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Elementary School Faculty

Mr. Frano Leka Ivezaj

Elementary School Principal

I worked for The Detroit Public Schools District in Michigan-USA for 30 years.  For 11 of those years, I was an English teacher; and for five years, I was a Bilingual Specialist.  During my other 14 years’ tenure with DPS, I was an Assistant Principal (6 years), Principal (6 years) and then promoted to Assistant Superintendent (2years) in charge of 20 schools in Detroit.  For the district, I created the Department of Multilingual Multicultural Education made up of: Office of Bilingual Education, Foreign Languages, and Social Studies.

I have written several books, including one in Albanian, articles and cultural brochures for the city of Sterling Heights, MI. In 2014, I decided to join international education.  I was one of 10 worldwide-selected trainers to prepare Principals and Assistant Principals of 100 public schools in Malaysia for 21st century teaching and learning. Afterwards, I worked for one year as a principal of a Swedish school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, working closely with the Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia to turn over the school to parents. For three years, I was the principal of British International Schools of Kurdistan-BISK.  During my tenure, it was ranked number one among 37 non-governmental schools.  This past school year (2021-2022), I was the principal of International Kingdom College in Cairo, Egypt.

My educational philosophy is that all students can learn and will learn if presented with the opportunity to do so. Students learn at a different rate and have different learning styles. Thus, I am experienced in providing the professional development training to teachers in ensuring that they can impart that knowledge to their students.  I firmly believe parents, teachers, and school administration must work cooperatively and collaboratively to ensure students’ academic success and inspiring them to be lifelong learners.

I am married and have two children Kristale and Lindon.   I am the proud grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren: Arra Serafinë, Tiger Rrok, and Bron Nduë. My daughter Kristale is a journalist, and is married to the Mayor of Prishtina, Kosovo award-winning Kosovar-British architect Përparim Rama.  They are dedicated to improving life in Prishtina for its population of 210,000, and subsequent generations. I am proud of all that they and I have achieved with love for my family.

I look forward to working at Yangon Academy International School with parents, staff, and students to ensure a world class education in the heart of Myanmar.

Mrs. Jonah Mari Vanilla Albelda Villafuerte

Kindergarten Teacher 

Hi! My students called me Teacher Vanilla and it’s my great privilege to be a faculty member of our school. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Biological Science. I also earned 18 units in a Master of Arts Program in Education, majoring Educational Administration. I am a Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT) under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines.  As an educator with a noble profession in the field of education, I have been teaching Kindergarten, Elementary and High School in Private and International Schools in the Philippines and Myanmar for 11 years.

Teaching has always been my passion, as it reveals my inner desire to develop students’ cognitive, sensory and affective skills in teaching and learning processes. My skills in painting & drawing and my talent in dancing make for exemplary models when teaching students with varied and creative academic activities.

With my educational qualifications and teaching experiences mentioned, I believe that I can impart my professional teaching skills efficiently and effectively to my students so that they may achieve their level of competencies in various academic areas.

Mr. Kameren Kory Lund

1^st Grade Teacher 

I always love the first day of school better than the last day of school. The firsts are the best because they are beginnings. The first day of school is the first day of life, as well. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” Frederick Douglas perhaps understood the value and relevance of early childhood education. Early childhood education is focused on the critical developmental milestones, skills, and concepts that children attain during this period of their lives, from social-emotional skills to the beginnings of numeracy, literacy, and critical thinking. More research shows that young children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development greatly affects their overall development as an adult. My passion is developing or cultivating early childhood education.

On behalf of the teachers and myself, we extend a warm welcome to all our pre-school families.  I believe that your child’s first school experience is critical in determining his or her desire to learn; therefore, impacting their academic success later in life. We work diligently to create a positive learning environment that sets a strong foundation for the future.

Ms. Aarthi Auxilia Dawson

 2^nd Grade Teacher

My name is Aarthi Dawson. As I am stepping into my 22nd teaching year I’m really excited to meet my students and their families. I’m sure it’s going to be an exciting year of being creative, innovative and exploring new things and have some great learning experiences.

I have been an international educator for the last 16 years. Teaching and living in a different culture and country than your own is a very rich and rewarding experience. I have taught in the UK, India and Vietnam and travelled to many other places which has made me a positive global citizen.

I have a Masters in Psychology and a Bachelors in General Education. I also a passionate learner so I enjoy studying and have completed my Certification in Educational Technology. SUNY, US. I am a certified Seesaw Ambassador and a Google certified educator.  I am certified practitioner in the British Dyslexia Association. Surrey, UK and a certified Special educator from the University of Roehampton, London, UK. I also hold a Certificate in English Language Teaching.

University of Cambridge, ESOL Examinations Center ; UK and certified in teaching ESL students in the mainstream classrooms. Government. of South Australia. Recently, I have completed my certification in Curriculum and Instruction from the Teacher Leader Institute, Miami, USA.

In my personal life I’m and a mother of two beautiful children. In my spare time I listen to music and read books. I’m excited and looking forward to the new school year.

Mr. Joshua LynnRice

3^rd Grade Teacher

I’m originally from Michigan, USA, but I’ve spent my adult life living all over the world. I received my degree (BA in Sociology) from a small liberal arts college and my teaching license from Moreland University. I’m currently enrolled in an online graduate program in educational technology.

In 2009 I began my teaching journey as an ESL teacher in Taiwan. In the years since I’ve taught or volunteered in 5 other countries (Vietnam, Thailand, UAE, Nicaragua, and Honduras). I spent the last 2+ years teaching in a variety of online classrooms.

My role is to show the right path and prepare my students to walk it. I focus on fostering an environment of inclusiveness, social, emotional and lifelong learning, collaboration, and communication. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment.

I love exploring the diverse cultures of the world through travel. I enjoy cooking healthy meals, living an active lifestyle, and playing/watching sports.  Outside the classroom, you may find me reading, writing, or watching a documentary.

I’m ready to learn. That’s why I became a teacher.

Ms. Zara Schoeman

4^th Grade Teacher

I am a South African and has 7 years of teaching experience.  I was for 5 years a grade 4 class teacher, in South Africa, and 2 and a half years a secondary teacher in China.  I am very passionate about Math and Science.  In my opinion, students learn best when doing things hands on.  I have overseen mathematics for 3 years whilst teaching in South Africa.

I love the outdoors and being in nature.  I love any type of sport and always keen for hike in nature.  My hobby is to be creative and create new ideas and things, reading books and study relevant topics to equip me for life. I have recently read “The Seven Sisters” saga written by Lucinda Riley, and “The Whole-Brain Child” written by  Dr Daniel G. Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson.

I believe that every child should be evaluated in their own capacity and should not be part of a stereotype scenario.  Every child has their own strengths and weaknesses, and a person should focus on that.

Mr. Iain Howerd George

5^th Grade Teacher 

After nine years in the UK Royal Air Force, I returned to further education, and qualified as a teacher in 2003. Since then, my teaching career has taken me to Thailand, South Korea, and for the last thirteen years, here in Yangon, Myanmar.

I am an avid reader, keen gardener, lover of the great outdoors, undiscovered artist, and lifelong supporter of Liverpool F.C The books I have read recently were Fiona Mozley – Elmet, Esi Edugyan – Washington Black and Richard Powers – The Overstory.

I am thrilled to be joining Yangon Academy, and I eagerly await the beginning of term and meeting all of my new students, fellow teachers, and school staff.

Yu Ma Ma Aung

Physical Education Teacher

Hello, my name is Yu Ma Ma Aung and I am a Physical Education teacher. In 2011, I was selected to represent in a Burma selection of basketball at the 26th Sea games in Indonesia. I have a level 2 coaching certificate from FIBA – Asia Development Plan of Coaching clinic, which is under the International Basketball Federation. As a Physical Education teacher, I have worked for 3 years at Pride International School Myanmar (PISM). This is my fifth year at Yangon Academy. I look forward to many more years teaching at the Yangon Academy.

Smile @ Pyone Pyone Khin

Computer Studies

I am Pyone Pyone [email protected] Smile. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Dagon University, Diploma in Computer Studies (International Diploma in Computer Studies (IDCS), and the International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IADCS), UK. In addition, I hold a Diploma in Business Administration, UK from Themes Management Centre. Addition that, I have a Diploma in Business English Course and Diploma in Human Resource Management Course IQN, UK from Myanmar Management Institute. I have completed an accountant course MYOB Level 2 & Level 3 (UK) from the KMD Computer Centre. Moreover, I have a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from SIS ELT Institute.

I have 13 years’ experience in the Computer Field. Earlier, I worked at TOTAL Learning Academy, and I have over 8 years teaching experience at Primary level. I will again be teaching computer classes for Elementary students, as a computer teacher at Yangon Academy. My goal as a teacher is to improve my students’ education and help them grow knowledgably.

I am committed to helping my students succeed, achieve more, and continue onto higher education. I motivate students to do their best and extend their own personal limits. I am a teacher because I enjoy hard work and helping others in finding success. I feel that one of my greatest strengths as a teacher is the ability to meet each student unique needs by having an in-depth understanding of their abilities and needs. I enjoy watching movies, reading books and travelling.

Kyaw Khaing Htun

Music Teacher

6 years of experience as a Music Teacher, 10 years of experience as a Music Producer. I am Kyaw Khaing Htun. I had already graduated my Bachelor of Arts and started my career as a musician and a teacher in 2012. I have also worked as a self-employed mixing and mastering engineering for over nine years. Now I am in Yangon Academy as a music teacher. I fell in love with music and music teaching. It’s like, my world revolves around music. Although I am a music teacher, I want to be a teacher that my students can relate to in every aspect of their life.

I enjoy Music, Reading and Sports. I have recently read the book: Letters from Father to his Daughter by Nehru.

I am excited to see what lies ahead with my career. By teaching beautiful music to the next generation, it will help in terms of morale and in their mentality, it is my hope that I am able to achieve enough to make a difference, not only in the lives of the students in my classes at that particular time, but also to impact their lives far into the future. As a result, this will help make the future of our world a beautiful place.

Lwin Lwin Khine

Myanmar Studies Teacher 

Hello! I am very glad and excited to be a Myanmar Studies Teacher at Yangon Academy this year! In 2005, I graduated from Yangon Institute of Economics with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) I also received an International Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, IDBA, NCC (UK) from Thames and Informatics Management School. In 2012, I attended an Early Childhood, Care and Development Course at the Ministry of Education. In 2014, I was awarded a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from London Teacher Training College. I am a naturalist and I love to do community service. In the past I worked with Helping Hands Community Service Group, (Schooling Project) the project helped poor Myanmar families send their children to school. I also spent my summer holidays teaching English to students at Monastic schools. In addition, I am a TExT Program trainer. This program helps give Teaching Training to the teachers from Monastic and Nunnery Schools.

I have been working at Yangon Academy for over eleven years as an Assistant Teacher in Kindergarten, Grade 2, Grade 4, Grade 5 and Middle School. This is my 2^nd year as a Myanmar Studies teacher in Elementary.

I am very happy to work at Yangon Academy and look forward to do so for many more years. I would like to be part of the team that supports our Yangon Academy students achieve their brightest future.

Chit Phu Ngon Nyunt

Myanmar Studies Teacher 

Hello, I am Chit Phu Ngon Nyunt. I’m a Myanmar Studies teacher in the Elementary school. In 2010, I graduated from the University of Yangon with B.A in Economics. I have a diploma in TESOL, Global English, and SEAMEO English. I am very proud to teach my language at Yangon Academy, and this is going to be my thirteenth years in YA.

I also have teaching experience with TexT (The Teacher Exchange and Training Program) in preparation for nunnery and monastic school teachers and consult to various native school teachers within the Yangon Region for the development in the education system and school reform.

My favorite part about my job is that every day brings something new, and no two days are the same. Therefore, I am committed to have differentiated instruction in my class with a variety of opportunities for my students’ to achieve their goals. Nevertheless, learning a language involves repetition, constant work, and memorization skills. I love knowing that my job is to help children achieve their full potential and strive for greatness. However, not only do I teach them, but they also teach me every day, too; therefore, I take advantage of all experiences to implement my teaching methods.

When I am not at work, you can find me spending quality time with my friends and family, enjoying my new love for a workout at the gym, and traveling.

Tin Tin Khaing

Art Teacher 

I am an Elementary Art teacher at Yangon Academy International School.  I have a Bachelor degree in Art from National University of Art and Culture, Yangon, Myanmar.

I have been teaching art for 14 years. I taught Primary School Art at Basic

Education Primary School (Insein) from 2007-2015. I then taught Primary and Secondary Art at Crane International School Myanmar (CISM) from 2016- 2019.This is my third academic year at YAIS.I am VERY excited to teach here.