Hanoi Toronto School’s leaders as well as faculty understand the philosophy and practicality of effective learning, and how to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate the most Amazing Learning. To be part of Hanoi Toronto School is to be amazed at how exciting learning can be.
To grow its international network of schools, ISP’s Global Learning Team implements an effective quality control and support framework covering all aspects of school operation and learning. Each school, HTS included, undergoes a continual and rigorous process of self-evaluation, which is supported by and monitored at the regional level to develop an informed, evidence-based view of what is working well and what needs to be improved. The team is committed to improving learning for students, professional development for teachers and creating Schools of Choice.
School Management Team
Foreign HTS Academic Team
Viet Nam HTS Academic Team
Tu Hoang
MOET Coordinator
With a solid foundation from a bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Tu continuously enhanced her professional qualifications with two Master’s degrees in International Education and Educational Leadership and Management from Horizon University, France. Throughout her academic journey, she consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and received high commendations from her professors.
Having devoted over two decades to education at prestigious private and international schools in Hanoi, Ms. Tu has consistently delivered dynamic and highly effective lessons, inspiring a love of English learning in her students. From a student teaching assistant in her first year of university, she has steadily grown into various leadership roles, from teacher to team leader, department head, and currently, MOET Program Coordinator in Hanoi Toronto. In every role, Ms. Tu has exhibited creativity and passion, always providing enthusiastic support to her students and colleagues.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Tu has left a remarkable impact as a judge in national English speech contests, representing various schools. With over 60 published English books, she has tirelessly worked to bring English closer to children across the country, helping them access and enjoy the language in a natural and effective way.
With over two decades of dedication to education, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Tu is not only a talented educator but also an inspiring figure. Her success is a testament to the fact that with passion, knowledge, and persistent effort, anyone can create true value. Her story will serve as a powerful motivation for those pursuing a career in education, especially those looking to enhance their English teaching skills.
Bien Nguyen
MOET Principal
Ms. Nguyen Thu Bien (Jessie Nguyen) graduated with expertise in four majors: History Pedagogy, Elementary Education Pedagogy, English Language, and Educational Management. During her student years at Pedagogy University, she excelled academically, graduating as the top student in the History major and being one of the 40 outstanding students among 120 colleges and universities in Vietnam, receiving a full scholarship from the Hessen State in Germany. Additionally, she was awarded the Gold Medal in the National Pedagogy Professional Competition organized by the Ministry of Education in 2009. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate specializing in Educational Management at the Capital University.
Creativity, enthusiasm, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge are evident in Ms. Thu Bien’s career journey. She has accumulated diverse experiences in various roles, including being an elementary school teacher, a high school history teacher, a subject specialist, a school administrator, and a founding member of several private schools in Vietnam. In addition to her professional activities within educational institutions, Ms. Thu Bien actively engages in the broader education sector. For five consecutive years, she has been a key participant in the “National Entrepreneurship Day for Students” as a judge for the student category, an annual competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training. She is also an author, contributor to educational materials, and a member of the review board for various documents related to experiential learning, career guidance, and entrepreneurship, led by the Ministry of Education and Training).
With a passion for her profession, regardless of her role, Ms. Thu Bien consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication, leadership capabilities, and the ability to inspire in any environment. Ms. Thu Bien firmly believes that “to create a learning environment that brings safety and happiness to students, teachers must be happy and creatively elevated. Therefore, leaders serve as role models, inspiring teachers, students, and parents to trust, find happiness, and be creative. A happy school is one where each element experiences happiness.”
Lee Martin Chalkly
Executive Principal
Born and raised in Luton in the UK, Lee completed a Humanities degree in History and Film at the College of St Mark and John before completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Exeter University. He returned to Luton to begin his teaching career. Whilst there he worked with Luton Town Football Club coaching at the U11, U13 and U15 levels within the community coaching program.
Following three years in Luton, Lee began his international career in Nairobi, Kenya where he was Deputy Head of Preparatory at Nairobi Academy. For the last 31 years he has worked as a teacher and school leader with 15 years as a Head of School. This experience has taken him and his family to ten countries and has included working with a variety of curriculum including IGCSE, A level, IB and AP. In this time, he has completed a MBA in Educational Management at the University of Leicester and a MA in International Education at the University of Sunderland.
Whilst serving as Director at the International School of Riga, the school leadership worked with the Latvian Ministry of Education to support the development of new pedagogy that was incorporated into the Latvian National Curriculum. The school was recognized for its innovation and commitment to great learning.
He joins Hanoi Toronto School from another ISP school, Tenby Schools Ipoh, Malaysia, where he served as Campus Principal for 3 and half years.
John Slipachenko
Deputy Principal
John is an accomplished, experienced, enthusiastic, and dedicated educational leader from Canada. Possessing over a decade of domestic and international educational experience, he is a curriculum building, child safeguarding, stakeholder partnership, and professional development facilitation expert.
John started out in the financial sector, working for one of the largest firms in Canada. As he made the jump into education, he brought with him the diligence, business acumen, and fiscal responsibility necessary to be a successful administrator and leader. Making his name in international education, he proved himself to be meticulous, collegiate, collaborative, inclusive, and flexible in his leadership style.
As a committed and dependable professional, he benefits his organization by embracing its mission and vision, facilitating the learners to thrive both academically and socially, and building up a supportive framework for staff.His two best competencies are his growth mindset and his ability to carry out his duties to the highest professional standard while aligning the efforts with institutional goals.
Bich Vu
Operation Manager
Ms. Bich graduated from the University of Languages and International Studies, Hanoi National University, with a major in English Language and Chinese as a Second Language. She began her teaching career at one of the very first international schools in Hanoi in 2001. Over the past 23 years, she has held various positions including teacher, School Office Manager, School Operations Manager, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member at several international schools locally.
As one of the very first founding members of Hanoi – Toronto School, Ms. Bich, together with her dedicated colleagues, has set the foundation and developed the school into a place where child safeguarding is always the top priority, “Learning First” and “Curious Confident Minds” are continuously fostered. Her tireless efforts and contributions can be seen in the regularly maintained facilities, the daily improved school services, and the safe and comfortable learning environment, which makes Hanoi – Toronto School a “School of Choice” for hundreds of students and parents.
With extensive experience in school operations management and a passion for creating efficient and effective processes, Ms. Bich will strive to make positive and meaningful contributions to the lives of young learners.
April Encio
English Teacher
With over 8 years of experience in private and international schools in the Philippines, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, I have developed strong teaching skills in multicultural environments, enhancing my expertise in global education systems.
I am specialized in the Cambridge curriculum, providing a well-rounded education that promotes both academic excellence and personal growth. I was appointed as Primary Support for Cambridge Checkpoint Exams, that prepare students for external assessments, ensuring they are confident and well-prepared.
My teaching experience across different countries has enriched my ability to adapt to diverse student needs and create an inclusive classroom.
I am passionate about fostering collaboration, curiosity, and inspiring students to become lifelong learners.
Zinhle Masondo
English Teacher
I have been teaching for four years, specializing in both the Foundation and Early Years phases. With a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment that promotes the holistic development of every child. I believe that the early years of education are crucial in shaping students’ futures, and I strive to ensure that each child is nurtured in a way that encourages respect, curiosity, and personal growth.
My passion for early childhood education goes beyond academics; I aim to support children in their emotional, social, and cognitive development, recognizing the importance of these foundational years in their lifelong learning journey. During my time in South Africa, I was a proud member of my school’s Equity and Belonging team. This role allowed me to advocate for inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that every child felt seen, valued, and respected—principles I continue to uphold in my teaching.
Outside the classroom, I find joy in creative pursuits such as art, photography, traveling, reading, and writing. These hobbies not only enrich my personal life but also inspire my teaching practices, encouraging creativity and self-expression in my students.
Maria FE Ramos
Primary Teacher
Over the past 14 years, I have worked as a head teacher for 6 years and 4 years as lead teacher in international schools in Hanoi and 4 years in a Bilingual set up, but I consider my most important job to be that of a child advocate.
I have two degrees and has been more passionate in following the latter which is teaching.
Apart from obtaining my International Teaching Diploma in Early Childhood and Primary, I am also a Board-certified Cognitive Specialist, completed my Master of education in Early childhood and currently completing my master’s degree in English and Primary and Secondary Degree in Education.
My teaching philosophy includes learning what the students need first and then teaching according to their individual needs, modeling compassion and understanding and always treating each student with respect.
My goal is to ensure that students are healthy, happy, and safe, so they may learn as much as they can. The commonality for more than a decade of experience has been the collaboration with others to provide the best possible education experiences for students.
Alex Tull
Math Teacher
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Southampton and completed my teacher training at the University of Bristol. I’ve taught Mathematics for eight years in secondary schools across the UK and China.
While in China, I developed curriculums for the IGCSE and A-Level Mathematics, while considering the Chinese national curriculum. Additionally, I developed a passion for global citizenship and sustainability within education. I worked on policies, charitable events, whole school activities and displays to inspire young people to engage with the wider community and take responsibility for their actions.
Mireyll Tarape
EAL teacher
I am deeply passionate about teaching and thoroughly prepare my lessons. I incorporate a variety of activities, including games, to help students understand the content and concepts while enjoying themselves. With 12 years of teaching experience, I have honed my skills in subject matter expertise, classroom management, lesson planning, and creating learning materials. I am adept at accommodating the diverse needs of students, considering factors such as learning abilities and cultural backgrounds.
Before moving to Vietnam in 2019, I taught English to secondary school students in the Philippines for 8 years. During my tenure there, I also served as the School Paper Adviser, guiding students to participate in local and provincial journalism events and publish the school paper. Additionally, I also worked as a school librarian, which garnered local recognition for being well-organized and enriching.
In terms of qualifications, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Major in English, along with a teaching license from the Professional Regulation Commission. I am also certified with a 120-hour TEFL certificate from Let’s TEFL. Furthermore, I have pursued coursework for a Master of Arts in English and Educational Leadership, gaining significant units towards the degree. Additionally, I have actively participated in various teaching seminars and workshops.
Outside the classroom, I cherish spending quality time with my daughter. We bond over games, get creative with crafts, and relish moments in nature together. I am always eager to learn and enhance my skills because I firmly believe that teaching requires ongoing growth and development.
Lauren Nel
Primary Teacher
Experienced English and Literacy Educator
My name is Lauren Victoria Nel. I am an accomplished English and Literacy teacher with over 13 years of experience educating students in South Africa, Qatar, and China. I hold a Bachelor of Education degree in English and Life Orientation, as well as a Master of Education in Advanced Literacy and Literature Teaching for grades 1-12. I have experience in teaching a wide range of curriculums including UK, US, and IB. Having experience in teaching a variety of curriculums has ensured that I am always developing myself professionally, improving content knowledge, and keeping up to date on developments in the educational world.
Throughout my teaching career, I have developed essential skills in designing and implementing engaging, research-based phonics instruction. I am adept at assessing student needs, differentiating lessons, and using multisensory techniques to help learners of all abilities develop strong foundational reading skills.
Beyond my work in the classroom, I am passionate about reading, crafting, and exploring new cultures through travel. These hobbies have encouraged a deep appreciation of culture and allows me to create a globally minded classroom environment. I endeavor to encourage experiential learning and allow students to express themselves and be confident about themselves and their abilities.
This is my second year working at Hanoi Toronto School, and I am excited to share my love for learning with students, getting to celebrate their growth, and showing appreciation for their talents and interests!
Grace Horan
Primary Teacher
Hello, my name is Grace and I am from Dublin, Ireland. I enjoy Gaelic football, Irish dancing, singing, musical theatre, art, reading and travel. I have traveled a lot yet I am brand new to Vietnam and Asia! I taught in Ireland for five years before I came here, and it is a big change, I am passionate about the preservation of the Irish language and will be teaching Celtic Culture as a module during the extracurricular activities. Students will learn about ancient literature, art, dance, language and folklore and battle.
I studied teaching for five years gaining a Professional Masters in Education in the esteemed Trinity College Dublin. I prioritize offering my students a well-rounded education by leading my lessons with an organized method and aiming for high standards for everyone. My lessons are enriched with useful resources and are student-centered, incorporating games and puzzles. I maintain a strict yet just teaching style, appreciating my students’ thoughts and suggestions. I believe that building a strong connection where students feel heard and valued is crucial to their educational success.
Using the experiential learning approach, I will encourage students to learn from their mistakes. This will foster reflective thinking. I adapt my classes to make sure that everyone’s specific learning styles are catered for. (Visual, Kinesthetic, Auditory, Read/Write) Additionally, interesting and vibrant material will be provided.
Students will be encouraged to embrace the English language, communicating via debate, using speech and drama as a medium for students to use their creativity, gain confidence, work as a team, develop their memory skills and increase their reading skills.
We will improve our phonetics, spelling and further our understanding of the English language. Students will improve their mental math and their understanding of the world and society. Students will partake in experiments to understand the world around them and how they can change it.
Tommy Doyle
Primary Teacher
With five years of teaching experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom. Originally from Ireland, I have had the privilege of teaching in both my home country and the United Arab Emirates. This international experience has enriched my teaching practice, allowing me to embrace and celebrate diverse cultures and perspectives.
My teaching journey includes three years in a mainstream classroom, where I fostered a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, I have spent a year working in a language class unit and another year as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher. These roles have equipped me with specialized skills to support students with varied learning needs, ensuring that every child can thrive.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy staying active and pursuing a healthy lifestyle. I am passionate about sports and regularly go to the gym. These activities not only keep me physically fit but also help me maintain a positive and energetic mindset, which I bring into my teaching.
I am deeply passionate about teaching and dedicated to creating a classroom atmosphere where students are happy, motivated, and enthusiastic about learning. I am excited to be a part of this school and look forward to contributing to the success and well-being of all our students.
Sian Murray
English Teacher
Since 2018, I have been residing and teaching in Hanoi, Vietnam. Working with both teachers and students from diverse backgrounds has emphasized my understanding of the significance of nurturing global citizenship among students. It is both exciting and a privilege to be part of the team of educators at Hanoi Toronto, where an environment is fostered that encourages global awareness in our students.
With over six years of experience, I have taught both primary and secondary levels, covering subjects such as English, Science, and Global Perspectives. My passion lies in teaching English and literature, as I am an avid reader myself. Throughout my teaching career, I have actively pursued professional development through various workshops, enhancing my expertise in project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. This past school year, I am particularly proud that I have helped guide my Grade 8 students to achieve outstanding marks in English and Global Perspectives for their Cambridge Checkpoint exams.
In my leisure time, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places and cultures but then also returning home to spend time with my dog, Nugget. I am a very creative person and enjoy attending dance classes, doing anything artsy and indulging in baking delicious treats in the kitchen.
Thomas Ward
English teacher
Since moving to Vietnam, I have spent almost 2 years teaching secondary science in a private school in Hanoi, which has been a truly rewarding experience where I have met so many fantastic students. Working with students where English is an additional language comes with its challenges of course. Still, it also provides so many more opportunities to learn about a student’s culture and share my own.
I have over 7 years of experience in education, yet I still find myself learning thanks to my students. The students in Vietnam have been a joy to teach and I believe they have taught me just as much as I have taught them. (checked by Ollie)
Daniel Rossouw
Music Teacher
I studied music since the age of 9. I excelled in playing piano and singing in various choirs in South Africa, including the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir school. I have extensive international experience, with 20 years teaching experience. I’ve got a passion for creativity, such as different art forms ranging from painting to performing arts. I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with friends.
My passion for music is the driving force behind my teaching. I truly believe that every child has the ability to excel in different musical endeavors and that partaking in “musicking”, they develop essential cognitive skills, improve their EQ (Emotional Intelligence), improves memory, teaches perseverance, enhances coordination, improves reading and comprehension skills, enhances self-expression and social skills and boosts self-confidence among many other benefits.
I am blessed to have this amazing opportunity to work at HTS and to be able to make a difference in the lives of my students.
Josie Llewellyn
Art Teacher
Hello, my name is Josie, and I am so happy to be joining Hanoi Toronto School as the new art teacher!
I began my teaching journey in Vietnam just before the pandemic struck in 2020. Over the past four years, I have been working and living in Vietnam, and I have had the privilege of teaching various age groups as an ESL teacher, with a special focus on kindergarten.
I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to return to my true passion of teaching art. Back home in Wales, I dedicated my time to teaching art and ceramics workshops, in schools and communities using learn-through-making teaching methodologies and working with children who have a wide range of learning abilities. My commitment to curriculum development and alignment enabled students to exceed academic expectations while developing a deep appreciation for art and creativity.
My experience working with both secondary and primary school students has equipped me with the ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to suit varying developmental stages and learning styles. Whether introducing secondary students to advanced ceramic techniques or guiding primary students in exploring the fundamentals of artistic expression, I am committed to nurturing each student’s unique talents and helping them reach their full potential.
Beyond the classroom, I actively participated in extracurricular activities, such as art exhibitions and community projects, which enriched students’ learning experiences and strengthened their sense of belonging within the school community. Art has always been a central part of my life, and I believe it plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and expression in young minds. I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute my skills, experience, and passion for art education to the school, and I am eager to inspire my students and help them discover their artistic talents.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Hanoi Toronto School community. I can’t wait to start this new chapter and contribute to the vibrant learning environment here!
Joshua Webb
HPE Teacher
I am very excited to be joining Hanoi Toronto School and to work alongside fantastic staff and students here in Hanoi. As a teacher of Physical Education for more than 7 years, I have taught both practical and theory-based PE to students of all ages and abilities in many countries including the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and the United Arab Emirates. My teaching philosophy revolves around holistic development and inclusive education, providing stimulating and accessible lessons for all learners and developing well-rounded and confident individuals who are adaptable, diligent and are able to realise their full potential for the future.
Ricardo Nel
English Teacher
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching in diverse educational environments across South Africa, Qatar, China, and Vietnam. My expertise spans various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the UK systems, allowing me to adapt and cater to different learning needs and styles.
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the constructivist approach to learning, emphasizing the importance of students actively constructing their own understanding and knowledge. I also draw upon the principles of the Zone of Proximal Development, ensuring that each student is challenged just beyond their current abilities with the right amount of support to promote optimal growth and learning.
Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about soccer, table tennis, and FIFA. These hobbies not only keep me active but also provide me with valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and perseverance, which I bring into my teaching practice.
I am incredibly excited about the potential this new academic year holds. It is a unique opportunity for both teachers and students to start fresh, set new goals, and strive to make the impossible possible. I look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and many memorable moments. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
James Forrest
Design & Technology Teacher
Hello, my name is James, and I am from Cork, Ireland. I have a passion for a wide range of activities, including soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, golf, reading, drawing, and all aspects of coding, technology, and engineering. I have a keen interest in all sports and enjoy staying active. I am relatively new to Vietnam and Asia, bringing with me five years of teaching experience in Ireland. This move has been a significant change, and I am excited about the new opportunities it presents.
I am dedicated to creating a learning environment that fosters both academic growth and a lifelong passion for the subjects I teach. My teaching philosophy centers around engaging and inclusive lessons that accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student feels understood and valued. I strive to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication in each lesson.
I lead my classes with a structured approach, setting high expectations for all students. I maintain a firm yet fair teaching style, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect while valuing students’ opinions and ideas. Building a strong rapport with my students is essential, as it creates a supportive atmosphere where students feel heard and valued.
My ultimate goal is to inspire a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. By nurturing critical thinking and creativity, I aim to empower students to become confident and articulate communicators, equipped with the skills to succeed in their educational endeavors and beyond.
Louise Bezuidenhout
Primary Teacher
Jordan Holbrook
Secondary Teacher
I am a dedicated and enthusiastic math teacher with 4 years of experience in education, both in England and Vietnam. Throughout my career, I have developed and delivered comprehensive schemes of work based on the English National curriculum and the Ontario curriculum. My expertise lies in lesson planning, developing a positive culture within the classroom, and employing new teaching and learning techniques. I am passionate about inspiring and motivating students, and I am constantly striving to develop, refine, and improve my practice.
In addition to my professional achievements, I take great personal pride in my open-mindedness and my ability to cope with challenges. These qualities have not only helped me grow as an educator but have also enabled me to foster a classroom environment that encourages students to embrace challenges and persevere through difficulties.
My teaching philosophy centres on assisting each child in reaching their full potential as intuitive and conscientious learners while fostering a passion for mathematics. I believe in building self-reflective and resilient mindsets that can navigate and solve problems effectively. Mathematics, to me, is a tool that sharpens the mind, builds resilience, and opens doors, and I am committed to helping students recognize and seize this potential.
Outside the classroom, I am an avid traveller who loves exploring new cultures and destinations. I am also passionate about sports, both as a participant and a spectator, and I find great joy in trying different cuisines and exploring the world of food. These hobbies not only enrich my life but also bring a broader perspective to my teaching, allowing me to connect with my students on multiple levels and share diverse experiences.
Stephanie Wright
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)
I have been teaching for seven years now, beginning in the UK and moving to Brazil in 2022. I have had teaching experience in early years, ks1 and ks2. I have worked in both mainstream and special needs schools and have used my experience to integrate special educational needs classes into mainstream schools, creating a learning environment more tailored to students’ specific needs. This has effectively allowed children to feel more comfortable and confident in their learning space, supporting them to achieve.
Throughout my time in Brazil, I supported and progressed our pastoral mentoring system in the primary school, and mentored children in both primary and secondary school. I have a strong passion and interest in child development within education as highlighted by my undergraduate degree in psychology and master’s degree in psychology of education. My passion for supporting children is shown through my ambition to cultivate a positive learning environment and the application of appropriate intervention for pupils under my responsibility.
My philosophy of education is that learning is a lifelong journey. Due to this, I am constantly seeking to learn more and improve my practice. I have undertaken a variety of professional development courses to gain a greater understanding of child development and learning in the classroom.
Megan Hurter
Elementary Teacher
Nadia Ronan
Elementary Teacher
Charles Bester
Elementary Teacher
I am a dedicated and dynamic educator with a passion for fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments. With a background in teaching across various countries, including Vietnam and South Africa, I tailor lessons to meet diverse student needs.
I actively engage in extracurricular activities, leading the badminton club, and debate club, and serving on the student council. These roles enable me to contribute significantly to the holistic development of my students. In my personal time, I read, play guitar, and play badminton.
I continually strive to create an educational atmosphere where academic success and emotional well-being go hand-in-hand. Whenever I can achieve this goal, it is something I take a lot of pride in.
Carlos Boyano
ICT & Math Teacher
With 10 years of experience teaching at both primary and secondary schools, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. Originally from southern Spain, I pursued my university education in the UK, where I lived for over twelve years. Holding a BSc in Broadcast Engineering, I initially worked in the TV industry for an outside broadcast company, delivering the picture for a horse racing channel. Additionally, I am a passionate music enthusiast and have worked as a sound engineer at various venues across London over the years.
Christopher Leman
HPE Teacher
I was born, raised, and attended university near Chicago, Illinois, USA. I spent 8 years teaching health and physical education, and coaching basketball in Illinois and Arizona before moving overseas. I first taught in Seoul, South Korea for a couple of years before coming to Hanoi Toronto School in Vietnam.
Here we opened a brand-new school, and I am particularly proud of how I have helped to grow the HPE program, as well as our sports, and extracurricular clubs. In our first year with sport, we introduced competitive badminton, swimming, soccer, and basketball programs for both elementary and middle school, boys and girls. Our teams have shown an incredible amount of growth and improvement in just our first year, and we are excited for the future of our sports programs. In HPE we focused on building a holistic wellness program, that educates students about mental, social, and emotional health in addition to their physical health. We accomplish this through our fitness based physical education course, as well as our extended courses including yoga, fitness, integrated health, and aquatics.
The wellness program here is really a reflection of my personal life. I am always working to improve my personal wellness through travel, nature, fitness, and my relationships. I enjoy traveling to new places and have loved exploring here in Vietnam and SE Asia. I have a passion for hiking, camping, fishing, and love being outside in nature whenever possible. I enjoy daily fitness and still play basketball, and in my down time I enjoy reading and playing chess. There is no place like home though, and I always enjoy spending time with my family and friends in the summer time.
Martyn Sessford
ESL Coordinator
With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, I have dedicated my career to fostering a love for learning and helping students achieve their full potential. I began my journey in the UK, where I was the first in my family to attend university, earning a degree in Business. This academic foundation has been instrumental in my role as a Business Teacher, where I teach an accredited business course to grade 9 students.
After one year volunteering to teach English to refugees in Manchester through a Government project I moved to South Korea in 2005 where I spent 12 enriching years teaching English. During this time I founded and managed my own language schools. My passion for education and innovation led me to Hanoi in 2016, where I have since been working in international schools, further enhancing my skills and obtaining a PGCEi with Distinction.
As the Head of EAL at HTS, I focus on developing creative and effective teaching methods that synthesize elements from various fields. My particular interest lies in phonics, letter formation, and academic writing. I have created numerous programs and methods to support English learning, including an app to improve students’ active listening, memory, and recall skills.
Trang Nguyen
Music Teacher
Hang Do
Art Teacher
Linh Tran
Math Teacher
Nhung Nguyen
Kindergarten Teacher
Hai Dang
Science Teacher
Hang Trieu
Primary Teacher
Thuy Mai
Primary Teacher
Thao Nguyen
VAL Teacher
Tam Nguyen
Giáo viên Ngữ văn
Nguyet Tam Nguyen
Primary Teacher
Graduating from the National University of Art Education, my love for children and music has been a lifelong passion. Teaching music is more than just a job for me—it’s my dream career.
Over the past 5 years, I have had the privilege of teaching music at top international schools, where I have honed my skills and developed a teaching style that inspires and motivates students. I am eager to bring this experience and my passion for music to Hanoi Toronto School, fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy participating in community activities organized by VTV and local authorities, which allows me to give back to the community and stay connected with broader cultural initiatives.
I look forward to sharing my love of music with our students and helping them discover their own musical talents.
Nhung Nguyen
Primary Teacher
With over 7 years of teaching experience, I always set high goals for teaching quality and creativity in knowledge delivery. With my knowledge base and experience, I constantly research and apply modern teaching methods to optimize the learning process for students.
My strength is the ability to connect with and understand students. I always strive to deeply understand each individual’s psychology and learning needs so that I can best meet and support them. Creating an inspiring and comfortable learning environment is crucial for holistic student development. Furthermore, I am a companion who is always ready to inspire a love of Mathematics in my students. I believe that learning Mathematics is not only about studying a subject but also a joyful and useful journey in life. By promoting creativity and exploration, I hope to ignite the passion and self-confidence in students, helping them overcome challenges and succeed in their studies.
I hope that my passion and enthusiasm will contribute to building a generation of young people who love Mathematics, a generation that is confident and full of eagerness in life.
Linh Nguyen
Primary Teacher
For over three years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching students from grades 1 to 5, enjoying every moment of watching their curiosity grow and helping them develop their knowledge and skills.
Beyond teaching, I have a passion for traveling. I’ve explored around 30 cities across Vietnam, gaining practical experiences and life skills that I love sharing with my students. Another hobby of mine is reading, which allows me to continually learn and bring fresh perspectives into the classroom.
I am particularly proud of my versatility in teaching. I can teach various subjects, including Math and Vietnamese, and I have also trained to teach Science and English. Additionally, I focus on instructing students to take care of themselves and become independent learners.
Phuong Anh Nguyen
Primary Teacher
I am currently a primary school teacher with many years of experience working at various integrated school systems such as Vinschool and Wellspring. As someone who loves children and wants to contribute to the field of education, I am always eager to learn and apply innovative and creative teaching methods to help children truly enjoy going to school, actively engage in learning, and develop their own abilities. In addition to studying to enhance my professional skills, I frequently participate in group activities, volunteer work for children, and organize programs and events to improve my own skills and create opportunities to understand and connect more closely with children.
During my years of working with primary school students, I believe that each student is unique and inherently possesses outstanding potential. As a teacher, I always strive to support, motivate, and create momentum for each potential student to flourish in a positive learning environment. My interests, beyond my passion for interacting with children, include artistic hobbies such as singing, dancing, and cooking. With the goal of helping students apprehend knowledge effectively, I constantly seek and create engaging extracurricular activities to incorporate a variety of dynamic activities into my classroom. Helping students develop a greater interest in learning—not only to enjoy learning and excel with knowledge but also to become confident and develop all the necessary life skills—is my greatest impetus and pride.
Trang Le
Primary Teacher
I have a passion for teaching primary school, accompanying and supporting students, parents and primary school teachers. With more than 15 years of experience, love for the profession, passion for creativity in my work, I have achieved the title of excellent teacher at the Provincial – City level. From 2014 to now, with the role of school manager in many different positions, from Team Leader, Vice Principal, Acting Principal of a primary school, I have constantly connected, guided, and supported my colleagues, students and parents.
I believe that a teacher who is dedicated, careful, patient, listens and uses appropriate teaching methods will arouse the love and self-motivation of each student. Therefore, over the years, I have been very active in learning about child psychology, participating in relevant professional training and fostering programs, especially courses on modern teaching methods, promoting students’ capacity; spending a lot of time learning about the new general education program.
I have a knack for writing beautiful letters. I believe that writing will help me increase my concentration, practice patience and meticulousness. I like to spend time sharing experiences, helping colleagues and students interested in this field learn and progress more quickly. In my free time, I like to learn about food and cooking. Understanding nutrition, experimenting and creating with familiar ingredients often bring unexpected and interesting experiences. Taking care of and raising my two sons helps me understand the feelings, thoughts, and worries of parents about their children in today’s world and that motivates me to constantly learn and catch up with the daily changes of my children and the changing living environment.
I will make continuous efforts to improve and contribute the most to the development of Hanoi Toronto School.
Tu Do
Primary Teacher
I graduated from Hanoi University of Education with a major in Primary Education and have seven years of teaching experience in private and international settings in Hanoi. My teaching philosophy is centered around the idea that every student can succeed with the right support and guidance. I believe in creating a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their ideas. As a teacher, I encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, and I aim to provide a variety of learning opportunities to cater to different learning styles. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, swimming, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Chinh Phan
HPE teacher
During my years at university, I began my teaching career by promoting swimming and football to young children in the community. In 2017, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree, I continued teaching young children a combination of 10 subjects from Australia for preschoolers. Seven years after graduation, my passion still lies in teaching physical education; almost all of my hobbies are related to sports and music.
Trang Pham
VAL teacher
With a warm and enthusiastic personality and a genuine love for children, I am a dedicated Vietnamese teacher committed to promoting and inspiring a passion for the Vietnamese language and culture in my students.
With extensive experience teaching Vietnamese to students of diverse backgrounds, including overseas Vietnamese and adult learners, I am dedicated to helping my students develop comprehensive language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
In my VAL (Vietnamese as a Language) classes, students not only gain proficiency in the Vietnamese language but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural values, customs, and traditions of Vietnam through hands-on experiences and field trips. This holistic approach ensures that my students grow not only academically but also as well-rounded individuals.
Beyond the classroom, in my free time, I enjoy exploring the world through reading books and traveling, which further enriches my teaching and allows me to share diverse perspectives with my students and help them achieve their fullest potential.
I am genuinely excited about accompanying each student on their language learning adventure. Together, we will embark on a transformative educational journey that will not only enhance their language skills but also broaden their horizons and deepen their connection to the Vietnamese language and culture.
Thuy Vu
Life compentency teacher
With more than 8 years of experience teaching at international and Vietnamese high schools and colleges in Hanoi, I have applied many different approaches with active teaching methods to orient and develop students’ competence. Also, I have organized experiential activities and essential life skills for students to cope with social phenomena. As a young, dynamic generation of teachers who always maintain the perspective of educating students with all the heart of a mother along with strong professional expertise, I believe that my participation at Hanoi Toronto School will create a generation of successful, happy and amicable students.
Thuong Nguyen
History & Geography teacher
My name is Nguyễn Thu Thương, and I am a Social Studies teacher at the school. I graduated from Hanoi University of Education. I have 15 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools in Hanoi. I love exploring stories from the past, learning about ancient civilizations, and important historical events. Apart from teaching, I have a passion for reading, especially history books and novels. I also enjoy traveling to discover historical and cultural sites. I hope to inspire a passion for history in my students and to explore fascinating lessons from the past with them.
Tam Nguyen
Literature Teacher
My name is Tam, it means heart. During nearly ten years as a teacher, I have always tried my best not only to guide students in learning the knowledge of Literature, but most of all, I have given warm love from my heart to my students. I also want to spread that to each of my students. Knowledge is extremely important, but it would be sad if life lacked love, leaving only indifference. That is also the journey where I have grown and continued to improve myself. I once heard: “People often only think about bringing the best things in life to children, but few people care about bringing better children into life.” I am proud and grateful for my own journey – the journey I can contribute to bringing better children’s lives!
Ngoc Nguyen
Mathematic Teacher
With over 7 years of teaching experience, I always set high goals for teaching quality and creativity in knowledge delivery. With my knowledge base and experience, I constantly research and apply modern teaching methods to optimize the learning process for students.
My strength is the ability to connect with and understand students. I always strive to deeply understand each individual’s psychology and learning needs so that I can best meet and support them. Creating an inspiring and comfortable learning environment is crucial for holistic student development.
Furthermore, I am a companion who is always ready to inspire a love of Mathematics in my students. I believe that learning Mathematics is not only about studying a subject but also a joyful and useful journey in life. By promoting creativity and exploration, I hope to ignite the passion and self-confidence in students, helping them overcome challenges and succeed in their studies.
I hope that my passion and enthusiasm will contribute to building a generation of young people who love Mathematics, a generation that is confident and full of eagerness in life.