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.
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.
Tam Nguyen
Giáo viên Ngữ văn
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.
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.