ho Chi Minh City. He has taught both IB and AP Economics in previous posts. In class, Mr. Garbus employs an inquiry-oriented approach that focuses on teamwork, debate, and writing skills.

In his free-time, Mr. Garbus enjoys playing the guitar, freshwater aquaria, and Linux.

Email: Tessa.Maloney@AISVIETNAM.COM

QBachelor of Visual Art and Graduate Diploma of Education.

Email: andrew.masterton@aisvietnam.com

Master of Art (Development Studies) Monash University, Australia 1989 Master level certificate (Refugee Studies) Oxford University, UK Graduate Diploma of Education (Humanities) University of Melbourne, Australia Bachelor of Art (Geography) Monash University, Australia

Andrew taught Humanities and Science at Scotch College, Melbourne then went on to teach English in a refugee camp on the Thai Burmese border for 18 months. After, he spent a year of study at Oxford University. Andrew has experience working at World Vision Australia as a Programme Officer in the Emergency Relief Unit. He also taught Science at Presbyterian Ladies College, Melbourne and spent 9 years at Caulfield Grammar School, Melbourne. At CGS, he taught Humanities, Science and Senior International Studies. He was also coordinator of the Peer Support Programme and the Community Service Programme. Andrew joined AIS in August 2009.

He enjoys jogging, swimming, travel and spending time with his wife and two young boys.

Email: gabriel.price@aisvietnam.com

Graduate Diploma of Education (K-12), George Mason University, Fairfax Virginia, USA Gabriel teaches several of our Humanities courses; Global Perspectives, IGCSE Geography and IBDP Geography. He is also one of our Year 11-13 tutor group teachers. For the last four years he worked on projects bringing the face of AIS to the community via events like the BBGV Fun Run and the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. Also over the years Gabriel has organized the Year 13 Graduation Dinner and the Secondary School Graduation and Awards Ceremony. He has over twelve years’ experience living and working in Vietnam, with more than eight years here at AIS.

Email: Hannah.Maher@AISVIETNAM.COM

Bachelor of Arts (History, Communication and International Relations) University of the Sunshine Coast

Graduate Diploma Education (Secondary English & History) University of the Sunshine Coast)

Email: Damien.Kennedy@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Criminology) – The University of Melbourne, Australia.

B.A Honours year in Psychology – The University of Melbourne, Australia.

Master of Teaching (Secondary) – The University of Melbourne, Australia.

Before moving into international teaching, Damien spent four years teaching Psychology, English and Humanities in Australia. He then spent two years teaching IB Humanities in Taiwan. Damien is a new teacher at AIS. He is teaching IB DP Psychology, Year 7 Humanities and Year 7 English. In addition, Damien is the Year 7 Student Welfare Coordinator.

Damien enjoys swimming, martial arts, travel, music and watching movies.

Email: brandon.gunn@aisvietnam.com

Master of Education (Secondary Social Sciences), University of South Alabama, USA

Bachelor of Arts (History and Philosophy), University of Alabama, USA

Brandon has nine years of teaching experience in schools in the U.S. and Asia. He is currently teaching IB Business Management, IGCSE Business Studies, and IGCSE Global Perspectives. Brandon believes that making real world connections to academic content is an essential part of the learning process, and he strives to accomplish this in every lesson. In his free time he enjoys basketball, weightlifting, and outdoor sports.

ART AND DESIGN

Nigel joined AIS in 2016 having spent the previous two years teaching Art & DT at British International School, Ho Chi Minh City. Prior to that he held the position of Head of Art for 18 years at schools in Cyprus and the UK, lectured at the Cyprus Academy of Art and worked in an advisory capacity for AQA. Prior to teaching Nigel worked as a Structural Engineer and Architectural Photographer.

Nigel enjoys travelling, enjoying life and building custom motorcycles.

Email: Tom.Mitchell@AISVIETNAM.COM

Tom joins the DT Department from Wellington College in China. Tom worked in journalism before teaching and published his own magazine but found the call for teaching as a mature student later in life. He graduated with a B.Ed (Hon’s) in Secondary Education & Design Technology from Exeter University in 1999. Since then he has taught GCSE, A-Level and the IB Diploma in the UK, firstly at Poole Grammar School for Boys and also Internationally in China, Singapore and Malaysia. He has worked in two IB world schools and one boarding school gaining more pastoral experience working in the boarding house and at the same time receiving some excellent professional development in Singapore. He is a keen sportsman and has coached football, athletics, badminton and cross country since working internationally. He joins AIS with his wife Sofia and son Benjamin.

Email: Victoria.Alexander@AISVIETNAM.COM

Qualifications: B.A Hons Degree in Fashion and Textiles: Specialising in Surface Design.

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (F.E).

She comes from London – England. She has worked as a freelance Surface Designer/Illustrator for the gift industry: I has published artwork for charities such as Greenpeace (environmental organisation) and Dr. Barnados – (children’s charity). I has had exhibitions in London and New York.

Before joining the AIS she taught at various multi-cultural schools in London. Her last teaching position was at Mulberry School for Girls, a high achieving, over-subscribed and successful girls’ comprehensive school for pupils aged 11 to 18. She has also taught students at Further Education Colleges in London. Teaching is a passion for her, she enjoys inspiring young people to achieve their goals and dreams. She strives to pass her passion for design onto them and to understand that art and design influences come from everything around us.

Her spare time activities include swimming, walking and generally being creative. When she can she is pursuing personal creative projects to update her skills, it is important for her to continue to be inspired. She also enjoys cooking, going to the theatre and visiting art and design exhibitions.

Email: Tessa.Maloney@AISVIETNAM.COM

Bachelor of Visual Art and Graduate Diploma of Education.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

Email: Jonathan.Hoff@aisvietnam.com

-Masters in Educational Technology (MET), Boise State University, USA

-Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDip), University of Exeter, UK

-Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in ICT Secondary, University of Southampton, UK

-BSc Information Management & Computing, University of Loughborough, UK

-T.E.F.L Certified

Jonathan has been teaching in Vietnam since 2005. Since then he has worked in British and American systems and has experience across both Primary and Secondary age groups, as well as working as a whole school technology co-ordinator. His main professional interest is the use and integration of technology in schools alongside an interest in developing programming and robotics opportunities for students. Jonathan lives in Saigon with his wife and two children.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Email: Matthew.Washer@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of sport and leisure studies (Waikato University).

Graduate diploma of teaching and learning - health and physical education (University of Canterbury).

He started my career as a health, physical education and outdoor education teacher at a secondary school in Christchurch, New Zealand. More recently, He worked at an international school in Osaka, Japan as an elementary P.E specialist and activities coordinator.

He likes to practice what He preaches and enjoys staying healthy through regular swimming for exercise. He has played many sports over the years but particularly love racquet sports - tennis and badminton. His biggest passion though is snowboarding and he is unashamedly a powder junkie!

Email: Stuart.Mullord@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Major in Human Movement/Biology; University of South Australia; Bachelor of Education; University of South Australia

Email: Rachel.White@aisvietnam.com

Qualifications: Bachelor of Human Movement, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia Graduate Diploma in Primary Education, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Rachael has over 10 years teaching experience in both primary and secondary schools. She has taught in the UK, Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Rachael is passionate about engaging children in physical activity. She enjoys fitness, swimming and netball. Rachael is looking forward to returning to HCMC with her family and exploring more of the country and enjoying fresh delicious Vietnamese food.

Email: John.Sampan@AISVIETNAM.COM

He is married to Pamela and has two kids, Elias and Serafina and enjoys music and video games in his free time

Email: brandon.dewes@aisvietnam.com

Bachelor of Education (P.E), University of Canterbury Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Secondary), Christchurch College of Education

Brandon is originally from New Zealand. He has taught for 10 years in Auckland, most recently at Mount Albert Grammar School where he was also a House Master in the boarding school alongside his day time teaching job. Whilst Physical Education has been Brandon’s main subject area, he has also taught Health, Geography and Social Science.

Brandon has moved to Vietnam with his wife Neysia. He is a big rugby fan. Brandon’s other interests include coaching various sports, travel and reading.

Email: Jetro.Asis@aisvietnam.com

Teaching Staff – Thu Thiem

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

PRIMARY TEACHERS

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

SECONDARY SCHOOL

EAL

MATHS

SCIENCE

LANGUAGES

ENGLISH

MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS

HUMANITIES

ART AND DESIGN

INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

About Us

Curriculum

Student Life

Admissions

AIS Community

Contact Us

Teaching Staff – Thu Thiem

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

Patricia Robson

Karina Borup

Jessica Fear

PRIMARY TEACHERS

Taylor Oughton

Stacey Markou

Emma Deering

Luzette Hermon

Megan Comervelle

Beth Wills

Oonagh Groves

Peter O_Rance

Alan Bradfield

Rebecca Evans

Paul Holland

Leigh Hansen

Ian Osberg

Timothy Shepherd

Brien Jonathan Wills

Leanne Reaside

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

Suzette Bradfield

Vy Le

Edward Lee

Linh Huynh

Andrew Manion

John Sampan

Jetro Asis

SECONDARY SCHOOL

EAL

Adele Conner

Nicholas Daniels

Paraic Garry

MATHS

John Pollard

Stuart Evans

Stephen Pulford

David Gakowski

Sheryl Gelthorpe

Stuart Mullord

Luke Patterson

SCIENCE

Isabelle Dunnett

Stuart Mullord

Tara Hasan

Ben Amstrong

Sheryl Gelthorpe

Andy Cartildge

Danielle Hansen

LANGUAGES

Jinhee An

Daniel Van Engelen

Helen Zhuang

Toshiaki Nomura

Phuong Trinh

Trang Nguyen

Nhien Nguyen

ENGLISH

Jean-Paul Seigneur

Joseph Brown

Tessa Maloney

Hanah Maher

Lynette Hutting

Rachel Candy

Sean Stitz

MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS

Jacqui Gaynor

Colin Burstow

HUMANITIES

Scott Garbus

Tessa Maloney

Andrew Masterton

Gabriel Price

Hanah Maher

Sean Stitz

Damien Kennedy

Brandon Gunn

ART AND DESIGN