Innovative Learning
for Lifelong Success

Mr. Takahiro Kato been appointed Middle-High School Mathematics teacher at TAS beginning in August 2024. He brings nearly two decades of teaching experience from New Zealand, where he initially taught Japanese before transitioning to Mathematics, specifically training Calculus Scholarship students. This career shift was supported by his pursuit of Mathematics degrees while working full-time, demonstrating his exceptional commitment. Mr. Kato’s journey from a Japanese citizen to a New Zealand citizen, and from an Arts degree to a Pure Mathematics degree, highlights his versatility and dedication. Mr.Kato holds the following degrees and certifications: Graduate Diploma in Arts (Mathematics) from Massey University, New Zealand Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) from Kyorin University, Japan Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Secondary) from Christchurch College of Education, New Zealand Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from The Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, New Zealand Beyond his academic roles, Mr. Kato has a deep interest in music. He has managed several school bands and, in his private time, plays jazz guitar. His passion for music often leads him to perform on stage at jazz bars.

Mr. Andrew has been with The American School since August 2019. Mr. Andrew Macdonald has been named Social Studies Teacher beginning August 2024. Prior to this new role, he held the Middle School EAL position from August 2019. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Mr. Andrew has been living and teaching in Vietnam since June 2013. He first moved to Hanoi to work at a private English language center. After his time teaching there, he moved south to Ho Chi Minh City in December 2014. After arriving, Mr. Andrew started teaching English as a Second Language to elementary, middle school and high school students. After wishing to focus solely on teaching Social Studies and Advanced Placement Economics to high school students, Mr. Andrew joined the Social Studies Department. Mr. Andrew holds the following qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Economics) from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia iQTS – International Qualified Teacher Status (Business Studies) – (expected: December 2024). Modern Classroom Educator, The Modern Classrooms Project CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) TYLEC (Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate) IH CAM (IH Certificate in Advanced Methodology) Mr. Andrew is well-traveled throughout Asia. He has visited Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching basketball, listening to podcasts, laughing at economics memes, going to the gym, and eating chicken adobo and kare-kare.

Mr. Will Harper, Reno, NV, United States of America, has been named Grade 6 EAL teacher beginning August 1, 2024. In his professional career, Mr. Harper will be entering his 20th year in education and taught self-contained, behavior, special education classes, helped develop, design, and implemented behavior programs for self-contained special education students, taught Alternative Education for credit recovery at the high school level, and taught English Language Acquisition to students whose first language is not English. Mr. Harper also was part of a team of educators that helped develop a whole school Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program. He has a passion for SEL in his professional and personal life. He has held teaching certificates/credentials in the states of Washington and Nevada. He also has two years of working for online schools including being a “Success Coach” to help credit deficient students navigate the challenges of getting back on track to graduation. He has coached High School Football, youth baseball, youth soccer and started a mountain bike team at Spanish Springs High School, Sparks, NV, USA. Before entering the world of teaching, Mr. Harper spent many years working in the outdoor retail and recreation industries. He helped open REI’s flagship store in Seattle, WA, worked as a ski and snowboard sales representative for multiple outdoor sporting goods stores, and managed Guest Services for multiple Ski Resorts in Washington state, USA. Mr. Harper also briefly started a Mental Health Case Management company before returning to education. He also spent time “ski-bumming” and working for the Sun Valley Ski Resort in Ketchum, ID. When not at work, Mr. Harper enjoys skiing, mountain biking, travel, food, watching sports, playing racket sports, working out, meditation and spending time with family. His wife, Dana Hamilton, is a School Counselor at TAS and together they have one son who is teaching English as Second language at a language academy in HCMC. It has been a life-long family dream to live and teach abroad. Mr. Harper is thrilled to be part of the TAS team. Mr. Harper holds the following degrees and certifications: BA in Special Education (K-12) from Central Washington University TEFL Certification (K-12) Sierra Nevada University Special Education Generalist Certification (K-12) Alternative Education Certification (7-A) Social Emotional Learning trained (9-12) Mr. Harper incorporates his extensive background in behavioral training, special education, and language acquisition, and Social Emotional Learning, to meet the needs of students, constantly working towards building a strong community and developing the whole child. He is excited for this opportunity to join the TAS team and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that await.

Mr. Gerard Quinn has been a Science Teacher at TAS since August 2023. Originally from a small town in the North of Spain, Mr. Gerard has been living and teaching in Vietnam since 2019. He first taught English for several years in Spain, before completing a PGCE, to then continue his teaching career as a science teacher. Mr. Gerard considers himself a very lucky person as his career combines two things he is very enthusiastic about: science & sharing knowledge. Mr. Gerard holds the following degrees: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Salamanca. PGCE Science Secondary Education from the University of Sunderland. Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1 teaching certification from the University of Central Florida (College Board). TEFL/TESOL certified Mr. Gerard enjoys spending his free time practicing all kinds of sports (badminton, gym, running, swimming, etc.) but by far his favorite sport is rugby. He also enjoys travelling, going for a ride on his motorbike and reading. He is really looking forward to starting the new academic year and sharing his time with everyone in the TAS community.

Mr. Martin Misiak, New York City, NY, USA, joins us for his first year as a science teacher at The American School from August 2024. Mr. Misiak’s professional science teaching career spans over 20 years. He has taught high school and middle school physics, chemistry, and earth science, but biology and ecology have a special place in his heart. Mr. Misiak holds the following degrees and certifications: Master of Science in Teaching, Pace University BA Biological Sciences, University of Missouri BA Russian, University of Missouri State of New York Public School Teacher Certificate in Biology, grades 7-12 State of Florida Department of Education Educator Certificate in Biology, grades 6-12 Mr. Misiak loves teaching but has many passions off campus too! He is a published analog photographer, an avid motorcycle adventurer, and an aficionado of a wide variety of music.

Mr. Matthew Yohnk, from Wisconsin, USA, is new to TAS and will teach EAL in the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Matt began his international teaching career in 2011 in China and has since moved to Vietnam to teach for about 7 years. He has been in HCMC for about 7 years teaching a wide range of English related subjects and grades and prefers teaching middle and high school students the most. Mr. Matt, an enthusiastic and committed English teacher with over 13 years of experience in education, specializes in inspiring students to achieve their best while fostering a nurturing atmosphere for learning. He is dedicated to identifying and addressing the individual needs of each student, guiding them to reach their highest potential through dynamic and inventive teaching strategies. Continuously striving to enhance educational quality and personal teaching effectiveness, Mr. Matt prioritizes the ongoing refinement of his teaching approaches and actively engages in professional development opportunities. Mr. Matt holds the following degrees and certifications: ● Bachelor of Science – Global Education – University of Wisconsin – Superior ● Associate Degree of Criminal Justice from Chippewa Valley Technical College ● International TEFL and TESOL Training Certification ● Teacher Ready Teaching Certification Program – University of West Florida ● Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License – Language Arts Grades 5-8 Throughout his life, Mr. Matt has worked various jobs, including correctional officer, security guard, pizza delivery driver, hot tub repairman and pool table builder. However, he has found his true calling as a teacher. His hobbies include motorbike trips, K-pop, video games, binge-watching TV, and sports such as soccer, football, badminton, pickleball, golf, and basketball. Fun fact: Mr. Matt has a twin brother (Mr. Mike Yohnk) who also works at TAS—so if you think you’re seeing double, you’re not!

Mr. Travis James has been named ICT Teacher at The American School for the 2024-2025 academic year. Mr. Travis has been working in tech or education for the majority of his adult life. These are two things that he is passionate about. Prior to coming to Vietnam, Mr. James spent the last 4 years in Taiwan teaching Computer Science and design-based STEM classes. He also occupied the roles of IT coordinator and primary PowerSchool technical contact. His approach to teaching computer science is to try to bridge the mental gap between the magic that happens on one’s device and the data that’s bouncing back and forth to some data center somewhere. If he can help his students build an accurate mental model of the unseen mechanics of our modern digital reality and give them the confidence to try to modify and create in that space, then he has achieved his goal as a teacher. Mr. James holds the following degrees and certifications: MEd – Educational Technology – Moreland University A. – French – University of Colorado A. – German – University of Colorado Standard Teacher – Computer Science 7-12 – Washington DC Standard Teacher – Elementary 1-6 – Washington DC IB Certificate in Learning and Teaching – University of Windsor / IBO International Educator certificate – Diploma Program – Sciences – University of Windsor College Board Certification – AP Computer Science Principles DELTA M2 – University of Cambridge I live by the mantra, “if it’s got bits, I can drive it.”

Ms. Ngoc Dong, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc City, has been named Middle School and High School Vietnamese teacher for the 2024-2025 academic year. In her professional career, Ms. Ngoc Dong has been a teacher for Aurora Saigon College and an English teacher at Luong The Vinh Primary School. Before entering a desirable working environment like TAS. Ms. Ngoc Dong also worked at The Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities – VNUHCM (or the USSH) as an administrative staff – secretary as well as a presenter for students, civil servants at domestic and foreign about the formation process and activities of the new rural movement Seamaul Undong, which was formed in South Korea and expanded to several countries around the world with funding from The Saemaul Globalization Fund (SGF). In addition, Ms. Ngoc Dong also participated in training activities and research projects for universities and provinces such as Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, An Giang, Ben Tre, Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Dong Thap, Binh Duong, Tay Ninh… of Vietnam. These activities help develop awareness, improve farmers’ lives, promote their local strengths, develop smart tourism villages, consult and develop local specialty products in the “One Commune One Product” program (OCOP) implemented by the Vietnamese Government and replicated until today. Ms. Ngoc Dong holds the following degrees and certifications: Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Van Hien University, Ho Chi Minh City; Master’s degree in Vietnamese Literature from Van Hien University, Ho Chi Minh City; Certificate of pedagogical skills for educational activities at Hanoi Pedagogical University 2; Certificate in Human Resource Management at BMG; With the desire to develop a career in the education sector – a place to promote individual talents, develop leadership thinking for students at TAS; share her positive experiences with students; promote the strengths of the major she has studied. Ms. Ngoc Dong is excited for this opportunity to join the TAS team and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that await.

Ms. Stephanie Carlisle has been a Middle-High School English teacher at TAS from August 2023. A native of Seattle, WA, USA, Ms. Stephanie has eight years of experience teaching Secondary English in the States, here in Vietnam, and on a tiny island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Working with students in a variety of contexts—from a traditional college preparatory school to a special education school for quirky learners, and even to a school where the classrooms didn’t have solid walls—has helped her to develop a sense of curiosity and adaptability that she endeavors to bring into her instruction. Ms. Stephanie holds the following qualifications: Ed. from Boston College in Secondary English Education BA from Seattle University in Humanities for Teaching State of Massachusetts teaching license in Secondary English (8-12)

Ms. Megan from Missouri, USA started working in TAS since January 2025 as a Kindergarten teacher. She has been teaching in Asia since 2014 teaching various age groups from kindergarten up to high school. She started teaching in Phuket, Thailand then moved to Hanoi, and now have been teaching in Saigon for the past three years. Degrees: Bachelors in Child and Family Development – Missouri State University Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Sunderland University TESOL Certificate ieyc Certificate “I have a passion for teaching children and creating the classroom as a safe place to learn. I love learning through hands-on experiences and play-based learning. I love making learning fun and memorable for the students. In my free time I enjoy doing dance classes and spending time at the beach. I love finding the best coffee shops in the city.

Ms. Laura was born in London, England, and brings a wealth of experience from teaching across various curricula, including International, Montessori, and English National. This diverse background allows her to approach early childhood education with creativity and dynamism, designing engaging lessons that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and inspire a passion for learning in young children. Having worked with students across Early Years, KS1, and KS2, Ms. Laura has developed a deep understanding of child development and educational needs. Her background in Performing Arts, particularly in dance and drama, enhances her teaching style, integrating creative expression into lessons in phonics, mathematics, science, and other core subjects. She believes in using the arts to engage children and help them develop confidence in their abilities. Ms. Laura also has experience working with English as a Second Language (ESL) students and is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where all children feel supported. She tailors her approach to meet each child’s individual needs, ensuring that every student is encouraged to grow and succeed. Her qualifications include: PGCE Primary and Secondary Education from the University of Sunderland Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts IEYC Level 1 Level 1 – Fundamental Child Protection Training for Educators Prevent Online Training Course Ms. Laura is excited to be joining the TAS team and is committed to developing each child’s learning journey in a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment. Her teaching philosophy focuses on innovation, inclusivity, and a child-centered approach, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Ms. Nicole Burdick, Denver Colorado, United States, has been English Language Arts Department Head and Teacher at TAS since August 2022. In her professional career, Ms. Burdick has taught DP Literature, concurrent college enrollment courses in Ethnic Literature and Women in Literature, World Literature and in traditional 10-12th grade ELA classrooms. She has served as the Head of Department both here and in her previous high school. She’s also spent years as a freelance writer, curriculum designer, and instructional mentor in the non-profit broadcasting, theater, and literary arts arenas. Traveling and living in more than 40 countries has been as important a part of Ms. Burdick’s education as her more formal training. MSc Creative Writing – University of Edinburgh BA Literature – Emory University The literature classroom is a place to explore the world through texts and all the cultures and histories they hold. In the literature classroom we’ll see that argument, storytelling, and communication are fundamentals in preparation for now and for what each child’s unique future holds.