Teaching Staff – Thu Thiem – Australian International School

Teaching Staff – Thu ThiemEXE2021-01-25T21:38:59+00:00

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

Patricia Robson - Senior Kindergarten Teacher and Kindergarten Coordinator

Masters of Education, Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood - Griffith University – Queensland, Australia

Diploma of Infants Teaching - Australian Catholic University – NSW, 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 UK plus three grandchildren.

Two years ago Trish joined 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.

Naomi Reidy - Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland, England and Bachelors of Science (Hons) in Health and Leisure from Tralee Institute of Technology, Ireland.

Naomi is originally from Ireland but has been living in Vietnam for over 4 years. After finishing her degree in Ireland Naomi spent some time traveling to new and exciting places before falling in love with Vietnam. Noami has spent the last 3 years working in a Kindergarten in HCMC. She thoroughly enjoys working with this age group and embraces a philosophy which nurtures the whole child.

Besides Naomi's passion for teaching she is an advocate for health and well-being. Since arriving in Vietnam, she has joined many different sports teams and is captain of the AFL ladies’ team in HCMC and captained the GAA team to victory last year in the South Asian Gaelic games. Naomi is eager to get involved with the sports in the school this year. Naomi is passionate about everything she does and she believes that motivation, encouragement and being open minded is the key to success.

Erin Crawford - Kindergarten Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Erin has been an Early Years teacher in New Zealand for over seven years, where she led a team of teachers in a community preschool in Raglan. Erin believes quality relationships and experiences in the early years impact hugely on children’s wellbeing and development. She is delighted to teach at AIS and will be focused on building a nurturing, supportive learning environment for your children. 

PRIMARY TEACHERS

Stacey Markou - Primary Teacher Year 1 / Year 1 Team Leader

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

Elise Carroll - Primary Teacher Year 1

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) - Federation University, Australia, Graduate Diploma of Teaching - Deakin University, Australia, Graduate Certificate Teaching Children with Autism, Autism Institute, Australia, Professional Certificate of Instructional Leadership - University of Melbourne, Australia

Elisa joins AIS from Melbourne, Australia and is a passionate teacher who has taught in government and independent schools and across a variety of primary year levels. She has a particular interest in the early years, where students sense of wonder and curiosity are at the heart of learning. With experience in the PYP, Elisa has also held various curriculum and team leadership roles. In her leisure time, Elisa enjoys all aspects of digital technologies, photography, reading, and music. She is married with three adult children and has joined the AIS community with her husband.

Taylor Oughton - Primary Teacher Year 2

Bachelor of Education (Primary), University of Waikato, New Zealand. Diploma of Teaching, University of Waikato, New Zealand

Taylor comes from the small picturesque farming town of Tekuiti in the heartland of New Zealand. He has spent 20 years teaching in a variety of countries including Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and for the past four years, Vietnam. Taylor has a passion for Early Years Education and has held the roles of Curriculum Resource Co-ordinator, LOTE (Indonesian) Co-ordinator and as a teacher for Year 1 and 2 students at the Australian International School. He likes to empower students to be independent learners who can apply their understanding and problem solving skills to authentic situations.

Melanie Eaton - Primary School Year 2

M.Ed. Education, Framingham State University, Framingham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

P.G.C.E., Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, U.K.
Melanie is originally from the UK but has been teaching Primary internationally for the last 12 years. She enjoys supporting students to develop independent thinking skills, helping them to become lifelong learners and has a particular passion for teaching mathematics.

Ian Osberg - Primary Teacher Year 3

Master of Education (Elementary Education), Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi, USA

ABCTE Teacher Certification Program of K-6 Education and Pedagogy Bachelor of Arts (Sociology with a focus in Child Development), San Jose State University, San Jose, California, USA

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Ian has called the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City home since 2011. Ian's goal is to create a warm and welcoming learning community that is engaging, meets the socio-emotional needs of learners, is built on respect, and has all the children excited to come to school to learn. Ian’s classes involve a mixture of active learning, independent work, and collaborative group work. In addition to teaching, Ian enjoys spending time with his two children, going to the cinema, playing video games, and participating in fitness classes.

Megan Hills - Primary Teacher Year 3 / IT Coordinator

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), University of Waikato, New Zealand. Bachelor of Social Science (Human Development), University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Megan joined AIS from New Plymouth, New Zealand in 2019. She has taught students from Years 1 to 4. Megan enjoys working in collaborative, student-centred learning environments. She encourages students to become authentic learners and globally minded citizens. As well as teaching English and Maths, Megan has interests in Visual Arts, Sports, STEAM and Digital Technologies. Megan is the Technology Coordinator for the primary school.

Chantale Daniel - Primary Teacher Year 3

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Montana, Montana, USA.

Bachelor of Arts, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.

Chantale has been teaching for seven years since returning to school to obtain her master’s degree. She began teaching in the United States but has recently taught in international schools in the UAE and China. Prior to working as a certified teacher, Chantale spent 4 years working as an EFL and ESL teacher in Canada, Taiwan, and Korea.

Brien Wills - Primary Teacher Year 4

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

Brien is a Primary trained teacher with over 18 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.

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

Having taught at AIS for the past two years in Year 6, this year Brien has moved into Year 4.

Along with his wife Beth and their two daughters Lucy and Isla, they are really enjoying their time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chris Hogarth - Primary Teacher Year 4

Bachelor of Commerce, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand, Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Christchurch College of Education, New Zealand.

Chris is a passionate teacher with nearly 25 years' experience. Chris has been teaching at Tairua School in Coromandel, New Zealand for the last 6 years. Chris has a strong interest in music and sport. In 2019 he was awarded Community Coach of the Year for the Hauraki/Thames/Coromandel District for his involvement in youth sport. Chris has also taught in Samoa and Brunei, as well as across a range of different levels, from Year 1 to University.

Paul Holland - Primary School Year 4

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. He has been living and teaching in Vietnam since 2009 and joined AIS in 2017 teaching Year 5 before moving to Year 4. Before 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 loves playing and watching football and is the Junior Football Coordinator at AIS.

Timothy Shepherd - Primary Teacher Year 5

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.

Peter O'Rance - Primary School Year 5

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.

Rebecca Evans - Primary Teacher Year 5

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

Rebecca has been a primary school teacher for 17 years, with experience across all levels. She is passionate about creating engaging learning opportunities that encourage students to think deeply and independently. Rebecca taught in Australia, the UAE and the Czech Republic before joining AIS two years ago. She lives in Vietnam with her husband, three children and two guinea pigs.

Alan Bradfield - Primary Teacher Year 6

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.

Leigh Hansen - Primary Teacher Year 6

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.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

Suzette Bradfield - Music Teacher

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.

Vy Le - Vietnamese Language and Culture Teacher

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 more than 10 years. I have worked in a variety of year levels 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 the PYP Curriculum. I have commenced teaching Vietnamese Language and Culture for Primary students from Kindergarten to Year 6 at Thu Thiem Campus since the academic year 2016-2017. My hobbies are reading, art and travelling.

Linh Huynh - Vietnamese Language Teacher

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 2008-2019 at AIS school.

Linh is a passionate teacher with nearly 13 years’ experience. Linh has been a VNC teacher at AIS 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 believes how much the important role that the mother tongue plays in learning another language. Linh will be continued to focus on building a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students.

Andrew (Andy) Manion - Primary PE Specialist

Bachelor of Education – University of Tasmania (Australia).

Andy taught HPE and PSPE in Australia for over 30 years and this will be his 3rd year at AIS. Andy has also been a P-12 Head of Sport for 8 years and has 14 years’ experience teaching PSPE in the PYP. Originally from Tasmania, Andy lived on the Gold Coast in Queensland for the 20 years before coming to Vietnam.

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.

John Sampan - Swim teacher and Coach

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.

Karla Francisco - Swim Teacher

Jetro Asis - Aquatic Coodinator

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.

Edward Lee - Mandarin Language Teacher

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.

Maryam Naushad - EAL Specialist

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) University of North Carolina, USA. Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) University of North Carolina, USA. Teaching License, Washington D.C (in progress).

After moving abroad in 2014 and teaching English in Jordan, Maryam has taught first grade in Cairo, Egypt, worked in Greece as a Child Friendly Space supervisor and has spent the last four years as a teacher in Vietnam. Maryam is excited to join the AIS team full-time and work with primary students in the EAL program.

SUPPORT TEACHERS

SECONDARY SCHOOL

EAL

Rassam Farddoust - EAL Teacher

Dave Wilkinson - EAL Teacher

Bachelor of Arts (English), Graduate Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma of TESOL - Edith Cowan University.

Dave is Coordinator of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program. An experienced teacher and educational leader from Australia, Dave is very excited to join the AIS team, along with his wife Ruth (Year 1 Teacher) and their four children.

Garry Seabrook - IELP & EAL Teacher

Bachelor of Arts (English), Sydney University
Master of TESOL, Charles Sturt University
Graduate Diploma of Teaching, Charles Darwin University

Garry has joined the AIS community in 2020. Prior to coming to AIS, Garry taught at UNIS in Hanoi for two years and, before that, the International school of Tianjin for two years. Prior to moving to Tianjin in 2015, Garry taught English in Hanoi for more than a decade. His wife is Vietnamese and they have a son who is in Year 4 at AIS this year. Garry and his family very much look forward to living in HCMC and being part of the AIS community.

MATHS

Stuart Evans - Subject Coordinator

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 an international school management position in the Czech Republic before moving to Vietnam to teach Secondary School Mathematics here at A.I.S. He holds a Degree in Applied Physics (RMIT, Melbourne), has recently completed an MA in Learning and Teaching through the University of Roehampton (U.K) and holds 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 drums, cricket, listening to country music and watching Liverpool win everything.

Noah Franske - Maths Teacher

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Computer Science) University of Notre Dame, IN, USA
Master of Education (Mathematics) University of Notre Dame, IN, USA

Noah began his teaching adventure in Florida while concurrently working on his Masters degree. From there he taught English in Santiago, Chile and has spent the past five years teaching math at his Alma mater in Edina, Minnesota USA. He is passionate about educating learners first, teaching students to think with both their minds and their hearts. After that, he really loves calculus.

Noah enjoys all things involving adrenaline. He has been snowboarding and water skiing his whole life and is excited to add driving a motorbike in HCMC to the list. He also loves cards, logic games, riddles and puzzles. He is thrilled to be a part of the distinguished AIS community and is honored to continue its tradition of excellence.

David Gakowski - Maths Teacher

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.

Paul Candler - Maths Teacher

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Monash University, Australia. Post Graduate Diploma of Education, Monash University, Australia.

Paul, who is both Australian and British, is joining AIS this year. Prior to joining AIS, Paul together with his wife and two boys lived and worked in Kuwait for 3 years at an American School. Prior to that he worked in Damman, Saudi Arabia (2 years); Cape Town, South Africa (5 years); Antwerp, Belgium (10 years) and Oporto, Portugal (6 years). He has taught both AP and IB and IGSCE.

Joseph Kirkey - Maths Teacher

Bachelor of Science (General Engineering) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Master of Education (Instructional Leadership) University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

Joe is originally from Chicago, USA where he worked as a mechanical engineer in the plastic industry for 5 years before discovering his passion for teaching. He took a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership while he taught middle school mathematics in the Chicago Public Schools. Joe then moved to Florida, USA where he taught in a program for gifted middle school students and he coached the Math Counts team. He next moved to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where he became fluent in Spanish and taught high school mathematics using an American curriculum for 7 years. From there, Joe taught IGCSE and DP mathematics in Guangzhou, China for 5 years, where he also took on the role of the mathematics department subject leader.

Joseph Phillips - Maths Teacher

Joseph has a BSc in Business and Management and a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Sussex (UK). He started his teaching career in Eastbourne (UK), before moving abroad to teach internationally for the past 6 years in Egypt and Vietnam. Having grown up studying in international schools himself, Joseph understands the many benefits the international education system has and is looking forward to contributing to these by being a part of the AIS team.

Joseph also enjoys most outdoor activities, especially scuba diving, trekking, football and photography.

Casey Stone - Maths Teacher

SCIENCE

Trent Richardson - Science Teacher

Bachelor of Exercise Science, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Biology), Queensland University of Technology, Australia

Trent began his teaching career in Brisbane, Australia, and has since spent time teaching science in London. His passion for science was fuelled by his love for sports. In his spare time, Trent is an avid traveller and loves spending time indulging in local cuisines. He enjoys participating in sports and leading a healthy lifestyle. Trent is excited to be apart of the AIS community and the future prospects of living in HCMC.

Andrew Masterton - ESS,GP, Humanities, Science, TOK Teacher

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.

Sheryl Gelthorpe - ESS/Science Teacher

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.

Gemma Mcdowall - Science Teacher

Bachelor of Physical Education with QTS (University of Brighton)

Gemma started her career as a physical education teacher at a secondary school in Reading, United Kingdom before moving to becoming head of department at an international school in Nairobi, Kenya. She has most recently been teaching in an international school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gemma is a keen sportswoman and will turn her hand at giving any sport a try, but specifically has a love for netball. She has also played football to a high standard and is a lifelong Norwich City fan who is hoping to see the canaries remain in the EPL!

Asides from sport Gemma has a passion for exploring the world and is looking forward to immersing herself into the Vietnamese culture.

Ben Amstrong - Physics Teacher

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.

Matthew Burrell - Biology, ESS, Science Teacher

Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Biodiversity), Victoria University Wellington
Graduate diploma in Teaching (secondary), Victoria University Wellington
Masters in Teaching & Learning (secondary), Victoria University Wellington

Matthew began his teaching career in China and has spent the last four years teaching Science, Biology and Junior mathematics in New Zealand. He is now beginning his international school career at AIS where he will be teaching IB Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies. Matthew has always enjoyed travel and motorcycle riding and is looking forward to combining these interests in HMC.

Alex Knight - Biology, ESS, Science Teacher

Alex has taught secondary science including Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science since 2015. Prior to this Alex worked as an Environmental Scientist with a focus on measuring and controlling air, soil, water and noise pollution from industrial facilities across Australia. He has a young family and is very much looking forward to living, teaching and experiencing life in Vietnam.

Robin Tunley - Physics Teachers

Robin completed his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in theoretical physics in Canada before moving to Australia. There, he taught Secondary School Physics, Mathematics, and Science for 5 years. He is now beginning his international school career at AIS where he will be teaching physics and science, and is looking forward to continuing to learn and develop in this new and vibrant community. His passion for science and technology has led him to create The Futurists after school program, where students can explore the frontiers of human innovation in the context of our shared future.

BUSINESS, BUSINESS STUDIES, ECONOMICS

John Rogers - Business Studies, Economics Teacher

Bachelor of Commerce (Economics, Business Administration), University of Canterbury
Post-graduate Diploma of Teaching (Commerce), University of Auckland

Prior to his arrival at AIS in 2020, John had 20 years’ experience teaching Economics and Business in New Zealand. He has most recently come from Sancta Maria College in Auckland, where he also had the roles of Senior Leader of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing and Head of Commerce. John has travelled extensively, and Vietnam will be the fourth country where he has lived and worked. John has moved to Vietnam with his family; his wife who is an English teacher at AIS (Sally Thompson), and two primary-aged children. He enjoys keeping active and healthy through playing sport, spending time with his family and loves to travel and explore new places, countries and cultures.

Mark Vella - Economics Teacher

Master of Arts ( 1st Class Honours ), University of Auckland, NZ Graduate Diploma of Teaching, Auckland College of Education, NZ Bachelor of Arts ( Senior Scholar in History), University of Auckland, NZ

Mark is an experienced, career educator from New Zealand who has taught at secondary level for the past 30 years. Prior to his move to AIS Saigon he was a long-serving member of the Senior Leadership Team at Auckland Grammar School, one of New Zealand’s leading secondary schools. As Associate Headmaster his primary area of responsibility was curriculum and assessment. Mark has always enjoyed being involved in co-curricular activities which he believes are an integral part of a holistic education. He has coached rugby for over 30 years, and has managed, mentored or organised a range of other sporting and cultural groups. Mark has moved to Ho Chi Minh City with his partner Rachel, who is an English teacher at AIS, and their twin daughters. He enjoys sport in general and rugby in particular, is a keen snowboarder and an avid reader, and looks forward to exploring Vietnam and travelling throughout Asia with his family.

LANGUAGES

Jinhee An - Subject Coordinator

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 (English teacher at AIS).

Nhien Nguyen - Vietnamese Teacher

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

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.

Helen Zhuang - Chinese (Mandarin) Teacher

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

Phuong Trinh -Vietnamese Teacher

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.

Trang Nguyen - Vietnamese Teacher

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.

ENGLISH

Jean-Paul Seigneur - Subject Coordinator

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 has 16 years of international teaching experience and has been with AIS since 2011. In 2012, he was tasked with setting up the Diploma Programme English B course and continues to teach it to this day. He also set-up the French Ab Initio course which he taught for three years. Jean-Paul has been English Coordinator at AIS since 2015.

Jean-Paul loves discussing Global Issues, he is passionate about old scooters from the 60’s and really enjoys spending time with his son Henry and wife JinHee as well as studying other cultures and traveling.

Joseph Brown - English Teacher

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.

Rassam Farddoust - EAL Teacher

Hannah Maher - English Teacher

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.

Lynette Hutting - English Teacher

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.

Mark Beales - English Teacher

Master of Education (Distinction), University of Nottingham, England
PGCE, University of Nottingham, England
BA (Hons) English Literature, University of London, England
Dip.(TM) TESOL/College of Teachers DipCoT (TESOL), Eurolinks, Sheffield, England
National Certificate in Newspaper Journalism, Girton College, Oxford, England

After working as a journalist and newspaper editor in England for 13 years, Mr Beales moved to Thailand in 2004. He has since held a number of positions in international schools, including Head of English, Head of Secondary and IB Diploma Coordinator. He is also an examiner for IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. When not teaching, Mr Beales writes for Lonely Planet and other publications, and enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children.

Sean Stitz - English Teacher

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.

Justin Daniel - English Teacher

Justin is a new teacher at AIS. Justin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Montana, USA in 1999. He graduated with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Montana, USA in 2008 on the Dean’s list. He has been teaching English and ESL for the past 20 years. He has taught in six countries. Most recently, Justin has taught in America, United Arab Emirates and China. His wife Chantale is teaching primary at the Thu Thiem campus at AIS, and his two children are joining him at the school.

Justin is passionate about literature and literacy in all forms. He believes that modern literacy must include digital and media literacy. Justin enjoys reading, playing the ukulele, exercise and sports. He is looking forward to learning more about Vietnam and Vietnamese culture. He is also excited to join AIS in helping students achieve their potential.

Sally Thompson - English Teacher

Bachelor of Arts (English, History), University of Waikato
Post-graduate Diploma of Teaching (English, Social Studies), University of Waikato

As a former international student who spent some of her childhood in the Pacific Islands, Sally looks forward to more adventure teaching at AIS with its dynamic and diverse community. She has travelled extensively, Vietnam will be the sixth country in which she has lived, and she has taught in both the UK and New Zealand. In coming to AIS, Sally brings her family; her husband who is a teacher (John Rogers), and her two primary-aged children. She loves teaching English language and literature, is an avid reader, and enjoys sport and fitness.

MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS

Denis Agafonov - Music Teacher

Colin Burstow - Music Teacher

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

Lynette Hutting - English, Humanities Teacher

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)

Tess Cheevers - Humanities Teacher

Bachelors 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.

Andrew Masterton - ESS,GP, Humanities, Science, TOK Teacher

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

Sean Stitz - Humanities Teacher

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.

Etienne Langlade - France ab initio, Humanities Teacher

Bachelor in History, University of Nantes, France
Masters degree in International Economic Law, University of Nantes, France
Masters degree in Economic relations between Europe and Asia, University of Rennes, France
Cambridge CELTA

In 2014, after graduating from the university of Nantes in France, Etienne followed his curiosity and his attraction for intercultural challenges by seizing an opportunity to study in Vietnam. While completing his Masters degree in the Foreign Trade University of Hanoi, Etienne started teaching French to the students of its French faculty and found his vocation. He first spent two years teaching French at Saint Paul American School Hanoi, before moving to Saigon where he specialized in teaching History, Geography and French literature to both French and international students enrolled in different schools of the city.

During his free time, Etienne enjoys broadening his knowledge of diverse areas related to History such as political ideologies, literature or music through reading the academic press.

Damien Kennedy - Psychology Humanities, TOK Teacher

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.

Gabriel Price - Geography/Humanities Teacher

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.

Tharina Candler - Humanities Teacher

Bachelor of Education, Post Graduate Diploma of Education and Marketing

Tharina, who is South African, is joining AIS this year. Prior to joining AIS, Tharina was the ICT teacher at an American school in Kuwait. Before that, Tharina taught in Damman, Saudi Arabia, and in Cape Town, South Africa in both government and international school.

Tharina dream is to learn from other cultures and to expand her knowledge.

ART AND DESIGN

Nigel Hall - Subject Coordinator

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.

Michael Clark - Design Technology Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Technological and Applied Studies) University of Sydney.

Michael is an experienced educator who started his teaching career in Sydney, Australia. He has spent more than 15 years working in a range of educational settings worldwide. He is excited to be returning to AIS after two years as Head of Design in an international school in Shanghai, China. He is passionate about Design education and enjoys seeing his students share that passion as they design and create using a range of materials, processes and technology.

Michael enjoys touch rugby and also exploring, by motorbike, all that is amazing in Vietnam.

Tessa Cheevers - Visual Art, Humanities Teacher

Bachelor of Visual Art and Graduate Diploma of Education.

Zion Mitchell - Design Technology Teacher

Bachelor of Education (Visual Arts) University of Melbourne

Zion was adopted by the age of 6 months by English parents after the Vietnam war in 1974 and arrived to Australia in cardboard box. Good school grades and became School Captain and Tennis Captain of Wesley College Melbourne. He is happy and very grateful. It has been a personal dream for him to return to Vietnam and teach again at an International School, but more importantly to give back to Vietnam having a love and passion for teaching.

Zion comes from Melbourne Australia previously taught at St Monica's Epping and MacKillop College Werribee. With over 13 years of teaching experience he has taught Visual Art, Design, Product Design and Wood Technology within numerous curriculum frameworks IB, IGCSE, and VCE.

Zion previously had lived in Vietnam for over 7 years from 2003 to 2011 teaching IB Visual Art at ISHCMC, CELTA qualified, Cambridge Oral Examiner, teaching English ESL / EFL / EAL, experienced role as a Vice head Principal and as a qualified professional tennis coach (Talent Development Coach) from Tennis Australia. Previously coached Do Minh Quan the past number one tennis player in Vietnam and nationally ranked juniors throughout Melbourne Australia.
Zion believes "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."

INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

Jonathan Hoff - Subject Coordinator

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

Matthew Washer - Athletic Director

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!

Gemma Mcdowall - Physical Education Teacher

Bachelor of Physical Education with QTS (University of Brighton)

Gemma started her career as a physical education teacher at a secondary school in Reading, United Kingdom before moving to becoming head of department at an international school in Nairobi, Kenya. She has most recently been teaching in an international school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gemma is a keen sportswoman and will turn her hand at giving any sport a try, but specifically has a love for netball. She has also played football to a high standard and is a lifelong Norwich City fan who is hoping to see the canaries remain in the EPL!

Asides from sport Gemma has a passion for exploring the world and is looking forward to immersing herself into the Vietnamese culture.

Rachel White - Physical Education Teacher

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.

John Sampan - Physical Education Teacher

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

Brandon Dewes - Physical Education Teacher

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.

Karla Francisco - Physical Education Teacher

Jetro Asis - Aquatic Coordinator

Teaching Staff – Thu Thiem

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

PRIMARY TEACHERS

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

SUPPORT TEACHERS

SECONDARY SCHOOL

EAL

MATHS

SCIENCE

BUSINESS, BUSINESS STUDIES, ECONOMICS

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

Naomi Reidy

Erin Crawford

PRIMARY TEACHERS

Stacey Markou

Elisa Carroll

Taylor Oughton

Melanie Eaton

Ian Osberg

Megan Hills

Chantale Daniel

Brien Wills

Chris Hogarth

Paul Holland

Timothy Shepherd

Peter O'Rance

Rebecca Evans

Alan Bradfield

Leigh Hansen

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

Suzette Bradfield

Vy Le

Linh Huynh

Andrew Manion

John Sampan

Karla Francisco

Jetro Asis

Edward Lee

Maryam Naushad

SUPPORT TEACHERS

Bui Thi Thu Tien

Cao Bao Khanh

Dang Tran Ngoc My

Hoang Thi Xuan Thuong

Huynh Lam Xuan Thao

Le Chuc My

Nguyen Le Bao Ngoc

Ly Tu Huong (Susan)

Doan Huynh Hoang Anh

Nguyen Minh Thong

Nguyen Ngoc Kim Thanh

Nguyen Kim Tuyen

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

Nguyen Thi Thuy An

Nguyen Nhu Bach

Phan Thi Kim Hang

Phuong Thanh

Thach Thi Le Thu

Thong Sau Mui

Trinh Tu Quan (Karol)

Vo Tran Doan Hanh

Vu Thi Thu Thao

SECONDARY SCHOOL

EAL

Rassam Farddoust

Dave Wilkinson

Garry Seabrook

MATHS

Stuart Evans

Noah Franske

David Gakowski

Paul Candler

Joseph Kirkey

Joseph Phillips

Casey Stone

SCIENCE

Trent Richardson

Andrew Masterton

Sheryl Gelthorpe

Gemma Mcdowall

Ben Amstrong

Matthew Burrell

Alex Knight

Robin Tunley

BUSINESS, BUSINESS STUDIES, ECONOMICS

John Rogers

Mark Vella

LANGUAGES