Innovative Learning
for Lifelong Success

Mr. David Hayter, Long Beach, California, USA, has been a Middle-High School Social Studies teacher at TAS since August 1, 2021, and Social Studies Department Head beginning August 1, 2022. In his professional career, Mr. Hayter has taught English as a Foreign Language for the Yokkaichi Board of Education at numerous junior high schools, elementary schools, and kindergartens starting in 2014 in Mie, Japan while holding the role of Lead English Language instructor for the city. In addition, he taught English to and tutored students in bilingual and international schools in Ho Chi Minh City starting in 2019. Before entering the world of teaching, Mr. Hayter spent many years working in a variety of roles ranging from retail and customer service to research in higher education and private security. In addition, Mr. Hayter has worked with international organizations and teachers to create self-paced, blended learning environments that help each student reach their full potential. Mr. Hayter holds the following degrees and certifications: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – Generalist at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, USA BA in History, International Studies, & Japanese at California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA AA in Pacific Rim Culture with a focus on Japanese and Liberal Arts at Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA, USA Certificate Teaching English as a Foreign Language at International TEFL and TESOL Training Social Studies Grade 7-12 Standard Teaching License from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington DC, USA Qualified Teacher Status from the United Kingdom Department for Education, Manchester, England, UK Instructional Leadership Certificate at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA In addition, Mr. Hayter is currently working (on a part time basis) towards his Graduate Certificate in Principalship at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, USA Mr. Hayter incorporates his extensive background in studying and analyzing world cultures and significant events to design social studies lessons that work towards helping students develop strong analytical, collaborative, and technical skills. During his time at TAS, he has taught and developed many classes including 9th-grade English Language Arts, World Geography, Contemporary US History, Early US History, Modern World History, Southeast Asian Studies, Sociology, Psychology, and AP Psychology. He is excited to continue working with TAS team to help students figure out what they want to accomplish in life and how they can do it while positively impacting the local and global community.

Mr. Michael has been with The American School since August 2022 and will be the Elementary School EAL teacher for the 2024/2025 school year. Mr. Michael Santiago was born in a small town in Pennsylvania, USA and has been living in Vietnam since 2017. He is happily married, with a beautiful young daughter. Mr. Michael’s teaching career started with the US Peace Corps. He served as a teacher in the Kyrgyz Republic where he was able to help foster an environment of inclusive and innovative educational practices. Mr. Michael has since gone on to work in various other countries in Asia such as Tajikistan, China, Laos and of course Vietnam. Mr. Santiago holds the following degrees and certifications: Master of International Education, Framingham University (in progress) Masters of International Affairs, Concordia University Irvine Bachelor of Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania US Peace Corps Teacher Certification TESOL Certificate, Concordia University Irvine WIDA Certified PYP Category 1 Certification In his capacity as an educator, Mr. Michael holds a deep-seated commitment to sparking inspiration within every student and dedication to nurturing their innate creativity and self-awareness. Through interactive learning, collaborative activities, and exploration of diverse educational methods, he seeks to cultivate a profound sense of joy and fulfillment in the shared journey of academic discovery. Drawing upon his experience and knowledge, Mr. Michael designs lesson plans tailored to the unique strengths and needs of each student, fostering holistic growth and development in a supportive and inclusive learning environment. In Mr. Michael’s free time he enjoys writing and spending time with his family.

Mr. Christopher Goode, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, has been named TAS Middle-High School English Language Arts Teacher and WASC Accreditation Coordinator. He has been working in education since 2013, during which time he has taught history, geography, math, science, and English language arts in American Curriculum International Schools at the primary and secondary levels. Additional professional accomplishments include serving as English Language Arts Department Head, serving on three WASC Accreditation Visiting Committees, chairing an action plan committee for student personal and academic support, and directing a photography club. Mr. Goode holds the following degrees and certifications: Ed. Educational Leadership, Southeastern Oklahoma State University (to be completed December 2024) A. Philosophy, Appalachian State University, N.C., USA Florida Professional Educator Certificate, State of Florida Department of Education Postgraduate Teaching Certificate, University of West Florida In his classroom, Mr. Goode integrates project-based learning, constructivism, and 21st Century Skills to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where students’ build upon their existing knowledge and experiences to construct new understandings and meaningfully engage with the ELA curriculum in the context of the current societal and technological landscape.

Mr. Ken Mervin Calipjo has been named Head Librarian at TAS since August 2023. He is a passionate advocate for information literacy and a dedicated lifelong learner. With a proven track record in developing impactful library programs within international schools in the Philippines, Qatar, and now Vietnam, Ken is well-equipped to foster student engagement and promote a love for reading. He spearheaded innovative library events, igniting a passion for books and learning. As a one-man Librarian, he revamped library spaces, streamlined services, and enhanced cataloging and acquisitions to meet the diverse needs of the school. Ken holds the following degrees and certifications: Bachelor of Library and Information Science, University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies Registered Librarian, Professional Regulation Commission, Philippines PYP Category 1 Certification ECIS Level 1 Certificate in Child Protection Google Certified Educator Level 1 Mr. Ken loves to travel, do Karaoke, and is an avid fan of the NBA.

Ms. Ana Lee, Los Angeles, California, USA, has been an Early Childhood Teacher since August 2023. Before that, she served the school as an EAL teacher for Grade 5 in the 2022-2023 school year. In her professional career, Ms. Lee has taught English for the Yokkaichi Board of Education, Guidance Division from 2015-2019. She taught all levels ranging from kindergarten up to junior high school while helping to lead other Native English Teachers and developing the city’s English Education curriculum for kindergarten. Outside the world of teaching, Ms. Lee spent many years volunteering as an English teacher for students living in Japan from South America. She also served as a volunteer tour guide to support the local chamber of commerce and volunteered with organizations that supported orphanages in the Nagoya area. In addition, Ms. Lee has designed a curriculum focusing on teaching social skills to children in multiple grade levels while ensuring each student has their individual academic needs met. Ms. Lee holds the following degrees and certifications: MEd in Teaching Multilingual Learners at Moreland University, Washington DC, USA BA in Japanese Language at California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA English as a Second Language Grades Pre-K-12 Standard Teaching License from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington DC, USA Early Childhood Grades Pre-K-3 Standard Teaching License from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington DC, USA Qualified Teacher Status from the United Kingdom Department for Education, Manchester, England, UK Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at myTEFL, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada PYP Category 1 Certification Ms. Lee strongly believes that all students should be given the same opportunities to learn and grow every day regardless of their individual challenges. Through focused learning support and differentiation, she aims to help students master the learning standards for their grade level. She thinks that if each student can realize their full potential and push beyond it, they will be able to take on challenging tasks independently, become self-actualized learners, and find success in future classes. She is excited to continue working with the TAS team and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that await.

Mr. April Al Ian Tii Jacob was named Middle-High School Drama Teacher beginning September 2021. He was born in Iligan City, Philippines where he started to be in the spotlight as a neophyte stage actor in 2012. He was an honor graduate at Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology for the degree in English Language with special awards in leadership, journalism and performing arts. As a theater actor, among the lead roles he played were Duke Orsino of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Professor Henry Higgin’s of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, and Bato Lakungan of Dr. Steven Patrick Fernandez’s Ranaw: Isang Alamat—a musical play based on a Philippine Epic by the Integrated Performing Arts Guild. He has participated in an International Theater Workshop by Traditions and Editions Theater Circus (Singapore); Massive Open Online Course on Ambitious Teaching and Learning through MSU-IIT, Edx, and University of Michigan; National Youth Ambassadors Program for Peace, among other conferences and training. With the talented students at TAS, he has spearheaded the Mustangs’ Playhouse adaptation of the following productions: John Cariani’s Almost, Maine Clark Gesner and John Gordon’s ‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown’ Musical Moliere’s The Miser Edgar Allan Poe’s Tell Tale Heart (Speech Choir) The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (Chamber Theater) Tran Quang Quy’s The Shadow of Homeland (Speech Choir) Mr. Jacob holds the following degrees and certifications: Master of Management Major in Education Management (MMEM), Philippine Christian University Bachelor of Arts in English, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology Professional Teacher License for Secondary English, Professional Regulation Commission (Philippines) Certificate in Teaching Dramatics and Stagecraft, MSU-IIT Center for Culture and Arts Studies 120-hour Advanced TESOL Certification, American TESOL Institute Honor Graduate Eligibility, Civil Service Commission, Republic of the Philippines Being in the teaching profession for more than 8 years now, he is focused on developing the students’ perspective of the world in a holistic approach through the literatures of the world and theater arts.

Mr. Phu Vo has been named TAS Physical Education Teacher beginning in August, 2018. Regarding his professional and pedagogical experience, he has more than five years of teaching and coaching diverse groups of students from Elementary School, Middle School to High School levels at international schools. Mr. Phu Vo enjoys working with students to introduce, promote, and develop the love of physical activities. He also loves to be the guidance of their future, to motivate them, to help them to become healthier and achieve a healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling life. Mr. Phu Vo loves playing sports, reading, working out, laughing, and helping others. BPhEd, P.E. & Sports Pedagogy, HCMC University of Physical Education and Sports, Vietnam BA, English, HCMC University of Foreign Languages – Information Technology, Vietnam TEFL/TESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Diploma in Mental Health Diploma in Human Nutrition Diploma in Physical Fitness Master of Arts in Education, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, the United Kingdom

Mr. Justin has been with TAS as an elementary teacher since August 2021. Mr. Justin, from Palo Alto, California, will continue teaching Grade 4 at TAS in the 2024-2025 school year. This will be his second year teaching Grade 4 at TAS. He previously taught Grade 5 during the 2021-2022 school year at TAS, before moving to America and teaching 5th grade at KIPP Valiant Community Prep in Menlo Park, California, for the 2022-2023 school year. Before that, he taught Grade 4 at the Korean International School of HCMC from 2015 to 2021. He also taught ESL at numerous language centers and public schools after arriving in Vietnam in 2011. Mr. Justin enjoys collecting records, listening to funk music, eating tacos, playing basketball, and spending time with his beautiful family. Mr. Justin holds the following degrees and certifications: BS in History, and Political Science, University of Oregon Teacher Preparation Certificate, Moreland University Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, California, USA Qualified Teacher Status, United Kingdom Department for Education Google Certified Education, Level 1 Certification in TEFL/TESOL, 120 hrs – TEFL Institute PYP Category 1 Certification Mr. Justin believes it is important for educators to prepare future generations for the ever-changing and uncertain future that awaits them. He wants students to be unafraid to take risks and make mistakes. He knows that building strong relationships with them is key to creating a safe and comfortable learning environment that allows them to be their most authentic selves. Establishing a culture of mutual respect is necessary so that students can learn to collaborate and work together with all members of their community. It is important to nurture children’s natural curiosity so they can become committed to a lifetime of learning.

Mr. Rasul II Dimacisil Buisan has been Middle-High School Physical Education at TAS since August 2010. He has been a part of the TAS family since its first year of operation. Mr. Buisan has extensive knowledge in physical education (sports, dance, health education, recreation, and sports management) and is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education. He has more than twenty-four years of teaching experience. He possesses a positive working attitude, strong teamwork and multi-tasking skills, successfully completes work within budget and time constraints, and possesses the highest degree of integrity. He is adaptable to changing situations and flexible about working overtime, geared towards achieving competence in the field of education. Mr. Buisan is also very active in supervising after-school activities. He served as an athletic coordinator, coach, and trainer of the boys’ under-19 soccer team and the under-19 basketball team, respectively. He creates and sustains a level of discipline for everyone, with an emphasis on teaching respect, loyalty, and sportsmanship. Mr. Buisan holds the following degrees and certifications: MA Teaching Physical Education, Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State University, Tacurong City, Philippines BS Agriculture, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato, Philippines Diploma in Physical Education, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato, Philippines Philippine Teaching License Certificate – Professional Regulation Commission Asian Football Confederation – “C” License Coaching Certificate UbD 101: Introduction to UbD – Online Professional Development Course Federation International Volleyball Association – License Referee Ironman Finisher First Aid Certified Lifeguard Certified

Mr. Kasey O’Brien—Spencer, Wisconsin, has worked as a TAS Elementary School Teacher since August 2018, initially starting as an EAL teacher. In 2020, he moved to be the grade 5 homeroom teacher and has been the grade 5 teacher since then. From 2007 to 2018, Mr. Kasey worked in the TESOL field in various capacities, undertaking roles from teaching and teacher training to managing English language centers. Before teaching in Vietnam, he worked as a TESOL teacher in Prague, Czech Republic. He has taught a variety of ages, from elementary school to high school. Mr. Kasey enjoys spending time with his family, running and working out, reading about health and fitness, cooking, traveling, and drinking coffee. Mr. Kasey holds the following degrees and licenses: Masters in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey (in progress) BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Teaching certificate from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Certification of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) from The New Jersey Department of Education PYP Category 1 Certification Trinity Cert TESOL Certification Young Learner Extension to the CELTA (YLE CELTA) Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) – all three modules 10+ years of TEFL / English Language Training experience in Vietnam and the Czech Republic Mr. Kasey works hard to incorporate an inquiry-based approach for students to be more involved in their learning, and become better thinkers, communicators, and researchers. He is excited to continue his work at TAS, helping children become independent learners and problem-solvers.

Mr. Cuong Nguyen has been named TAS Activities Coordinator & Middle-High School Physical Education teacher beginning August 1, 2024. In his professional career, Mr. Cuong has taught IB PE at the Australian International School Saigon and Athletics/ Activities Coordinator alongside with the role of House Coordinator at Bilingual Canadian International School. In between the Education career, he’s a professional basketball coach and spent over 10 years working as an assistant coach and Basketball Director of many professional basketball teams playing in the Vietnam professional basketball league (VBA) and the ASEAN Basketball league (ABL) such as Saigon Heat, Ho Chi Minh City Wings, Thang Long Warriors and Nha Trang Dolphins. Furthermore, Mr. Cuong operates a Sports Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, offering innovative sports training in basketball and football to the local sports community. Mr. Cuong holds the following degrees and certifications: - Bachelor of Sport Coaching, Ho Chi Minh University of Sports - Network Management Certification, NIIT Vietnam - Gold License Basketball coaching Certification, USA Basketball Federation - Certified Professional Basketball Coach licenses, Vietnam Basketball Federation - Holding the WABC coaching license, FIBA (the International Basketball Federation) Mr. Cuong's dual role as a Physical Education teacher and Activities Coordinator reflects his dedication to both academics and extracurricular development. With his blend of academic knowledge, coaching experience, and a passion for sports, Mr. Cuong is well-equipped to inspire and mentor students both inside and outside the classroom. He is eager to join the TAS team and is excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Ms. Jericha Ida Angeles has been named Nursery teacher beginning August 2024. She is committed to making a positive impact on her students’ lives and has been passionate about early childhood education. Ms. Angeles took her teaching licensure certificate in the Philippines in 2010 and has been teaching in a Montessori school since then. She believes that young children thrive best in learner-centered environments where they can explore, play, and direct their own learning experiences. Ms. Angeles holds the following degrees and certification: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, Philippines Professional Teacher License issued by the Republic of the Philippines PYP Category 1 Certification 13+ years of teaching experience Ms. Angeles has a variety of interests that enrich her teaching practice. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching movies and series, singing, reading books, traveling, and listening to music. These hobbies not only bring her personal joy but also inspire her to incorporate creativity and enthusiasm into her learning and teaching environments.