Coming from Bangladesh is Karrie Dietz, the new Junior School Principal. She is currently the Deputy Elementary Principal at the American International School in Dhaka (AISD).

She was co-founder and co-director of an outdoor adventure camp in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the author of many educational papers and recipient of several education awards.

Karrie has a MA in education with emphasis on curriculum and instruction, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Certificate of International School Leadership.

Anita has a BEd with a double major in Education and Geography from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. She is also a trained Reading Recovery Teacher (Auckland University, New Zealand). She has taught in schools in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and the Philippines. She has a special interest in Junior Literacy.

Prior to teacher training, Anita was in the business world studying Accountancy. She left this to follow a career in education after being inspired by one of her teachers. Anita's special interests include: drama, archery, fishing, organic gardening, the beach and travel.

Michael Galligan, our new Athletics Director and Co-curricular Co-ordinator, is currently teaching at the American International School in Dhaka (AISD), Bangladesh, where he is the Activities and Athletics Director.

Michael has a MA in business communication and a BSc in mass communications. He is an endurance athlete who has completed twenty marathons, one ultra marathon and has ridden his bicycle across thirteen countries.

He is the author of a book on the largest cross-country bike ride in American history and has participated in many voluntary activities to raise funds for charity or to assist people in rural Bangladesh.

John has an MEd (Administration) and a BEd, New Zealand. His previous post as Head of PE and Health Faculty and Boarding Director was at St. Peters School, Cambridge, New Zealand.

John has also been the Athletics Director and Boarding Director at Brent International School, Baguio, Philippines. Prior to that John worked at four other schools in New Zealand. John's interests include most sports but in particular golf, squash, rugby and tennis.

Mary has a BA (Hons.) and a BEd from Queen's University, Canada; a Diploma Superieur d'Etudes Francaises, Centre Linquistique Applique, Besancon, France; an MEd in International Education, Framingham State College, USA.

Mary has taught in Canada and at international schools in Egypt, Venezuela and Japan. Her special interests include drama, music, crafts, and travel.

With a BA and a BEd from the Australian Catholic University, Christina Clissold is also Australian and has also taught in Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom.

She is a very experienced PYP teacher and will be teaching in the Junior School where her passions for literacy and curriculum development will be used to their fullest. Christina is married to Adam Clissold.

Yuwadee has a BA, Dip Science Education. She taught English at a bilingual school for three years prior to coming to PTIS. She has completed IB PYP training.

Yuwadee is keenly interested in environmental education, sport and the arts.

Ann Gaillard can be described as a hybrid of Asian values and Western thinking. Born and raised in the Philippines, Ann moved to France after being awarded a WHO grant.

While in Europe, Ann earned Masters' degrees in Communication and TESOL. She also has a teaching license and a Master's degree in Education from The College of New Jersey. Ann has taught in four countries, sharing her enthusiasm and expertise in language acquisition, inquiry-based learning, literacy and teaching to diverse learners.

Ann and her husband Sebastien are both committed to community service and a peaceful world for their children to inherit.

Panwara has a BEd from Chiang Mai University (CMU) in Thai and a Certificate in English from Sukothai Thammathirat University. She is presently studying for a BA, majoring in Evaluation and Measurement Education for Kindergarten and Elementary.

Previously JJ taught Thai at the Demonstration School, CMU and Lanna International School. She has completed IB PYP training.

Natalia has a Dip Ed From the Australian Catholic University and a BEd from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. She is a very experienced teacher, having taught in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.

In her five years at PTIS, Natalia has held positions in Admissions, PE, ESOL, as a Junior School classroom teacher and most recently as the Art teacher for Grades 1-5. Her interests include environmental initiatives, yoga, dancing and reading.

Tiew has a degree in English and an MEd in Elementary Education from Chiang Mai University. She was the recipient of an Excellent Teacher Award in 1999. Wannapa teaches Thai in both the Junior and Senior Schools.

Jeremy is well-versed in PYP practices with six years of PYP experience. He was previously working at International School Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Jeremy is training to become an IBO Workshop Leader, and he is also a Technology Coordinator for PTIS. He has a California Teaching Credential certified to teach Kindergarten through Grade 12. He has a BS in Human Development and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction both from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the USA. Jeremy has also helped to open a children's learning center in Redwood Shores, California.

When he is not teaching, Jeremy enjoys traveling with his wife (Tammy) and children (Noa and Mia). His interests include turntable mechanics, rhythmic studies and music appreciation.

Tamayo has been a teacher in the USA and Bangladesh and is PYP trained and experienced. Tamayo has a BA in Social Science from U.C. Berkeley, California, USA and an AS in Early Childhood Education, from Skyline College, USA.

Tamayo has worked in the business world but her passion for educating others has resulted in her becoming an Early Childhood teacher.

Nicola has comprehensive experience in both the UK and New Zealand. She was nominated for the New Zealand Teaching of Excellence Award 2007-2008. Nicola has a BEd from Massey University, and a Diploma of Teaching from Palmerston North College of Education, both in New Zealand.

Nicola has undertaken professional development in numeracy and literacy development and has worked with special needs students and ESOL students. She has also undertaken extensive learning in teaching for inquiry. She enjoys running and cycling, competitive netball and tennis. She has completed the Paris marathon and successfully coached primary netball, volleyball, swimming and athletic teams.

Nicola’s husband, Richard, teaches in the Senior School.

Diana van Mersbergen obtained her Bachelor of Education degree in the Netherlands in 1997. After completing her degree, she traveled to Laos to set up an independent Dutch Language and Culture Programme, teaching Dutch children living in Vientiane.

Diana worked at this school for 2 years as the sole teacher of all students aged 3-14. Together with a Board of parents, she was also responsible for all matters concerning the running of the school.

After her time in Laos, she went to work at The International School of Bogor, Indonesia, where she received PYP training. In 2003, Diana came to PTIS and she has been working in the Grade 1-3 area ever since.

Diana is a very experienced PYP teacher and is also an IB Asia-Pacific PYP workshop leader. She is currently teaching Grade 2 and is the Grade 1-3 Team Leader.

Quinten was Head of Music at the Tianjin Rego International School, China where he taught Music and ESL. Quinten also organized a number of school concerts and musical productions, as well as initiating private instrumental tutoring with the Tianjin Music Academy.

He has prepared students for external examinations in violin, piano and voice. He has completed IBDP Music training. Quinten is a Centre Assessor for Music for Edexcel and Cambridge examinations.

Supporting language learning, Quinten has led teachers on a five day cultural and personal development course. He has a BA in Music and English from the University of South Africa, adjacent to his home country of Zimbabwe.

Jana Hartmann recently graduated with a Bachelor of Education specialising in primary teaching from the University of Canberra, Australia.

Jana successfully completed her professional experience as a pre-service teacher at PTIS last year, during which time she worked closely with A. Diana. Jana gradually took on more responsibility for the class, resulting in full duty of care and being a qualified relief teacher.

Jana is excited to continue her studies, having enrolled in a Master of Education focusing on international schooling, education and development and also in professional development courses including: Teaching ESL Students in the Mainstream Classroom, and First Steps Literacy Program. Jana is delighted to be a part of the PTIS community once again as an ESOL Teacher in the Junior School and also as a boarding intern.

After growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kathryn O’Connell (née Dodge) attended Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. While there she developed a strong interest in travel and majored in Education.

After completing further study in France and Thailand, Kate quickly took to the international teaching scene, with stints in China and Tanzania. Upon returning to teach in Chicago, Kate sat on various select policy committees where her deep knowledge of research-based instruction proved invaluable.

Her interests include eastern philosophy, yoga and organic cooking. After the birth of her first child, Alanna, in August 2008, Kate has found a whole new passion to take up her time.

Sarah holds an MA in English (Uni. of York, UK), a CELTA and a PGCE (Uni. of Sunderland. UK). Additionally, she is studying for two MSc degrees, one in Information & Library Studies, the other in Sustainable Development. She is passionate about sustainability and The Compass Model and aims to promote both, as much as possible, through literature & library sessions.

Sarah’s interests include spending time with her family, dreaming up where they can travel to next, caring for their numerous animals, reading and continuously learning. Sarah started her working life as a Nursery Nurse (NNEB) in England.

Seeking a new challenge she re-trained as a chef (BTEC) and ran a successful catering company for 7 years before selling the business and travelling, together with her family, for 2 years throughout Asia and India.

In addition to IB teaching, she has worked as an English teacher to asylum seekers in the UK, as a humanities, drama, and English teacher on St. Helena and as a Kindergarten teacher in an international pre-school in Bangkok.

The new Senior School Principal is Stephen McIlroy, currently at Yokohama International School in Japan. Stephen has a master’s degree in educational leadership, a BA (Hons) in English, a PGCE and a Cambridge University Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

He is interested in contemporary arts, especially literature, music and art, and has worked with a band to release three CDs. He is a keen skier and footballer - and seems to have collected a small mountain of cookery books to help his other passion - cooking.

He will be joined by his wife, Lizzy and two sons Joseph and James.

Christopher has a BA (HMS) + HDE, from the University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He has taught English, History, and Physical Education in South Africa, England, Kenya, Argentina and India.

In Kenya he was Director of Sport and Outdoor education and a member of the schools senior management. He was also Director of Sport and Physical Education in Argentina and in India he was the schools IGCSE coordinator. He is an IB Diploma History Examiner and has taught at both Diploma and MYP levels.

At PTIS he is teaching English B and B advanced and is the Chairman of the Student and Community Life committee for CIS accreditation. He is a keen sportsman coaching cricket and playing cricket, golf and squash socially. He is also a qualified SCUBA Diver.

Robert has a B.Ed from York University, Canada, and a B.Applied Arts: Geography, Ryerson Polytechnical University, Canada. Robert is teaching Design Technology.

Previously Robert was an International Baccalaureate Middle Years teacher and Science Curriculum Leader at United Nations International School, Hanoi. He gained extensive environmental and outdoor education experience while teaching environmental studies at Toronto Island Summer Schools, as well as at the Toronto Urban Studies Center.

Alison has a BSc (Hons) University of Liverpool, a PhD University of Aberdeen, and Post Graduate Certificate of Education from the Northern College of Education. Ali is teaching IB Biology and other sciences. She was responsible for IGCSE, and for teaching Science and Maths in the International School of Brunei.

Ali began her career as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry and then became an educational researcher in curricula and assessment for European pre-university courses at the London School of Economics, before becoming a Science teacher.

Jon has a BA (Hons) Adelaide University, Dip. Ed, University of New England and is a certified Career Counsellor.

He has extensive experience with the testing and preparing of students for colleges and universities worldwide and has considerable success in helping students attain scholarships. He now brings this experience to PTIS. Jon has also taught history at a number of schools both in Australia and internationally.

At PTIS, he will be the College Counselor and will teach IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK). He is especially interested in sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, cricket, and football.

Marie is an IB Assistant Examiner and an IB Workshop Leader for English B and English A2. At PTIS she teaches English (grades 10 - 12) and loves being a Grade 12 homeroom teacher.

Marie has taught at Lester Pearson United World College in Canada and Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in Swaziland, and most recently was ESL Coordinator and CAS Coordinator at the United Nations International School (UNIS) Hanoi, Vietnam. She's had extensive teaching experience with adults at post-secondary level.

Marie has an MA in Linguistics (University of Victoria, Canada); a BEd in language and literature (University of British Columbia, Canada); and a BA in Literature and Philosophy (University of Saskatchewan, Canada). She has completed PYP, MYP and IB DP training (English A2, English A1, CAS).

A mother of three grown children, Marie's passions are family, travel, reading, fitness and the pursuit of balance in all things.

Harold has a BA in Japanese, University of Colorado, and an MA (TESOL), Monterey Institute of International Studies, USA. For over fifteen years he has taught English in Japanese schools, conducted teacher workshops and also operated his own English language school in Japan.

Apart from his years in Japan, Harold has lived in Zambia and India and traveled world-wide. At PTIS, he will be teaching ESOL.

Lydia will join our English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP). At the Istanbul International Community School, Turkey, Lydia was Head of Language B and taught ESOL in addition to IBMYP and IBDP French and Spanish.

She has been deeply involved in previous schools’ activities having held positions including Teacher Adviser to the Student Council, Orphanage Co-ordinator, Squash Coach and as a member of selection panels and other committees.

In the last year, Lydia took maternity leave but continued private tutoring in English, humanities and languages. Lydia earned a BA with honors in French and Spanish from Middlesex University and PGCE from the University of London, UK. She and her husband, Eric, join the PTIS community with their children Lilly and Callum.

Andrew has a BA (Hons), Acadia University and a B.Ed, University of Ottawa. He also has an M.Ed , Framingham State College, USA and a Certificate in ESLM.

He has taught history in Canada, Venezuela, Egypt and most recently in Japan and is experienced with both IB and AP History programs.

He is active with Model United Nations and his interests include sports, wood-carving, music, and travel.

Sebastién will be our new CAS Coordinator and French teacher. For the past four years, he held similar positions at the Canadian Academy in Japan.

Sebastién engaged students as a CAS Coordinator though Habitat for Humanity building projects which included fundraising with students to lead them to on site experiences in India, Vietnam and Thailand. He is an IB team leader of examiners in French B and presented at the 2007 EARCOS conference in Manila on "Finding Crossroads: An Approach to Teaching Modern History."

His references consistently describe him as an inspiring teacher and promoter of service. Sebastién has an MA in French Civilization and BA in History and Geography from the Université Jean Moulin, France as well as Baccalauréat, Letters and Languages Lycée from Jean Perrin, France. He will also be our Head of Languages Other Than English (LOTE) next year.

Eric has a MS in Mathematics Education from Portland State University, USA following on from his BS in Engineering at Oregon State University, and, Secondary Teaching License from Eastern Oregon University, USA.

He was Head of the Mathematics Department at the Istanbul International Community School in Turkey, where he taught Mathematics and Physics at all levels. Eric also has recent IBDP workshop training in both of these subjects.

In 1997, Eric was runner-up in the Statewide Innovative Teacher of the Year Award and has attended several professional conferences, including the 2007 Physicists and Astronomers Conference in Seattle, Washington, USA.

He has coached soccer and been an active member on many school wide committees throughout his career. He will be Head of Mathematics at PTIS this year.

Paul holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from McMaster University, Canada and a BEd (Hons) from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. He is an IB Assistant Examiner for Chemistry and an MYP (Sciences) Workshop Leader.

Now in his sixth year at PTIS, he has been Head of the Science Department for the past three years and has taught Diploma Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies; MYP Science and Mathematics and IGCSE Science and Geography.

Paul has previous teaching experience in Canada, New Zealand and Australia, where he was Head of Science at Wesley College, a prominent independent school in Melbourne.

At PTIS, Paul has continued to promote a variety of environmental projects for students and education for a sustainable future, drawing on previous field and educational experiences in Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Australasia. He is currently the Chairperson of the Sustainability Committee.

Paul is a keen sportsman, playing soccer, tennis and volleyball. He is also an accomplished ornithologist and often leads field trips in northern Thailand. Paul continues with coaching the U20 varsity football team and has founded a Selects Football Club featuring top players from international schools across Chiang Mai.

Michael Galligan, our new Athletics Director and Co-curricular Co-ordinator, is currently teaching at the American International School in Dhaka (AISD), Bangladesh, where he is the Activities and Athletics Director.

Michael has a MA in business communication and a BSc in mass communications. He is an endurance athlete who has completed twenty marathons, one ultra marathon and has ridden his bicycle across thirteen countries.

He is the author of a book on the largest cross-country bike ride in American history and has participated in many voluntary activities to raise funds for charity or to assist people in rural Bangladesh.

Adam Clissold, from Australia, is currently teaching in Singapore at the International School of Singapore and has also taught in Australia and in the United Kingdom. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a diploma of education.

At PTIS Adam will be teaching Economics. He is a keen sportsman and enjoys baseball, cricket, football, volleyball and rugby union.

Before joining the teaching profession Adam was a coach and trainer at a Melbourne-based company responsible for the technical support to Australia’s Telstra Internet services.

With degrees from Korea’s Ewha Women’s University and The Korean National University of Arts, and certificates in teaching Korean language and a Japanese Language Proficiency Level 3 Certificate, Ahn Hyo-Jin will join PTIS to act as the Korean Liaison Officer and to teach Korean.

Hyo-Jin has taught in institutes and schools in Singapore and Seoul, she has been a private Korean language tutor and in 2005 received a license from the Raja Yoga Association of Korea to teach yoga.

Borys was Head of Drama at the Emirates International School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he was also a teacher of IBDP Theatre Arts, TOK and middle school drama. Borys visited PTIS last year as part of the IB TAPS workshop. In addition to several highly successful school productions, he has also been producer and director of many professional performing arts shows in the Ukraine and Australia.

He has a BA in Educational Theatre from the University of Adelaide, Australia, PGCE from the University of Sunderland, UK and CELTA from Sydney, Australia. Borys has also taught MYP drama, English and ESOL as well as working in intellectual disability services.

Borys believes in fostering creative and intellectual excellence in all his students. He will be teaching Drama, TOK and English B.

Daniel O’Connell was born in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Chicago, Illinois at the age of ten. He participated in many sports in high school before moving on to the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he studied law and history.

After university Daniel worked his way up in two fields which culminated in him becoming a sous-chef at a four-star Italian restaurant and Head of Carat Interactive Ireland (though not at the same time!).

In 2002 he followed his desire to teach and obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Policy and Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. His interests include golf, soccer, American football, reading in many areas and his family.

Emily Wold is at Brent International School in the Philippines where she is the Visual Arts teacher. Emily will be teaching Senior School art at PTIS, drawing on her experience from her bachelor’s degree in visual art and special education, and teaching experience in the USA, Thailand and the Philippines.

She has a strong interest in sport and has been the Head and Assistant Coach for swimming and cross-country running. For several years Emily also worked in the USA with children whose parents were in drug or alcohol rehabilitation.

Fiona has a BSc in geography and psychology and HDE from the University of Natal, Pietermariztburg, in South Africa. She has a Counselling Diploma from the Institute of Natural Health, UK.

Fiona taught geography and guidance counselling in Zimbabwe and for many years was financial director of an agricultural enterprise where she set up and ran a pre-school and a clinic for the employees.

Having lived most of her life in Zimbabwe, Fiona comes with a wealth of knowledge about the developing world, business, agriculture and different cultures. Zimbabwe’s erratic political climate has given her a comprehensive experience in handling emotional trauma, as well as day-to-day teen problems.

She is teaching MYP Humanities, Diploma Psychology, and is the Senior School Counsellor. Fiona is also a member of the Student Support Team.

Jeff attended the University of New Hampshire where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in history. While there, Jeff studied abroad twice, one semester in London at Regents College and one summer in Florence at Lorenzo d'Medici school. He also served as a resident assistant for two years.

After finishing his degree, he spent two years working here at PTIS as a Boarding Intern and then Senior Boarding Intern. He moved back to the U.S.A. last year to complete his Masters and teaching certification at Columbia University Teachers College in New York.

Jeff returns to us this year as a teacher of I.T. (and possibly others) and a Boarding House Parent.

Joel recently taught IBDP English A1 and English A2, English to grade 7 and 9 students and grade 6 drama at the Escuela Bella Vista in Venezuela. He has IBDP training in English A1 and A2 and qualifications including a MA in Educational Technology and BA in English from Michigan State University, USA.

Joel has presented at a number of international education conferences titles including "A Class Website that Works", "Oh, No! Not Lord of the Flies Again!" and "Teaching Shakespeare to ESL Students".

A truly international teacher, Joel has also taught in Lebanon, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA. As he likes to share his learning with others, you are invited to visit his website: www.tallmania.com Joel will teach English in the Senior School.

Jon has a BA in mathematics from Drury University and an MSEd with emphasis in mathematics from Missouri State University. He worked as a private tutor for several years, tutoring middle and high school students in all core subjects, and developing a staff of tutors.

He particularly excelled at preparing students for standardized college entrance exams. Jon then taught high school maths for five years at Central High School, Springfield, Missouri, where he taught IB Math HL, IB Computer Science, computer programming, algebra, and integrated math.

Prior to joining PTIS, Jon was also a landlord of several rental properties, and enjoyed interacting with tenants and helping them with budgeting, employment and character issues.

Jon and his wife have a young daughter. When not playing with his daughter and watching her learn, Jon can be found playing computer games and completing logic puzzles.

Lucy has a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and a PGCE from the University of Southampton. She taught Mathematics first in England , then at the International School Milan, Italy, before moving to the International School Brunei as Head of Maths, where she later joined the Senior Management Team as Curriculum Manager for Sciences.

She enjoys learning languages, skiing and the arts. Lucy will be teaching Senior School MYP and IBDP Mathematics.

Melanie has a BA Hons and PGCE in English Language, Literature and Drama. She qualified in Sheffield, England, and has taught in international schools in Kenya, Argentina and India, where she has had considerable experience of teaching English both as a first and second language.

Melanie will be teaching English Language A and B at MYP and Diploma levels. She loves her subject, and thus loves reading, writing and being creative. More actively she enjoys outdoor pursuits, including hiking, trekking and camping.

Michael has a BSc, Southern Connecticut State and an MA (Ed), Teachers College, Columbia University , USA. He has worked in recent years as a knowledge architect designing interactive e-learning programs for corporate clients in New York, and as an instructional designer with UNESCO, Bangkok.

Michael will be teaching IT at PTIS. He has also taught English Language for youth and professionals in Thailand and the USA, and headed a project for troubled teens in the USA.

Panwara has a B Ed from Chiang Mai University (CMU) in Thai and a Certificate in English from Sukothai Thammathirat University. She is presently studying for a B A at the latter university, majoring in Evaluation and Measurement Education for Kindergarten and Elementary. She is teaching Thai.

Previously she taught Thai at the Demonstration School, CMU and Lanna International School and has completed IB PYP training.

Quinten was Head of Music at the Tianjin Rego International School, China. There he taught Music and ESL in the secondary school. Quinten also organized a number of school concerts and musical productions, as well as initiating private instrumental tutoring with the Tianjin Music Academy. He has prepared students for external examinations in violin, piano and voice. He trained in IBDP Music in order to come to PTIS.

Quinten is a Centre Assessor for Music for Edexcel and Cambridge examinations. Supporting language learning, Quinten has led teachers on a five day cultural and personal development course. He has a BA in Music and English from the University of South Africa, adjacent to his home country of Zimbabwe. Quinten will teach Music from grades 4 to 11.

Relle has a B Ed, Deakin University, Australia and Dip Ed - Secondary, Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She has taught Health and Physical Education, and Mathematics at a number of schools in Australia, the Philippines and Thailand.

She is a qualified coach/referee in basketball, soccer and orienteering, and enjoys playing and coaching all team sports.

Richard will teach MYP P.E. and science at PTIS this year. Richard was employed in the same subjects at the Taupo-nui-a-Tia College in New Zealand. There he was teacher-in-charge of Junior Physical Education and has been teacher-in-charge of Junior Science, Outdoor Education, Endurance Sports and developed and led a cornerstone values course.

Richard earned a BS in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

He has coached many personal achievements as a triathlon and rugby coach, and has participated in endurance sports including ironman competitions and rugby. Richard’s other training includes swim coaching, risk assessment and management for school trips and teaching literacy across the curriculum.

Rob has a B. Eng (Hons) and a PGCE, Staffordshire University. He has most recently held the position of Science Co-ordinator and teacher at St. Stephen's International School, Bangkok. He has previously taught Prince Andrew School, St. Helena Island and Leftwich High School, UK.

His interests include playing the drums, blues harmonica, cycling, walking and camping. Rob will be teaching IB Diploma Physics and MYP Science. Rob has three children also enrolled at PTIS, Lewis, Izaak and Eskie.

Sarah holds an MA in English (Uni. of York, UK), a CELTA and a PGCE (Uni. of Sunderland. UK). Additionally, she is studying for two MSc degrees, one in Information & Library Studies, the other in Sustainable Development. She is passionate about sustainability and The Compass Model and aims to promote both, as much as possible, through literature & library sessions.

Sarah’s interests include spending time with her family, dreaming up where they can travel to next, caring for their numerous animals, reading and continuously learning. Sarah started her working life as a Nursery Nurse (NNEB) in England.

Seeking a new challenge she re-trained as a chef (BTEC) and ran a successful catering company for 7 years before selling the business and travelling, together with her family, for 2 years throughout Asia and India.

In addition to IB teaching, she has worked as an English teacher to asylum seekers in the UK, as a humanities, drama, and English teacher on St. Helena and as a Kindergarten teacher in an international pre-school in Bangkok.

Shan was Head of Department responsible for three Design Technology teachers at the International School of Stuttgart, Germany, where she introduced MYP Design Technology and Computer Technology into the school. Shan has also taught and run workshops for students from grades 5 to 12 and trained in IBDP Visual Arts.

Shan graduated from Charles Sturt University, Australia, with a BA in Fine Arts and completed a Graduate Diploma of Education in Art/Design Technology with distinction. Her work with students includes units on recycled materials design, plastics and student presentations on a redesign of the school playground. She will teach MYP Design Technology.

Sukanya has a BA (Thai Language and Literature), Prince of Songkha University, and recently studied the Teaching of Thai to Foreigners Program, Graduate School, Chiang Mai University.

She has taught Thai at Dara Academy and in recent years Thai Literature and Thai to Foreigners at the Rajamangala Institute of Technology. She will be teaching Thai in the Senior School.

Tiffany has a BBA in Marketing and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary). She is currently studying her M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies - ESL at Bishop’s University in Canada.

Previously Tiffany taught ESL in Korea and Japan and, more recently, at an international boarding school in Canada. For the past five years she held the position of Associate Director of Admissions - Marketing for that school.

She enjoys running, swimming, cycling, skiing, hiking and just being outdoors. She has completed three marathons, including Boston.

In 2003 Tiffany and her husband, Sean, climbed to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Tiffany’s indoor pursuits include reading, cooking, and compiling family photo albums.

Tiffany and her husband, Sean, have two children, Siarra and Kai, who also attend Prem.

Voula joins us from the International School of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she taught IBDP Chemistry, TOK and MYP Science. Additionally Voula has taught IBDP Mathematics, IGCSE Chemistry, Physics and Integrated Mathematics.

She is an IB Assistant Examiner in Chemistry for scripts in English and French, and has attended a number of IB training workshops. Prior to Ho Chi Minh, Voula taught in Colombo, Sri Lanka where she was IBDP Co-ordinator.

In her extensive career, Voula has also taught in Canada, Morocco, Venezuela and Thailand, after graduating with a BS from the University of Manitoba and Teaching Certification from the University of British Colombia, Canada. Voula’s hobbies include amateur radio, chess, astronomy and soap making. She will teach Chemistry and Mathematics at PTIS.

Wannapa has a degree in English and an M Ed in Elementary Education from Chiang Mai University. She was the recipient of an Excellent Teacher Award in 1999.

Wannapa is teaching Thai in the Junior and Senior schools.

From China we will welcome Winnie Wang to teach Mandarin in PTIS. Winnie has a MA in foreign language teaching from the University of Canberra in Australia and a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Beijing Normal University.

She has recently taught at the Clifford School and the American International School in Guangzhou and has been a participant and workshop leader at education conferences in China and Hong Kong.

Yuwadee has a B A, Dip Science Education. She taught English at a bilingual school for 3 years, has been a teacher assistant at PTIS International School for 4 years and has completed IB PYP training.

Yuwadee is keenly interested in environmental education, sport and the arts. She is teaching Thai.

Duenpen Phahonthammasan (Tukta), has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna.

She has a Diploma Degree in Business Computer, Chiang Mai Vocational College.

She is a teacher assistant in Grade 2 and Grade 3, and has completed IB PYP training.

Som has a Bachelor’s Degree from Far Eastern College and a Vocation Certificate from Radjaphat University in Chiang Rai.

She taught K3  for 2 years  at a Thai School and has been at PTIS for over a year. Her interest include reading, music, art, sport, cooking and nature.

Pojanalai Pukrung (Tae), has a Bachelor of Education Degree in Kindergarten, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

She has taught in Thai School for 2 years. She is the ‘Little Explorers’ kindergarten teacher and has also been a teacher assistant in Kindergarten of PTIS for 3 years.

She has completed IB PYP training. Her interests include traveling, cooking and dancing.

Sakate (Kate) Thongthiang has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Linguistics from Naresuan University and has been studying a Masters of Education in English Teaching at Chiang Mai University.

She has been working in the Junior School for over a year and is now working in Grades 4 and 5.

Her interests include traveling, reading and music.

Sarunphorn Prosong (Bank) has a Diploma in Administration, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

She is a teacher assistant and has completed IB PYP training.

Her interests in the arts include craft, mixed media and dance.

Wassana Kheunnin (Ting) is a teacher assistant at PTIS. She is currently working with the Grade 5 classroom. She has also worked with the Kindergarten students and special area classrooms which include IT, ESOL, Music, Thai and French.

She has her Bachelor degree in Information System from Rajamangala University of Technology in Bangkok. Ting also attended the IBAP in-school workshop for the Primary Years Programme in Inquiry.

Her interests include technology, traveling, reading and swimming.

Wassana Jom-ngam (Nok) has a Bachelor Degree of Arts in English major, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

She is a Teacher Assistant at PTIS and currently working with the Grade 1 and Grade 4 classroom.

Wilailuck Abkum (Jum) has been working with PTIS since 2004. She has been responsible for Kindergarten.

She learned business from Sukothai Thammathirat University.

She is trained in English language and Early Childhood Education and has completed various IB PYP training.

Santi Saengtong (Ajarn Santi) Piano tutor and Instrumental Teaching Facilitator, Performer’s Certificate Trinity College of Music, London.

A. Santi is an established piano teacher of over twenty years in Chiang Mai. He also provides tuition on a range of instruments. He appears regularly in concerts and enjoys teaching students of all abilities.

He places great emphasis on students enjoying quality music. His students gain excellent results in exams. Over the years many of his students have won prizes in regional and national piano competitions.

He is part of the PTIS string, choral and performance programme. For music information see Santi Music School

Nuttidar Charoensap (Ajarn Tukta) BA, Rajabhat Institute, Chaiyaphum.

A. Tukta is an experienced piano, violin, viola and cello teacher who has been teaching for five years.

Her students are encouraged to enter the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music examinations.

Chaisitt Chantaloke (Ajarn Goon) BA in Music, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

A. Goon comes with extensive experience in many disciplines, especially woodwind and piano.

This is largely due to his experience in score arranging and as assistant conductor of a symphonic orchestra.

Pattrawut Muti (Ajarn Ake) BA in PE, CMU.

He is a fine musician with extensive experience as a drum and guitar teacher. His students have won many prizes. He is also a well-known competition adjudicator.

A. Ake has made four recordings under the Chiangmai Trinity Music Day One Records labels both as a soloist and also as an ensemble member. He is about to release his fifth album.

Noppadol Chatchakul (Ajarn Boo) graduated from Payap University with a BA in Music in 2007.

He is a piano and voice teacher at Santi’s Music School. He studied voice with Thailand’s well-known pop singer and teacher, Khru Ouan, Maneenut Samerasut and piano with Dr Bennett Lerner.

In March 2005, he was one of fifteen performers who made a recording called Brown Happiness.

He sang "Rak Nee Mee Tae Ther" for the Sony BMG label. His song was the top hit of Thailand Fat Radio and Seed Radio for three months.

David came to PTIS in 2005 as Head of School. He was previously Head of Middle /High School for five years at United Nations International School (UNIS), Hanoi, Vietnam - an IB World School with all three programmes fully implemented.

Amongst David's many contributions there, he played major roles in CIS and NEASC, IB MYP and IB Diploma accreditations and authorisations, and the development of a purpose-built campus for the school. David has also been an Elementary and Middle School Principal in Canada.

David was the founding Director of the Bill Mason Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies Centre in Ottawa, Canada, serving over one hundred schools. He has led a number of student canoeing and mountaineering expeditions in Canada, the USA, and the former USSR.

He has been an Environmental Education Consultant, a guest lecturer at several universities (Queens, Illinois) and a Canadian National Park Naturalist.

David’s work with the IB has spanned twenty-five years. He has taught IB Diploma Biology, Chemistry, Applied Chemistry and Environmental Systems at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (Swaziland), and at the Lester B Pearson United World College of the Pacific (Canada).

David and his wife had substantial residential responsibilities at both of these IB schools. His early teaching was done in the British Columbia public school system.

David has an MED from the University of Ottawa, a BA from Mt Allison University, New Brunswick, and a BEd from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He has also completed leadership training at Harvard University.

A recipient of the Klingenstein Fellowship for 2010, David looks forward to two weeks of intensive reflection and study at Columbia University, New York in January 2010 where he will pursue his commitment to sustainability and further his understanding of leadership in an educational context.

After holding the position of Deputy Head at PTIS for four years Maxine is now very excited to accept the position as Head of School.

Maxine originally came to PTIS in April 2004 on a sabbatical to learn more about the International Baccalaureate. She was invited to return as Junior School Principal/Deputy Head of School in July 2005. As Deputy Head she assumed cross-school responsibilities for the co-ordination of the three IB programmes: PYP, MYP and DP.

She was previously Head of the Junior School at Kardinia International College, Geelong, Australia, a position she held for six years. Maxine was directly responsible for 400 students and 40 staff in this K - 12 coeducational school of over 1500 students.

Previous to this, over 12 years, she held teaching and administrative positions up to Deputy Head at Geelong College Preparatory School, another well-known school.

As a highly respected educator in Australia, Maxine was on the National Executive of the Australian Primary Principals Association. In 1997, she received a National Excellence in Teaching Award.

She was the Quality Teacher Program Coordinator in 2001-2005 in a case study being conducted at Kardinia by the University of Melboume. She was a Member of the Australian College of Educator. She has an M.Ed and a B.Ed from Deakin University.

Maxine is a trained workshop leader and a trained authorization/evaluation visiting team leader for the International Baccalaureate Organization. She has lead workshops or evaluated schools in Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and India.

Chris holds a BA from the University of Queensland and a Secondary Teaching Certificate from the Kelvin Grove Teacers' College. He is an Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) and in 2007 completed his Cambridge University CELTA training with International House in Chiang Mai.

Chris has a solid background as an English teacher as well extensive experience in marketing, admissions and working with parents. He was the Executive Director of the Hutchins Foundation and Director of Development for The Hutchins School, Hobart, an independent day and boarding school for boys.

Chris has extensive experience with events management, alumni relations and working with international agents. He also has a broad base of experience with design, public relations and all kinds of publications.

Lynda was most recently Director of the PTIS Magic Eyes Barge Program in Bangkok. Her involvement with the program spanned over 6 years during which she created a range of popular Primary School trips and saw the program grow both geographically to 10 sites around the country and numerically to over 3,000 visitors a year.

Lynda graduated with a B.Ed and taught for 9 years in the London Borough of Hillingdon. During this time she did part time work as a teacher tutor attached to Hertfordshire University, before moving to Thailand to teach primary science in a bi-lingual school.

Holding an RSA Celta qualification, Lynda has led teams to former Czechoslovakia and to Russia, encouraging young people to speak English and to develop youth programs. She worked with the Girl Guide Association of Thailand to set up pre-schools in northern villages. For many years she has led groups in camping and outdoor activities.

Maen received a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from Assumption University of Bangkok. He also holds a Master Degree in Business Management from the SASIN Graduate Institute of Business Administration, a program in collaboration betweeen Chulalongkorn University, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania.

He began his career with the Bangkok Bank, Headquartered in Bangkok as a lending officer in the property development section. In 1988, he joined Moblex Group Company as an Internal Auditor working with several hotels in the group reviewing and improving internal control standards in their operations.

In 1990, he joined the team setting up and managing the pre-operation of a 5-star hotel in the north of Thailand. His main responsibility was for human resources, housekeeping, food catering, and guest services.

In 1994, he entered into the property development business of Tridhos Group Company as Financial Comptroller responsible for all fiscal matters of the group.

In 2000, he was appointed Business Manager at PTIS in Chiangmai. He has had direct responsibility for Finance and accounting, purchasing, human resources, government liaison, property management, community relations, food catering, and transportation. After serving in positions of increasing responsibility, in 2004, he was appointed General Manager at PTIS.

He manages the overall operations of the PTIS campus. He collaborates closely with the CEO and the COO/Head of School in overseeing the implementation of the strategic development of PTIS. He is a member of the Company's board of directors. He is also presently a committee member of the International School Association of Thailand.

Linda came to PTIS as a House Mother in 2004. Her background is in P.R. and Marketing, having spent fifteen years working with major airlines to set up and run Conference and Event Handling Divisions. For her pioneer work in this field Linda won a Business Woman of the Year Award.

For eleven years, prior to coming to Thailand, Linda and her husband David owned a hotel, with its own cricket pitch in the grounds. They established a school for talented cricketers. This school was registered with the English Schools Board and followed a normal school curriculum with cricket training three to four hours a day after school.

Linda relaxes by writing and has had articles published in International and National newspapers and magazines both here and in England. She has had two factual historical books published in the U.K.

Sean has a BSc., majoring in Biology and Environmental Science, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Education, specialising in Secondary Science. Upon graduation he taught English as a Second language in Korea and Japan.

For the past eight years Sean has been teaching ecology, biology, chemistry and physical science at an international boarding school in Canada where he also held the position of assistant houseparent. He coached American football and alpine skiing; he is a Level III International alpine skiing instructor.

His interests include a variety of outdoor sports (ice hockey, skiing, cycling, golf, hiking, etc.) as well as reading and travel.

Sean and his wife, Tiffany, have two children, Siarra and Kai, who also attend PTIS.

David started his cricket career representing Hampshire, England at the age of 18 in the National Under 25 Tournament. Due to relocation back to Hampshire, he focused on his new venture of building his own pitch in the grounds of his hotel and establishing a school for talented cricketers. This school was registered with the English schools Board and followed a normal school curriculum with cricket training three to four hours per day after school.

In 1993, David obtained his English Cricket Board (ECB) Elementary Coaching Award and in 1998 had rapidly worked his way up to the Advanced Coaching Award. In 1998 he became Head Coach at Dorset and it was at this time that he was invited to join Duncan Fletcher’s elite Level III course.

In 1999, David qualified as a Level III Coach and was a part of the National Coaches for the English Federation Courses. He began specialized coaching and lecturing for the ECB and was awarded full ECB Staff Coach status in 2000. David brings an exceptional wealth of experience to PTIS.

Felicity worked as a Registered Nurse for 12 years specialising in oncology/palliative care, Aboriginal health and acute care.

Felicity was previously employed at Kilmore International School in Australia in the capacity of school nurse for 18 months.

Paul graduated from the University of Manchester in June 2009 with a BA Hons in International Management. The third year of this course gave Paul the opportunity to undertake a 10 month study exchange programme in Singapore, before returning for a final year in Manchester to graduate.

Upon graduating Paul accepted a position as Boarding and Marketing Intern at PTIS and is delighted to extend his stay for another year. Having worked as editor-in-chief on the school yearbook, and implementing the Prem Challenge case competition, Paul is looking forward to furthering these projects over the forthcoming year.

Other roles within the school that Paul will be filling are football, rugby, and cricket coaching as well as helping out in Boarding, a role that Paul particularly enjoys.

In terms of extra curicular activities, Paul has experience in volunteering, coaching of various sports and has held a variety of marketing-related work experience positions.

His personal interests include both playing and watching sports (predominantly football), discovering new music, watching live bands, travelling, and more recently, trying to learn the Thai language!

I grew up in south-east England and went on to study for a degree in Linguistics at the University of Manchester. After graduating in 2008 I moved to Edinburgh to study for an MSc in Publishing at Edinburgh Napier University, where I focussed on international publishing.

During my time at University, I was a member of the University choir and dance society along with being involved in amateur dramatics, the international society and participating in community outreach programmes.

My interests include reading, swimming, music and the theatre, along with travelling as much as possible.

Erica finally succumbed to the education gene she inherited from her parents, after several years of growing up abroad and attending International Schools. While she sometimes struggles to answer the question, “Where are you from?” she has been mostly based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, where she completed a BA in Political Science, and her Bachelor of Education at the University of British Columbia.

Prior to deciding that she wanted to be a teacher, Erica spent an enjoyable year shivering at the Anglo-American School of Moscow, Russia, where she worked as an elementary school intern. In addition to her regular duties, she enjoyed tutoring, working on the school’s first-ever musical (Charlotte’s Web), and coaching Model United Nations - ultimately culminating in trips to Paris and Bath.

When not working, Erica can be found running long distances, writing, or concocting elaborate salads that have at least fifteen ingredients. She is thrilled to be joining the team at PTIS, and looks forward to all of the exciting opportunities Thailand has to offer.

I was born in Landstuhl, Germany, and studied International Marketing and Media Management in the 'International Business Academy' in Heidelberg. After two years I took the opportunity to finish my studies in London, UK, where I graduated from this year with a BA in Marketing at 'Middlesex University'.

During my school days and college years I gained experience in different lines of business through several side jobs and internships. These include work experience with children in a primary school, know-how in photography, fashion selling, promotion as well as marketing and organizing in a model and event agency.

My further interests lie in reading, travelling, diverse cultural activities such as music, art and theatre, swimming and badminton.

I grew up in the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, where I studied social science and economics at college/high school. When I was in college/highschool, I used to play basketball and train children between the age of 12-14 years old in this sport.

After finishing my three years at school, I traveled to London, England to study English for 6 months. I stayed in England and in 2007 I started my degree in Business Administration at Middlesex Univeristy.

During my time at University, I worked part-time in a retirement home, which helped me to understand and gain experience of how it is to work and socialise with people of a different age group.

Spending time with family and friends, travelling around the world, meeting new people and experiencing new things is what I enjoy doing the most. I also enjoy reading books, especially the bible, and I love to interact with children.

I was born in the United States, and grew up outside of Washington, D.C. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University, I decided to try teaching English as a Foreign Language in Thailand, a country I had previously visited on vacation. I worked for about a year at a rural high school in Chanthaburi Province, an experience I really enjoyed.

After my year in Chanthaburi, I moved to Boston and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching English from Boston University. My yearning to return to Thailand proved very strong, and upon completing my degree, I returned to the same school in Chanthaburi Province to teach EFL for two more years.

My hobbies include reading, drawing and running. I also enjoy meeting new people and learning about different languages and cultures. Other than English, I can speak some Spanish, and I have learned to speak Thai. I am extremely excited to work and live in Prem’s diverse community.

Profile coming soon...

I received my Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Education with a Minor Degree in English from the University of Washington in 1998 and am a certified teacher for Primary Education. I have over 12 years combined experience as a teacher in the Seattle and Bangkok metropolitan areas as well as in a remote hill tribe village outside Chiang Mai and have experience working with students ranging from kindergarten to grade twelve.

I have lived in Thailand for four years now, one year in Bangkok and the last three in Northern Thailand. I speak, read and write Thai and am the founder of a non-profit organization that is working to create educational opportunities that will in turn lead to self-sustaining futures for the children of the hill tribe areas of Northern Thailand.

I am a certified white water river guide, licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer and in my free time I enjoy photography, kayaking, snowboarding, skiing, running, rock climbing and yoga.