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Mr. Junya Kobo has been a Middle-High School Mathematics teacher at TAS since August 2023. Born in Japan but raised in Canada from the age of one, he grew up in the small town of Pickering, Ontario. He moved to Japan to teach at an international school in order to learn more about his own culture and heritage. He has taught both AP Calculus and IB Higher Level Mathematics, middle school math, physical science and physical education, coached high school girls’ volleyball and softball, and was the athletic director of his previous school for 23 years. Mr. Kobo holds the following degrees and certifications: Sc Honors degree in Physics with a major in Mathematics Ed in Mathematics and Science Ontario Teaching Certification Mr. Kobo has played ice hockey all his life and although he is still learning, he loves to play the guitar with his students. He chose to come to Vietnam to experience its rich culture and has enjoyed sharing his knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm with the students at The American School in Vietnam through various facets of school life, both in and outside the classroom.

Mr. Nicolas de Baenst has been appointed Middle-High School Science Teacher beginning August 2024. Nicolas de Baenst, an experienced science teacher with 14 years of teaching experience, has worked in both Belgium and Vietnam, following the Belgian and Cambridge curricula. He believes in a hands-on approach, allowing students to explore new topics through experimentation and take charge of their learning. His passion for science drives his commitment to empower students. Mr. de Baenst holds the following degrees and certifications: Bachelor of Education in Science – ENCBW (Belgium) College Board AP Chemistry Certification (USA) Cambridge PDQ in coordinated science (UK) Cambridge PDQ in lower secondary science (UK) Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Module 1 (Vietnam) Beyond the classroom, Nicolas enjoys film photography and develops his photos in a darkroom. He eagerly anticipates joining the American School, where he can continue positively impacting young minds.

Ms. Amy Nguyen has been a TAS Early Childhood and Elementary School Learning Support Specialist since August 2022. Originally from a small town in the state of Maryland, USA, Ms. Amy has been living in Vietnam since 2022. With a background in Psychology, Ms. Amy enhances her role in student support through a deep understanding and adept application of psychological principles. Throughout her academic journey, she has delved into various areas of psychology including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and educational psychology. Ms. Amy applies her knowledge and insights to provide tailored support and interventions for students with diverse learning needs. She collaborates closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop individualized strategies that foster academic growth and promote social-emotional well-being. Ms. Amy is deeply committed to cultivating learning spaces that are inclusive and supportive, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and motivated to succeed in all areas of life. She is a passionate advocate for teaching empathy and compassion to students, understanding its crucial role in shaping their character and in preparing them to become global leaders and citizens. Ms. Amy holds the following degrees and certifications: BA in Psychology from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Living Works Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certificate PYP Category 1 Certification Currently working on her Masters in Psychology from Pepperdine University Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Amy actively engages in mental health research and dedicates her time to supporting mental health initiatives and advocacy efforts through volunteering. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, working out, and singing. Ms. Amy is excited to continue her work at TAS, where she is dedicated to nurturing students to become lifelong learners.

Mr. Bryan Turner has been with TAS since August 2023. After growing up in North Carolina, USA, Mr. Turner began his teaching career in South Korea teaching ESL. After teaching in all grade levels for 10 years, he went back to the states and obtained his Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and obtained a teaching license for Elementary Education. After teaching in North Carolina, he went back overseas to Taiwan and taught ESL once more. However, his bachelor’s degree was in Art and he always wanted to get back to his real passion of working in the arts. Having incorporated many project-based learning activities in his teaching career, he is happy to engage with his students and share his passion for art with them at TAS. He hopes to continue to promote a creative and imaginative classroom environment where students can express themselves visually through projects throughout the year. Mr. Turner holds the following degrees and licenses: Master of Art Degree in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington BA in Art from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte State of North Carolina teaching license in Elementary Education (K-6) PYP Category 1 Certification Mr. Turner enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and tasting delicious food from around the world. In addition to exploring new places, his main hobby is woodburning popular animation characters and reading graphic novels. through the projects throughout the year. Mr. Turner holds the following degrees and license: BA in Art from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Master’s Degree of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington State of North Carolina teaching license in Elementary Education (K-6) Mr. Turner enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and tasting delicious food from around the world. In addition to exploring new places, his main hobby is woodburning popular animation characters and reading graphic novels.

Mr. Grant Moxham, New Jersey, USA, has been named Middle-High School math teacher beginning August 1, 2021. In his professional career, Mr. Moxham has taught IMYC Mathematics at the International School of Koje, South Korea, Cambridge IGCSE Math at VAS, HCMC, and Common Core Math here at TAS. Before entering the world of teaching Mr. Moxham spent many years working as a professional carpenter in the USA, building new homes and additions for families in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He has been teaching for 15 years. Mr. Moxham holds the following degrees and certifications: Masters of Education from Framingham State University, Massachusetts, USA Bachelor Degree from Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts, USA State of Florida Teaching License (Elementary K-6, Mathematics 5-9) Google Certified Educator Level 2 COBIS Child Protection for International Schools Level 2 ASD Certificate from the American College of Education Mr. Moxham draws on his love of mathematics, theatrics, technology, and puzzles to inspire his students. He is an avid rock climber in the summer and snowboarder in the winter.

Mr. Jason Bednarz, Hartford, Connecticut, USA, has been a science teacher at The American School since August 2021, and was appointed Science Department Head from August 2023. In his professional career, Mr. Bednarz has taught HS Biology and Academic English at the university level across various institutions in Vietnam and greater Southeast Asia. Before entering education, Mr. Bednarz worked in the US in the field of horticulture, as well as the oil and gas exploration industry. Mr. Bednarz holds the following degrees and certifications: MEd Secondary Education, The College of New Jersey BS Forest Management, University of New Hampshire State of Connecticut educator certification in Biology grades 7-12 State of Connecticut educator certification in General Science [middle school] Certificate in Secondary Education, The College of New Jersey IDLTM: International Diploma in Language Teaching Management DELTA: Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Mr. Bednarz strives to balance performance expectations in science with literacy and critical thinking skills development. In his years at TAS he has enjoyed various field trips to explore local ecosystems, such as the Can Gio mangrove forests, and also appreciated creating ecosystems with the TAS student gardening club.

Brian Aldo, Connecticut, USA, is the ICT Department Head Middle-High School teacher who has worked at TAS since August 2022. Throughout his professional career, Brian has taught Computer Science in Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico. Before starting a career in teaching, Brian spent many years working in the field of Information Technology. He has worked as a Cybersecurity Analyst, Technology Director, and Software Engineer. Brian is well versed in computer coding and has developed numerous applications, websites, and video games. Brian holds the following degrees and certifications. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah Certificate of Teaching, Computer Science, Arizona Board of Education Comptia Cybersecurity Analyst Certification Comptia Security+ Certification Comptia Network+ Certification Comptia IT Operations Specialist Certification Comptia Secure Infrastructure Specialist Certification Comptia A+ Certification Comptia Project+ Certification Amazon Cloud Practitioner Certification LPI Linux Essentials Certification IT Service Management Certification Brian incorporates his vast IT experience into his teaching methods, which allows students to learn hands-on skills that they can use in everyday life.

Mr. Jared Lucow, Canadian/American, has been the ECC-ES Music Teacher at The American School since August 2022. During his teaching career he has taught in Southeast Asia since 2009. He taught at BIS Phuket, Phuket Academy of Performing Arts, and IB MYP at UWC Thailand. He has also performed music all around the world, including Spain, Italy, France, Cuba, South Korea, Canada, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, New York City and the Canary Islands. He has played guitar for over 30 years. Mr. Jared holds the following degrees and certifications: Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education, from City University of Seattle. Bachelor of Jazz Guitar Performance at Humber College in Toronto, Canada Washington State Teacher Certification PYP Category 1 Certification As an instructor, Jared prides himself on inspiring each and every student to help them foster their own creativity and sense of self through creating, sharing, and musical discovery. But, most of all to have fun and experience the joy of making music together. His combination of performance and teaching experience allows him to create individualized plans to help each student grow and succeed in their own way. Jared is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to support the students and faculty at TAS.

Ms. Nguyet Duong has been with TAS as a Middle-School High School Mandarin Teacher since August 2016. She was a translator at the International Cooperation Office at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, and a visiting lecturer for the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and Lac Hong University, Bien Hoa from 2002 to 2016. In her professional career, she has taught Chinese Language to children and undergraduate students. Mrs. Duong was ranked number 4 out of all graduates and voted the most brilliant student in June 2001 at the Beijing Language and Cultural University, China. Ms. Nguyet Duong was born into a family where both parents and younger sister are teachers and believes that the education industry is very fulfilling. In the past eight years of teaching at TAS, she has gained a variety of teaching techniques, and she is very experienced with her classroom management for a diversity of students. Mrs. Duong believes that being a well-qualified teacher needs the following factors: a passion for teaching, concern for students, patience as well as tolerance, and expanded knowledge of the subject. Mrs. Duong holds the following degrees and certifications: BA Chinese Language, Beijing Language and Cultural University, Beijing, China Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Certificate 2013, 2014, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Taiwan 15+ years of teaching experience in China and Vietnam The University of Texas AT EL Paso – Professional Training and Development – AP Chinese Language and Culture Certificate – 2022 China Beijing Foreign Studies University, Advanced Seminar for Overseas Chinese Language Education Leaders Certificate, December 2nd to 11th, 2022

Mr. Benjamin Stone, England, has been an EAL teacher at TAS since August 2021 and the EAL Department Head since August 2023. In his professional career, he has worked at established language centers across Ho Chi Minh City mainly specializing in IELTS and ESL education. He transitioned to VAS in 2020 where he completed his PGCE-i. Since working at TAS, Mr. Stone has created a legacy of charitable projects raising over $32,000 in his first three years for Heartbeat Vietnam. Additionally, he has promoted altruism through clothes drives and organizing visits to local orphanages. He has led Week Without Walls expeditions and continues to be an active member in the TAS community. Mr. Stone holds the following degrees and certifications: Ed. specializing in International Education – Framingham State University (2025) BA (Hons) Philosophy – University of Leeds PGCE-i – University of Strathclyde WIDA Test Administrator TEFL/TESOL certification Mr. Stone encourages students to become critically inclined in their studies and fosters a positive classroom environment. Students will feel appreciated and always valued as Mr. Stone treats all students with the highest degree of respect. His extensive background in teaching English language learners ensures that each student receives the highest quality instruction and support.

Formerly a good student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ms. Luan Le has more than 10 years of experience teaching Vietnamese as well as international students. With her extensive experience, Ms. Luan Le always tries to bring interesting Vietnamese lessons, helping students not only speak Vietnamese well but also have a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture. In addition, Ms. Luan Le has also had many years of teaching Literature for Middle and High School students. Therefore, she has a lot of experience and is very knowledgeable about student psychology to help you reach your full potential. Ms. Luan Le holds the following degrees and certifications: Bachelor of Vietnamese Studies, Ho Chi Minh University of Education (2011) Pedagogical certificate, Ho Chi Minh University of Education (2011)