Years of Teaching Experience: 9+
Degrees & Certificates: Bachelor of Education in Primary Education | University of Technology, Sydney

In 2015, Linda earned her degree from the University of Technology, Sydney. It was during her third year of placement at a Primary School in Bangkok, Thailand, that she discovered her love for teaching children in the international community.

The children she encountered were hungry for knowledge, sparking a sense of excitement within her. Since graduating, Linda has come to realise that teaching is not just a job, but her true calling. She finds immense joy in nurturing, caring for, challenging, and supporting children, all while having lots of giggles and fun along the way. Linda always knew that her journey would eventually lead her to Vietnam, the homeland of her parents and a place deeply important to her. Since her childhood visits to this vibrant country, she has longed to foster a deep connection with her Vietnamese heritage and make a meaningful impact as an educator. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, her parents’ families could not finish high school in Vietnam. As the first person in her family to graduate from university, Linda greatly values her role as a teacher. She has an understanding of the life-changing impact education can have, unlocking doors and creating opportunities for individuals.

Fun Fact: Throughout high school and university, Linda worked in Sydney’s bustling hospitality scene, including a fast food restaurant, cafe, and buffet. She learned how to handle food preparation while simultaneously managing orders through a headset, earning her the title of a multitasking queen.

Years of Teaching Experience: 7+
Degrees & Certificates: Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Bachelor of Science (Fianance/Economics), TESOL/TESL/TEFL Teacher Training Certification

Mr Kevin has been teaching for more than 7 years in locations across Central America and East Asia. Beginning with a two-year service as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua, his driving passions for education, youth empowerment, and community development provided the foundation for Mr Kevin to thrive as a challenging, intellectual and caring educator.

Having spent the past four years teaching Upper Primary at an international school in Da Nang, Mr Kevin is thrilled to bring his skills and energy to the HAIS family! He will often express his deep love for the Hoi An community; particularly his daily goal to maximise the number of smiles, greetings, small chats, and smoothie purchases he is able to share in each day.

Mr. Kevin looks forward to welcoming your students into his Year 5 classroom, and the greater HAIS community. He promises to foster a classroom environment to focus on acquiring curriculum standards, developing a broader understanding of our world, and inspiring a sense of humour.

Fun Fact: He has been champion of four cooking competitions, and dreams for the day a student will challenge him to a cook-off!

Years of Teaching Experience: 12+
Degree & Certificates: Bachelor of Education from the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Kate is an exceptional teacher with over 12 years of invaluable expertise. Her teaching journey has taken her to various corners of the world, including vibrant places like London, Singapore, and New Zealand. This global exposure has enriched her understanding of diverse educational systems, cultures, and teaching methodologies Throughout her career, Kate has had the privilege of teaching students across all year groups, from the early years to upper grades. This comprehensive experience has honed her ability to adapt her teaching strategies to meet the unique needs and developmental stages of each student.

She recognises that every child is an individual with their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles, and she prides herself on tailoring her approach to maximise student engagement and growth. Kate’s leadership skills have also been evident in her roles as a Curriculum Leader and a Team Leader. In these capacities, she has demonstrated her ability to coordinate and guide colleagues in the implementation of curriculum frameworks, ensuring alignment, continuity, and innovation in teaching and learning practices.

When she’s not teaching, Kate enjoys a good book, swimming and she values time spent with her family. Kate has two daughters and a golf-mad husband who are all joining the HAIS family as well.

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+
Degrees & Certifications: Bachelor of Primary Education at La Trobe University, Melbourne (Australia) | Certified Yoga for Kids and Families Teacher Training

For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for not only working with children but also for teaching others and passing on knowledge. The pure joy and pride that students display when they learn a new strategy or understand a new concept is truly one of the most rewarding things to witness, and to be able to assist in their journey there is even more so.

Seeing students’ progress not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, is the absolute highlight of my day-to-day practice. With experience teaching full-time, casually as a CRT and voluntary work overseas, I have a strong passion for developing global perspectives and a broad worldview in my students.

Fun Fact: I love being outdoors and living a simple life. Before Covid, I bought a van and converted it into a small motorhome. This van has been my home on wheels the past 7 months in Australia.

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Foriegn Language – English; Bachelor of Economics – Business Administration; Certificate of Pedagogical Training; Master in Primary Education

Linh taught English for Vietnamese students aged 4-18 for seven years before commencing work at HAIS. She feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with students of all ages. Each age group has its own characteristics and interesting highlights. Working with Secondary students is challenging, however, Linh enjoys this age group the most.

Linh has been working at HAIS since 2019. She is delighted to be a member of the HAIS community. This is a school where the education, well-being and happiness of the students are always the primary focus. At HAIS, there are regular professional development sessions for teachers. Linh feels these are great opportunities for her professional growth as well as being immediately applicable to her work.

Fun fact: Linh is afraid of extreme rides so she has never even dared to try things such as roller coasters. However, she accepted her cousin’s invitation to go paragliding during summer three years ago. It was fortunate that she agreed as she was able to experience fifteen minutes of panoramic views of the beach from above. It was a life changing moment for her.

Years of Teaching Experience: 15

Degree & Certifications: Bachelor Degree

Ha is a Vietnamese literature teacher who has been working in education for 12 years with different age groups. She is currently teaching at HAIS as a Bilingual Primary School teacher and Vietnamese language teacher. This is also her third year being a member of HAIS.

Working at HAIS brings Ha a lot of joy. Most of her cheerful moments are created from the support and care of her students and colleagues as well as the school’s Leadership Team. Working at HAIS has given Ha the chance to discover her own abilities through interesting activities. These are the reasons why she is proud to be part of the HAIS community.

Fun Fact: Ha loves reading books about the countryside in Vietnam, seeing the paddie fields and smelling the ripened rice. On the way to work, occasionally, she stops on the side of the road to take a deep breath when she sees golden paddies.

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+

After graduating in 2017, Nga started working in Hoi An and found her passion in working in education. Fortunately, Nga has been blessed to be a member of the HAIS family since 2021. Working in a professional environment along with friendly and enthusiastic colleagues has helped her improve and develop a wide variety of skills.

Fun fact: Nga loves her job as well as her little students. Her hobbies are to make a lot of new hairstyles for girls in our class. She is also interested in cooking and baking.

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+
Degree & Certifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Craft and Material Studies), Associate Degree in Arts (Art & General Education), TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate, Level 2 U.S. Masters Swimming Coach Certificate

Amanda developed an interest in teaching early as a water safety and first-responder instructor during her secondary and college years. Whilst undertaking her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Amanda worked for four years coordinating the university’s student affairs programmes for student health, wellness and recreation – this work continued well after Amanda finalised her degree.

Since leaving the United States, Amanda has taught primary and secondary students in Korea, worked as the HAIS Learning Support teacher from 2019-2020 and spent a year as the HAIS Head of Administration from 2020-2021. During those years, she also completed her post-graduate degree in primary education. In addition, Amanda is proud to have founded the HAIS Swim Team, of which she is currently the Head Coach.

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Amanda has completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, Preventing and Tackling Cyberbullying, Preventing Extremism and Radicalism, Sexual Exploitation and Grooming Awareness and Early Years SEN. Amanda also completed the SEND Inclusive Teaching programme and Cambridge Understanding Assessment courses.

Amanda passionately believes that knowledge is the most valuable commodity that a person can possess and that learning can take many forms. Amanda has dedicated her life to instilling these learning values in younger generations. Although we all learn differently, the most important factor is that we always continue to learn.

Fun Fact: Amanda’s father was an army special forces instructor and growing up, he taught her defensive combatives, how to train and push the mind and body, wilderness survival, and respect and understanding of wildlife. Her father was continually teaching her, which instilled in her the desire to teach others.

Years of Teaching Experience: 3+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Certificate of Pedagogy

Before becoming a Teaching Assistant at HAIS, Tinh taught for one year as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher in Da Nang. That time of learning and playing with children made her feel incredibly peaceful and happy. Tinh was captivated by their innocence and carefree personalities. She discovered what she wanted most was to accompany children on their path to finding their passions and dreams. This is her second year at HAIS and she feels that at HAIS, she and her colleagues are always supported and encouraged to develop personally and professionally.

Fun Fact: Tinh loves running – it helps her balance her emotions and find peace.

Years of Teaching Experience 5+ years
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor in Early Years Education; IB(PYP); Dyslexia Awareness; Certificate of Practice Distinction; Differentiation for Catch-up; EAL for Classroom Teachers; Early Years SEN: Early Identification of Need; Certificate of Teaching Vietnamese Language as a Foreign Language; Certificate of Information Technology Application in Kindergarten; Courses: “Bringing Music into the Classroom” and “Sex Education for Preschool Children”

For Vy, a school cannot be without the laughter of children, each classroom is like a house, each child is a member of that house. The teacher is like the “pillar” in the family, and they must know how to create laughter, love, warmth and solidarity.

Working as a preschool teacher at HAIS since 2018, Vy has participated in useful summer courses and organized many interesting activities for Early Years and Primary students. This year is her 3rd year working as the Bilingual Early Years Learning Lead. Working at HAIS is a blessing to Vy – she loves her current job more because she is able to work in the right field in a good educational environment, and has the opportunity to learn many different languages ​​and cultures from her colleagues and all students.

Fun facts: Vy loves the beach and listening to the sound of waves. She also loves a good challenge – the more difficult a task is, the more she wants to overcome it.

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of English

Anna was lucky to have a childhood full of opportunities to create, explore and be active. Her passion is to provide that opportunity to others through teaching art and early years. She is very happy to be at a school that values the whole child and offers such a vast range of experiences and activities!

Anna began her career in 2006 as a recreation leader, art teacher and community art facilitator. Throughout her time in Canada, she developed numerous murals and school wide art projects.

She came to Vietnam in 2017 and trained in Montessori and Reggio Emilia teaching methodologies, then went on to complete her teaching qualification with a focus on Early Years. She believes Early Years education is the foundation for life and seeks to guide children to develop their strengths, curiosity, independence and lifelong love for learning.

Fun Fact: Anna also has a background in costume and fashion design and designed for film.

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of English

By supporting students to progress in their studies, An feels that she can share the joy and jubilation when they achieve their potential. She has influenced by several important teachers in her life who have guided and inspired her in many ways.

Her teaching philosofpy is to “Learn, Love, Laugh>”.

Fun Fact: When she was a little girl, An dreamed of becoming an English teacher.

Years of Teaching Experience: 9+
Degree & Certifications: MSc Chemistry with Industrial Experience, PGCE Secondary Science with Chemistry specialism.

Mark has been teaching in Vietnam for 6 years already and is the new maths and science teacher for the HAIS IGCSE programme. Mark has high expectations for all his students in the IGCSE programme. Mark really enjoys running practical experiments in science, in particular in the field of chemistry. Mark used to teach in Vũng Tàu before coming to HAIS, and in Mongolia before that. Before going into education, he used to work in water hygiene and treatment.

Mark decided to become a teacher after volunteering to help visually impaired children back in the United Kingdom called Visually Impaired Children – Taking Action or VICTA. Mark is very happy about teaching at HAIS and looks forward to his time in the school.

Fun Fact:
The faster you are moving, the longer time takes to go by, and the shorter distance becomes. Hard to believe, but it’s true. Last summer my wife and I drove from Hà Nội to Vũng Tàu on motorbikes that cost us less than 5 million VND. Mine is still going strong. POWERRRRRRRRR!!!!

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+

Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of TESOL; Washington D.C. Teaching License

When in university, Luke had a passion for new languages and cultures. Studying a degree in how to teach English seemed a natural pathway to experience those things. However, his first experiences as a student teacher is what really cemented his love for education. Watching students explore a topic, helping them to find their own voices and seeing the impacts of learning grow and shape them is a truly rewarding experience that he has enjoyed since his first day.

As a former international school student myself, I have unique insight into what students are going through. I try to use that insight to meet my students’ needs and make learning an enjoyable experience for them.

With more than ten years of teaching experience and as a father now, Luke feels he has the skills, insight and understanding to create a fulfilling educational experience for our students.

Luke believe that a classroom should first and foremost be a safe place for students to express themselves and take risks. He finds the best learning takes place when students are confident to make mistakes and learn from them.

Following this, having high standards for both himself and his students is very important. In his experience, students rise to meet expectations and even exceed them when encouraged and motivated to do so. For this reason, he believes in pushing his students to stretch themselves beyond what they are comfortable with.

Fun Fact: Luke’s passions involve stories in any shape or form, whether they be in books, movies, games or various other types of media. He enjoys hobby writing, and hopes to one day publish his own novel.

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degrees & Certifications: Bachelor of Arts in English and American Language, Literature and Civilization; CELTA; PGCE

Marianne became a teacher later in life, after working several years as a recruitment consultant in Human Resources and training firms. She ran a variety of recruitment and training campaigns for her clients before realising her true calling was teaching. She completed her CELTA in Hanoi and her PGCE with Sunderland University, Northumberland, UK.

Marianne completed her practicum at a prestigious IB school in HCMC before starting as a Primary ESL teacher at another international school in HCMC. After that, she ran the French/English bilingual classes at the French international school in HCMC. When these closed, she joined another IB school as the PYP and MYP ESL teacher before moving to Hoi An and joining HAIS.

At HAIS she teaches French in Primary and Lower Secondary, IGCSE French and IGCSE ESL.

Fun Fact: Marianne, encouraged by her two children, has a tendency to adopt all the cats that come into her garden.

Year 8 Homeroom Teacher | Secondary English Teacher | Secondary History Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+
Degree & Certifications: Certificate of Education TESOL

Van has been a private teacher for both English and Vietnamese languages for many years while living in Da Nang. This is her second year at HAIS and she feels that it has been a great year so far. She is looking forward to continuing to work with this wonderful school.

Fun fact: Van loves traveling, reading books, cooking and yoga. Thailand is the 40th country that she has visited so far and she cannot wait to see more of this beautiful world.

Years of Teaching Experience: 11+
Degree & Certifications: B.A. (Fine Arts), PGCE, Developmental Lesson Observation.

Frances has taught Art and Design across a range of age groups in both the UK and Hong Kong. She is a skilled painter and drawer and also enjoys printmaking, mixed media, conceptual art and ceramics. She brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the classroom, including the ability to instruct students across a broad range of techniques and processes.

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Frances completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, Tackling Low-Level Disruption and Developmental Lesson Observation.

Frances believes in the importance of providing outlets for creative expression at all ages. She feels that the HAIS programmes allow students to learn the fundamental elements of art and explore, experiment, and build on that knowledge, refining their skills as they progress from EYFS into primary, secondary and beyond.

Fun Fact: Frances loves to travel and has visited 37 countries in the last nine years. She is also an accomplished musician and plays piano and violin.

Years of Teaching Experience: 12+
Degree & Certifications: M.S. in Sports and Physical Education, M.A. in American Studies, Teaching Training and Certification Program (Physical Education), AustSwim Accreditation – Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety.

After completing his Master’s in Sports Education, Yoann spent one year in America as a teaching assistant. He then obtained a Master’s degree in American Studies. Yoann has a wide-range of experience with children in varying posts such as lifeguard, camp counsellor, coach, and most recently, as a PE teacher in Hanoi for six years. In early 2021, Yoann completed a Cambridge Assessment International Education course in Primary Physical Education.

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Yoann completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, the Teacher Development Program and Middle Leadership Essentials.

Yoann decided to become a PE teacher because he wanted to share his love of sports with children and encourage healthy, active lifestyles. His teaching philosophy centres around teaching students how to be physically active, not just as youth, but to provide them with the tools and knowledge to remain healthy and active throughout their lives.

Fun Fact: Yoann participated in the World Championship of Ping Pong in London in 2013; it was shown live on SkySports TV

Years of Teaching Experience: 25+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Music

Becoming a teacher and educator has blessed Tass with the opportunity to not only teach the facts, but also have some form of impact as a mentor to a student’s development and inspire them to learn to think. In the process, it has also provided him with great real-life communication skills.

Fun Fact: Tass’ family is from Greece! He also enjoys fitness and composing in his home studio.

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+

Degree & Certifications: ABRSM Piano Grade 5

Inspired by his own teachers and passion for learning, Josh began teaching in 2015. He has an array of teaching and musical experience to contribute to the Early Years and Primary Music sectors this coming year. Having taught a range of different subjects, Josh now specialises in music and prides himself on teaching informative, direct, fun and engaging lessons. Josh believes that positive reinforcement creates a joyful and expressive atmosphere in the classroom to allow the students to thrive. To add to his teaching experience, he has played, and continues to play, live music in a variety of styles across Vietnam. This contributes to his passion for music and enthusiasm with encouraging the students to perform with confidence and self assurance.

Amanda holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Furman University in South Carolina, USA. Amanda has been working internationally for over 10 years and is familiar with the challenges that international school students may face throughout their educational careers. Amanda is serving HAIS students this year as the Learning Enhancement Coordinator and School Counsellor.

Years of Teaching Experience: 2+
Degree & Certifications: Certificate of Training in Library and Information Competence; Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality Management

After earning a Bachelors in Tourism & Hospitality Management, Thuy An realized that her passion is in education, so she has been pursuing this career and constantly improving herself. Thuy An has been working as an Assistant Librarian at HAIS for 2 years now. She loves working with students, in education and with books, which led her to this job.

Fun Fact: Thuy An loves dancing although she feels she is not really good at it. She enjoys reading and running in her spare time.