Meet our
Faculty Members
Welcome to our School
Ad Astra! To the Stars
Director Emeritus
David Miller
Working together with students, clubs, parents, teachers, and others each year we seem to set the standard higher each time. We are quite honored to have in our midst such resourceful and sensitive teachers working in close collaboration with our polite, collaborative, and creative students. All this planning and action coheres into a very special family-oriented environment that makes Yangon Academy; an extraordinary place to study.
School Director
Mike Gordon
To the YA International School Community, it is a great honor for me to serve as School Director for the 2025-26 school year. As YA International School celebrates its 21st Year, I am eager to support and serve our wonderful parents and students as well as our dedicated teachers and staff as we collaborate toward “making a positive difference in a diverse and ever-changing world.” Our united mission this school year will be focused on achieving excellence, of taking care of one another, and of serving our communities.
I am excited to be on this journey with you all!
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Let’s Go Wolves!
Secondary School Principal
Blake Rodabaugh
Originally from Idaho, USA, I’ve spent the past 29 years working in international schools across the globe—South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Qatar, Kuwait, Cambodia, China, Nigeria, Jordan, Pakistan, and soon, YA International School.
My leadership philosophy is rooted in flexibility and responsiveness. Just as students thrive through diverse learning styles, so too do the support needs of staff, students, and families vary. I’m guided by two metaphors: the shepherd and the tour guide. In both instances sometimes leading from the front, sometimes supporting from the rear to ensure no one is left behind, and often stepping to the side to allow for exploration, while remaining watchful and ready to support.
Academically, I hold a B.A. in Education from Idaho State University and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Michigan State University and have completed all coursework (ABD) for an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
On a personal note, I’m the proud parent of five children and five grandchildren, spread across Idaho, Washington, Pakistan, and at home with my wife and me. I’m a lifelong motorhead with a passion for anything on wheels, especially street rods and custom bikes. I love hitting the open road, seeing new places and feeling the wind as I ride. I’m also a movie buff and avid reader, especially drawn to sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian stories.
I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to the learning, collaboration, and growth we’ll share on this journey together.
Assistant Secondary School Principal
John Lancaster Beck
At YA International School, I serve as Assistant Secondary School Principal, bringing more than 20 years of teaching experience and 15 years of senior leadership across international and U.S. school settings. My work is guided by a commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and developing a strong, future-ready secondary school community.
I hold an M.A. in Educational Administration, an M.A. in Military History from the University of Wyoming, and a B.A. in History from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, along with IB experience in secondary education. I have served in leadership roles from Head of Department to Head of School, which has shaped a strategic and systems-driven approach to school leadership.
My professional background spans Montessori through secondary education, allowing me to lead with a clear understanding of curriculum progression, instructional quality, and whole-school alignment. I believe effective leadership is rooted in visibility, collaboration, and accountability, and I value being actively engaged with teachers and students in the learning process.
Having lived and worked across Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and the United States, I bring a global perspective and cultural awareness to my leadership. I am passionate about building learning environments that challenge students academically, support their wellbeing, and prepare them to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly changing world.
ECC & Elementary School Principal
Johannes Jacobus Dippenaar
Embarking on my third year at YA International School, I am honored to assume the role of ECC & Elementary School Principal for the 2025–2026 academic year. Originally from South Africa, I have dedicated my career to education, with a strong foundation in Math and Science instruction. It is a privilege to serve as a guiding presence for students, parents, and teachers.
Since 2009, my journey in education has encompassed a range of leadership roles across various schools. I served internationally as the Academic Quality Controller at SABIS Sun International School in Baku, Azerbaijan, beginning in 2021.
I am deeply passionate about student growth and place great value on meaningful collaboration with parents and staff. My approachable nature and sense of humor have helped me build strong, lasting connections within every school community I've been part of.
Despite the increasing demands of administration, I remain actively engaged in the classrooms, enjoying the collaboration with teachers and students.
As I step into this new chapter, I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of YA International School, and to enriching the dynamic environment that makes our school so special.
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