Languages

Our Languages team is composed of dedicated professionals, each bringing unique expertise to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. As you scroll through the pictures below, you’ll discover the faces behind the lessons and events.

‘Throughout the school, teachers’ subject knowledge and understanding of how students learn are strong. Relationships between students and teachers are positive. The ratio of qualified teachers to students, especially in the early years and lower primary classes, is high. ‘Deputy’ teachers, who are fully qualified teachers in their home countries, support class teachers. Due to their expertise, they make a significant difference to the rates of progress that students make. Teachers know students well and assess them accurately. This enables teachers to plan work that matches the ability of individual students and caters well for their varying needs.’ Education Development Trust (EDT) Accreditation Report, June 2017

Square 12c7aea8 1dfa 49f1 8969 48baaaa9d321

Piyaporn Saensaeng

Thai Teacher

[email protected]

My name is Piyaporn Seansaeng. My nickname is Joom. I was born in Mahasarakham. I graduated from Khonkean University with a Bachelor’s Degree ,faculty of Arts in 2004 , major in Thai. In 2008, I joined an Au pair programme in America. I worked as a babysitter took care of 2 American girls. After finishing the programme in America I joined an Au pair programme in Norway in 2010. I gained a lot of experiences from these two programmes. On my return to Thailand, I worked at Somapapattna School for 1 year and Ascot International School for 1 year. Then I worked as a Thai Language teacher at Assumtions English Programme School for almost 10 years. I was awarded an Outstanding Private School Teacher Award in 2021. I love being a teacher and spending time with students. When I look back from the first day to the end of the academic year, I see how much they have grown and achieved multiple skills that make them a successful person which made me happy. I am now a new teacher at HeadStart International School since May 2023. I have learnt a lot about teaching techniques. I hope to be part of School success and be a good role model for the students in both academic and ethics. I am thankful to work here at Headstart International School Phuket.

Square 3f79c71d 6e5c 4979 8899 76f9b5d27898

Apinya Jekphu

Thai Teacher

[email protected]

Hello, My name is Apinya Jekphu and my nickname is Kru Way. I attended Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, where I achieved my Bachelor of Biology in Science. After that, I enrolled in Graduate Diploma Program in Teaching Profession, in Phranakhon Rajabhat University Bangkok, after which I have officially earned the teaching license from the Teachers’ Council of Thailand. My teaching style focuses on student orientation where students can freely share their ideas, experiences and knowledge. I also encourage my students to be independent and develop their critical thinking. Besides that, my responsibility as a teacher is a source of knowledge, gathering information and transferring it to my students. Time goes by so fast; my seventh years at HeadStart International School went very well. I enjoyed teaching and seeing my students developing Thai language skills. So, this is my fourth year working here and I am happy to continue working with great colleagues and students. Thank you all colleagues, parents, and students at HeadStart International School.

Square 8f07baf2 9baa 46c6 928a 1e9024cd186a

Suriyaporn Thipmongkol

Thai Teacher

[email protected]

My name is Suriyaporn Thipmongkol. My nickname is Tee. I graduated from Phuket Rajabhat University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 2012 I have taught Thai Language for Kindergarten for 7 years at Kajonkietsuksa School, 2 years at Thalang Wittaya Kindergarten and another 2 years at Northeastern University. Working as a Kindergarten teacher, I gained a valuable teaching experience working with young children from different backgrounds across several key learning areas. As an educator, it is essential to constantly seek out new ideas and techniques to help students learn and grow and I believe that a good foundation for future learning includes thought process, morality, and ethics which will have an impact on the children’s development and learning, in order to fit into society happily. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the professional team of educators. I am extremely ready for teaching Thai First Language in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2. I am looking forward to provide a positive learning experience for students, parents and our team.

Square 3226f329 c2df 4bfe ab55 f8a561cd6a45

Wen Xing

Mandarin Teacher

[email protected]

Hello, I am Wen, born and grew up in China. I hold a literature master degree from Tianjin Normal University. During my spare time, I study drama in education, attend communication workshops, take part in eco-games workshops and WWF environmental education. I am an enthusiastic and dedicated Mandarin language educator with a unique approach to teaching that is deeply rooted in promoting holistic education. Having had the privilege of teaching at Tianjin Jinghai School, affiliated to Beijing Normal University for 2 years, I am committed to creating an immersive learning experience that goes beyond textbooks and exercises. I firmly believe that language is a gateway to culture, history, and personal growth. As a firm believer in holistic education, I go beyond textbook learning to cultivate a deeper understanding of Mandarin. Just as I approach my travels, I treat each lesson as a voyage of discovery. I encourage my students to explore the cultural genes hidden within the language by delving into the history, customs, and traditions that shape its essence. With a focus on embracing the local language during travel, I emphasize that true connection with a culture can only be achieved through linguistic understanding. Traveling is not only a passion of mine, but it also serves as an essential source of inspiration for my teaching. My insatiable curiosity about the unknown propels me to create a classroom environment where questions are celebrated, and exploration is encouraged. Your stories and experiences become invaluable tools for our collective journey. Together, we will unlock the profound connections between language and culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the essence of Mandarin and the world it encompasses.

Square 7e8dd317 f344 4465 98b2 4abd62adac6d

Yuru Qiao

Mandarin Teacher

[email protected]

你好 (nǐ hǎo), hello, sawasdee ka. My name is Yuru Qiao. I am the Mandarin second language teacher. I come from Henan province, where the famed Shaolin Temple resides. I earned my Bachelor's degree in management in China and my Master's degree in education from the University of Glasgow. I also possess the China National Teacher Qualification Certificate and the Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. Prior to my move to HeadStart, I taught Mandarin as a second language in Buriram, Thailand, Mauritius, and China for 5 years. I also have 2 years of experience teaching online. My students come from various countries, including Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mauritius, South Korea, Germany, Greece, and Tahiti. This attests to my ability to adapt to different cultural contexts. The teaching and living experience I had in Buriram was wonderful, and that's where I got to know Thai people and found that they are incredibly friendly. It was during this time that I made the decision that I would come back one day. I believe that learning a new language is a way to open the door to another world. In my classroom, I am keen to utilize various methods, such as singing, playing games, drawing, and role-playing, to engage with students and ensure they feel comfortable and relaxed while learning. I believe that each child has unique potential, and as a teacher, exploring their interests and strengths provides essential support. Feel free to ask me questions or share your thoughts – I'm here to make our language learning journey a rewarding one!

Square d93d7fef 27bf 4673 8e71 08648ddc4384

Sabina Kiiamova

Russian Teacher

[email protected]

Hello! My name is Sabina and I am glad to join the HeadStart family this year. I graduated from the Pedagogical University in Russia. I worked as a psychologist in the department of foster families. I have experience working as a speech pathologist with children of preschool and primary school age. In addition, I worked as a teacher in a Russian school. Thus, I have experience working with all age groups of children. My goal as a teacher is to ensure the study of the subject in a comfortable environment for the student. If the child feels trust in the teacher and in the team, is not afraid to ask or make a mistake, takes the initiative, this means that he can make progress in studying the subject. My diverse background allows me to create a nurturing learning environment where every student can thrive. Let's explore the fascinating world of Russian language and culture together! In addition to my teaching background, I am an avid traveler and reader. I believe that learning a language is a journey, and I draw inspiration from my own experiences to inspire my students.

Square d689b3b2 4f76 4b47 97be 94b0588405f7

Benoit Paillett

French Teacher

[email protected]

Bonjour and hello. My name is Benoit and I’m 27 years old. I’m from Toulouse, known as the pink city, in Southern France. I will teach French as a second language for Primary in the Cherngtalay Campus. It’s my first year at the HeadStart International School and I’m really excited to discover this amazing school and to start a new teaching adventure. It’s also my first year in Thailand and I can’t wait to discover the island and the whole country. I’ve worked for 3 years in the French educational system, after that I flew to Argentina to teach French to adults. That new experience permitted me to fulfil my goal, having a life full of teaching, traveling and discovery. Now I continue that dream teaching in a new country, both at HeadStart and at the Allaince Française of Phuket. The two main things that drive me to travelling and education is my love of foreign languages and my desire to discover new peoples and cultures. Those interests are what I want to share with my students. In my classroom, I want to create with students an atmosphere of enthusiasm and curiosity. My goal is to inspire a lifelong love for the French language and cultivate cultural sensitivity, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

Default 4dc4830b b6a9 4398 8a43 b2827ce58132

Default 8b63266f 1d5e 4479 8635 9fd4e3dcdf2f

Default f064f010 782f 45c2 8c22 61b4bb0cdf5b

Default cda37e10 5767 4c87 9748 95d7b2bedbe9

Default 288e8bd1 da42 4211 baf4 9d7557deca7b

Default e5e0accd cdfa 4fe4 8b7b 7bd7189fa5b3

Default c1e478c2 232a 4edc 9f6f b9e14670fd34

Default 4fc2d169 731f 4e38 882b 7e5c0ac7b8e0

Default 95a1e377 f695 43ae 9a9c 9b54158dfc6e