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
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.
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.
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.
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.