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Primary

The Primary teaching staff at HeadStart Cherngtalay are truly a remarkable group of individuals. Their dedication to the education and well-being of their students is unwavering. With a strong commitment to excellence, they bring a level of professionalism that is truly commendable. The teachers and support staff at HeadStart Cherngtalay boast a wealth of experience, both in the United Kingdom and internationally, which enriches the educational environment. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise contribute to a dynamic and enriching learning experience for every student.

What truly sets our Primary staff at HeadStart Cherngtalay apart is their tireless effort to ensure the growth and development of each individual pupil. They go above and beyond to nurture not only academic excellence but also social and pastoral well-being. Their holistic approach ensures that students achieve their full potential while also growing into respectful, kind, open-minded, and courageous global citizens. The staff instills a strong sense of community and the importance of making a positive contribution to both local and global communities. Moreover, they are dedicated to fostering an ethos of sustainability, ensuring that students understand and embrace their responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. The combination of dedication, professionalism, and a focus on individual growth makes our Primary staff truly exceptional.

‘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

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Paul Williams

Year 1 Homeroom Teacher
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Hello and sawadee krub. My name is Paul Williams and this is my second time at HeadStart. I taught here from 2016 to 2020 and I am very pleased, and excited, to be back! I was born in Glasgow, Scotland but grew up in the south of England, close to London. I am looking forward to the upcoming academic year and to meeting you all. I graduated in Business Studies at the University of Greenwich in 2001 then worked in the business sector in London for 4 years. I then completed a Primary PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University and graduated in December 2005. Before moving to Thailand in 2016, I spent 11 years working in and around the east of London. I value the role that I hold and take great pride in the work that I do. I believe that being a teacher gives me the opportunity to develop children and ensure that they all meet their full potential. I strive to make my learning environment vibrant and stimulating and a place that celebrates the pupils learning. I believe that it is important to develop independence and resilience in the children I teach. It is essential that the children have fun at school because this will naturally lead to them being engaged in their learning. I expect children to learn to reflect on their own learning and to set themselves goals for the future. I feel that good working relationships are the key to success, with both children and adults. I have a love of travelling and have been lucky to visit a number of places in the World including the Gili islands, Lombok and Bali. I enjoy taking myself out of my comfort zone and have skydived, climbed volcanoes, dived with sea turtles and photographed the Milky Way! I like to eat unusual food and will try almost anything, including insects and wild jungle frogs! As previously said, I am excited about the year ahead and if you ever need to speak to me about any matters then I am always available to sit down and discuss these with you.

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Alicia Guillen

Year 1 Deputy Teacher
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Hello! My name is Alicia Beth Tejero Guillen, though you're welcome to call me Alicia. I am thrilled to begin this new chapter of my journey here at Head Start, where I have taken on the role of Deputy Teacher. It fills me with excitement, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to create wonderful new memories alongside the incredible Head Start Team. My academic journey led me to attain a Bachelor of Elementary Education – General Education degree from Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education, located in Laoag City, Philippines, in 2017. During the same year, I successfully passed the Board of Licensure Examination for Teachers. Furthermore, I am currently pursuing a Master of Education degree with a specialization in Educational Management at the Mariano Marcos State University-Graduate School, still based in Laoag City. My professional background includes four years of experience as a Middle School teacher and a dedicated homeroom teacher within a private school in the Philippines. These years have been invaluable in shaping my approach to education and refining my teaching skills. As my role as Deputy Teacher, I would like to utilize my skills and experiences in education as well as align with my passion for teaching to train and educate young minds. I'm excited to contribute to the creation of new memories and transformative experiences that empower learners to achieve their utmost potential and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

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Kishan Patel

Year 2 Homeroom Teacher
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Greetings! I'm Kish Patel, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the HeadStart Cherngtalay Community in Year 2. I am originally from London, and graduated from London Metropolitan University in 2015. I qualified as a teacher from Brunel University in 2018 and have four years of teaching experience, including teaching in Years 2, 3, and 4. As a teacher, I take immense pride in creating a positive and encouraging learning environment where children are free to express themselves, respect one another, and build a sense of community. My approach includes using music, playing games, discussing emotions, challenging students, and infusing humour into my lessons to make the learning experience enjoyable and impactful. As a child I participated in several after-school clubs and it is thrilling to see the multitude of opportunities provided by HeadStart. I believe participating in extra-curricular activities can be a pivotal factor in a child’s holistic growth, contributing positively to their academic performance and overall development. My interests outside of teaching include traveling, and I have visited many exciting destinations across Europe, America, and India. My recent journey to South East Asia, particularly Phuket, captured my heart with its stunning scenery, delicious food, and friendly locals. I also enjoy playing golf and have represented my club and county at various age levels. While I haven't played as much golf lately, I brought my golf clubs with me to Phuket and am excited to hit the course again. Moving to Phuket is a significant milestone in my career, and while it may seem daunting to be so far away from my loved ones, I am eager to embark on this new challenge. I am confident that this experience will be both professionally, and personally fulfilling. I am excited to meet my new class and embark on a journey of growth and discovery together. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Rey-an Lloyd Bustillo

Year 2 Deputy Teacher
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Mabuhay! I am Rey-an Lloyd Castro Bustillo, but most people call me Rey-an. I am a new teaching staff in HeadStart and I will be joining as a Deputy Teacher for Year 2 at the Cherngtalay Campus. I finished my Bachelor of Arts degree – major in Psychology at the University of the Immaculate Conception in Davao City, Philippines in 2010 and completed my Diploma in Teaching at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City, Philippines in July 2022. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, I worked as an ESL instructor for Korean, Japanese and Chinese students for 2 years and moved to Dubai to work as a receptionist for 3 years. In 2016, I decided to pursue my passion for teaching in Thailand. I was hired as an Integrated English Teacher, teaching Science and Social Studies for Primary 5 students in Assumption College of Lampang and worked there for 7 years. I believe that my years of teaching experience and working with people of different cultures would help me in my role as a Deputy Teacher at HeadStart. As a Deputy Teacher, I will support my students to express themselves, accept them for who they are and embrace the differences of others. I will help and maintain to provide an inclusive, respectful and safe classroom environment where they are free to speak their minds, blossom and grow. I am very excited to embark on this new journey in my teaching profession with HeadStart and really looking forward to be a part of a learning community who inspires a love of learning.

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Madeleine Davies

Year 3 Homeroom Teacher
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Hello! My name is Maddy Davies. I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all students and parents as we embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth together. I am both honoured and enthusiastic to be working at HeadStart Cherngtalay campus in Year 3. I am thrilled to be on this brilliant adventure with you all at the new campus. I was born and brought up in Watamu, Kenya which is a beautiful coastal town in East Africa. My later education took place in Oxfordshire and following this, I did my Undergraduate degree at Exeter University where I studied Sociology, and then completed my Post Graduate Certificate of Education at University College London (UCL) I have taught in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 over the last five years. Most recently I worked in Year 1 whilst simultaneously leading the STEM team and implementing the engineering curriculum. Before this, I taught Year 3, which I loved and am enthused to be returning to. My primary goal is to inspire a genuine love for learning in every student. I firmly believe that education is the key that unlocks countless opportunities. By nurturing curiosity, I aspire to create an environment where students are not just passive recipients of knowledge, but active seekers and creators of it. One of my core values is to ensure that every child feels comfortable, confident, and happy within the school community. I understand that each student comes to the classroom with a unique set of strengths, challenges, and dreams. It's my commitment to provide a safe and inclusive space where every individual feels valued, respected, and encouraged to express themselves. Together, we will foster a sense of belonging that empowers students to embrace their potential and take risks in their learning journey. I am genuinely excited to meet each student and embark on an adventure of discovery, growth, and transformation. Together, we will create a classroom where curiosity is celebrated, learning is an adventure, and every child finds joy in their educational journey. Here's to a remarkable year ahead.

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Luke Cotterell

Year 3 Deputy Teacher
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Hello, I'm Luke Cotterell, and I bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to my role as a Deputy Teacher. I come from South Africa and am a qualified civil engineer and project manager with a strong passion for education. Currently, I am undertaking my Postgraduate Certificate in International Education through the University of Bath, further fuelling my commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences. For the past two years, I've called Thailand my home, where I've been an enthusiastic educator at Lamai International School on the island of Koh Samui. This unique environment has allowed me to cultivate a global perspective that I weave into my teaching approaches. I'm driven by a strong desire to create an inclusive and open-minded classroom where every student feels empowered to challenge themselves, explore their curiosity, and grow. My journey as a civil engineer and project manager has given me insights into real-world applications of academic knowledge. I leverage this experience to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering students a well-rounded education that goes beyond textbooks. As a Deputy Teacher, I'm dedicated to nurturing a love for learning, encouraging critical thinking, and celebrating diversity within the educational landscape. My goal is to inspire a new generation of inquisitive minds, fostering an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and embrace all the opportunities learning has to offer.

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Tarryn Cotterell

Year 4 Homeroom Teacher
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Sawasdee Ka, Privet, Nǐ hǎo, Hola, Hello! My name is Tarryn Cotterell, and I am beyond excited to be the Year 4 Teacher here at HeadStart Cherng Talay. I was born and grew up in the beautiful coastal city of Durban, in South Africa. In 2018 I graduated with Distinction in my Bachelor of Education degree through the University of South Africa. My journey as an educator has been enriched with valuable and varied teaching experiences within South Africa and I have had the greatest privilege of teaching here in Thailand too. I have previously taught in Bangkok and I have most recently spent the last two years as a Year 4 teacher in Koh Samui. As an educator I take the utmost pride in my role, and my commitment, love and enthusiasm is unwavering in all that I do. I strive to cultivate a life-long love and passion for learning within all students whom I have the pleasure of teaching. The Year 4 classroom is a place where students will feel welcomed, loved, and supported wholeheartedly; where kindness, fun and laughter are encouraged and promoted; where achievements and failures are celebrated and where students are actively engaged in their own learning and given the opportunity to progress and explore their own curiosities. I am eagerly looking forward to collaborating with each and every parent to ensure the academic, personal and emotional growth of all our cherished students. Please know that I am always here to assist with any questions that you may have. I look forward to an adventurous year of learning and great success ahead.

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Eldon Ted Lisondra

Year 4 Deputy Teacher
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I'm Eldon Ted Lisondra, an experienced deputy teacher coming from the Philippines, with a vibrant international background. I graduated from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree of Primary Education. Having spent over a decade in Thailand, I've nurtured young minds in the city of Bangkok and also in the province of Phang-nga, specializing in Maths, Science, and Reading. My dedication to education is shown by my leadership in hosting numerous grand school events, fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment. Beyond the classroom, I find solace in nature's beauty, often captivated by sunsets which I capture through my lens as a passionate photographer. My interests are eclectic, ranging from indulging in anime and comedy to mastering the culinary arts of cooking and baking. Fuelled by a linguistic curiosity, I am on a journey to learning languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Russian, French, and Spanish, driven by aspirations to become a polyglot translator. I embody an unwavering commitment to education, global exploration, and creative pursuits, aiming to inspire and guide students while pursuing my diverse interests with unwavering enthusiasm.

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Lindsay Williams

Year 5 Homeroom Teacher
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Hello and Sawadee ka! My name is Lindsay Williams and I am Homeroom Teacher for Year 5. I grew up in a small town called Barrow-In-Furness, in the Lake District. In 2005, I completed a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education and for 11 years I worked as a teacher in London, England, both in KS1 and KS2. For three years, I was also an Assistant Headteacher, responsible for upper key stage 2. In 2016, I moved to Phuket and worked for four years at the Chaofah campus. In 2020, I moved back to the UK and taught for three years in London. After thoroughly missing HeadStart and Phuket, I decided to return and take on the role of year 5 teacher at the new Cherngtalay campus. I recognise individuality in children and will strive to meet the needs of all students and ensure that each child knows they are valued members of my class. I am committed to creating a safe, challenging, stimulating and positive learning environment. I believe it is important for students to develop skills working both independently and collaboratively and I provide a variety of opportunities for students to develop these skills. I have high expectations of my students and hope to inspire their love of learning as I provide opportunities for challenge and understanding. During my previous time living in Thailand, I was lucky enough to visit many places in Asia, including Bali, the Gili Islands, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. My favourite place is still Thailand because of the people, the culture and, of course, the food! I am looking forward to the new school year ahead at HeadStart Cherngtalay, teaching Year 5 and getting to know pupils, parents, and teachers!

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Dianarose Nozario

Year 5 Deputy Teacher
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Maayong adlaw! My name is Dianarose Nazario from Ormoc City, Leyte - also known as the City of Beautiful People in the Philippines. I moved to Phuket last December 2022, and am enjoying it so far. I am thrilled and grateful to be the Deputy Teacher of Year 5 Green in Cherngtalay Campus. I am excited to collect new learnings and happy experiences at HeadStart International School. I earned the degree of Secondary Education - Major in English at Sto. Nino College in the year 2017 and passed the Licensure Exam the following year. I am also looking forward to getting my International Masters Degree very soon. Before joining HeadStart, I previously worked in a Bilingual School in Phuket, but then I realised it wasn’t my true desire. I know I wanted more, and I do know that I deserve more. HeadStart opened their doors for me, and gave me an opportunity to join them and be a part of their growing team. Having the opportunity to work with one of Thailand’s most competitive International Schools is both an honour and a privilege. I am still in awe with how amazing the policy, mission, and vision of the school is. I am looking forward to discovering new things and working in a very healthy environment. I can’t wait to take part in something that I am confident will make a difference in the school’s history, and the students’ lives. I am looking forward to inspiring students to be confident and also inspire them to have the desire to learn and widen their horizons. To encourage students to be strong, and be true to themselves is also one of the things that I want to achieve in this journey. To be a part of their success and bright future is one thing that motivates me to do my best. To support them, and be present when needed is also one thing that I want to do. Outside school, you might find me in a hotel, restaurant or café - singing as a side hustle, or by the street side playing Chess to find a challenge. Most probably, you will find me in my house, either gardening or baking.

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Billy Wakefield

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher
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Hello and welcome to Year 6! My name is Billy Wakefield and I am originally from the East midlands of England, near Leicester. I am really excited to start our new adventure together as the first ever Year 6 class at our new HeadStart Cherngtalay campus! I started my teaching career as a teaching assistant in England, before completing a three year degree in Primary Education at the University of Derby. I have taught in all year groups, spending five years teaching in England and two years in an International School in Spain. The last six years of my career have been spent in Years 5 and 6 and that is where I enjoy teaching the most. I have loved teaching in every school that I have worked at and learned so much from each setting, but am very much looking forward to bringing my passion, experience and energy to our Year 6 classroom at HeadStart Phuket. I am passionate about reading and developing a love for reading. I have read hundreds of books aimed at children in Key Stage 2 so if you ever need a recommendation for a good author, just let me know! I also love writing and am currently in the process of writing my own story, but it’s a tough journey! In Year 6, hard work and fun go hand-in-hand. We will be expected to be resilient learners, who challenge ourselves and take risks in our learning. Although this can sometimes seem scary, we will make sure the Year 6 learning environment is a safe space to try new things and make mistakes, free from judgement. We will work hard to progress not only academically, but in our team, there will be an important focus on developing the key learner attributes to ensure we are ready for Year 7 and the next step in our educational journey. Children learn most effectively when they feel safe, are fully engaged in their lessons and enjoy coming to school. For this reason I work hard to make sure lessons are fun and tailored to the interests of the children in my team. I also believe humour is very important and will try to inject and encourage laughter whenever possible. I can’t wait to get to know everyone in my team and to begin learning lots and laughing lots!

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Jerick M. Superioridad

Year 6 Deputy Teacher
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Mabuhay! My name is Jerick Superioridad and I am from the local city of Tagum in the country Philippines. I am a licensed teacher and graduate of Bachelor’s Degree at University of Mindanao. I also took up Master of Arts in Education at St. Mary’s College of Tagum, Inc. I am thrilled to be the deputy teacher ion Year 6. Teaching is not just a profession for me; it is my passion. I believe that education has the power to transform lives, and I am dedicated to helping each and every one of my students reach their full potential. I have five years of experience in the field of education, and over the years, I have had the privilege of working with students of different ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s in a classroom setting or through online platforms, my goal is to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered. As a teacher, I strive to make learning engaging and enjoyable. I believe in using a variety of teaching strategies and resources to cater to the unique needs of each student. I am firm believer in hand-on activities, group discussions, and interactive lessons that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. But beyond academics, I also believe in fostering personal growth and character development. I aim to instill values such as empathy, resilience, and perseverance in my students, preparing them not only for academic success but also for success in life. I am committed to continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest educational practices and methodologies. I am always seeking innovative ways to enhance my teaching skills and create meaningful learning experiences for my students. Together, we will embark on an exciting educational journey filled with growth, exploration journey and achievements. I am here to support you, inspire you, and guide you to unlock your true potential. Let’s embrace the joy of learning together!

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Josephine Taypoc

EAL Associate Teacher
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Sawadee kha and Mabuhay! My name is Josephine Taypoc. I am from the Northern Philippines and have been living in Thailand for seven years now. In my sixth year at Headstart, I am grateful and excited in taking a new role as an EAL Associate Teacher at the new Cherngtalay campus. At Benguet State University, I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education majoring in General Education. The combined years of experience as an EAL teacher, teaching different nationalities and as a public school teacher, provided me with an avenue for enabling myself to become a more effective and efficient teacher whilst conveying enthusiasm and interest in promoting a fun, dynamic, exciting, and positive learning environment that empowers both the teacher and students to pursue learning. In teaching, I could say that a good relationship is a foundation of a good education where trust is built upon. I believe passionately in knowing the students’ personalities, strengths and areas for development allowing them to explore, unleash and enhance their potential, ignite imagination and instill a love of learning. I am so excited to start this academic year with a blast!

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Johanna Pon-an

AEN Associate Teacher
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Sawadee Kha! My name is Johanna and I’ve been teaching at HeadStart since 2017. I spent 2 years as a shadow teacher, 4 years as a deputy teacher and this will be my first year as a Learning Support Associate Teacher (AEN Associate Teacher). I am extremely excited to meet you all and begin teaching and supporting children at our fantastic school. I am from the Philippines but I have been living in Phuket for eight years now. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education focused on children with Intellectual Disabilities as well as the Gifted & Talented. I also finished my master’s degree in Education major in Educational Management. Currently, I am taking up another master’s degree in Education major in Special Education. I am a licensed professional teacher and have experience with organising learning activities tailored to students with special needs, learning capacities, standards, and Intellectual Disabilities. I’ve been a Homeroom Teacher in a Bilingual School here in Phuket and my two-year broad experiences exposed me to many different teaching philosophies that have ultimately helped to shape my own personal philosophies for teaching and education. I love learning new things and always try to stay up to date on the latest teaching practices. As a special education teacher, I believe that every child is special, unique and has the ability to learn in distinct ways. Every student can learn best when he/she is engaged and having fun. It is the responsibility of the teacher to discover each child's strengths and weaknesses and use this information to promote learning and development. I believe that parents and teachers should work together as partners to help provide an education that encourages students to pursue academic excellence to the best of their abilities. In addition, it is important to provide children with a warm, safe, and inviting learning environment where they can play, discover, and grow. With an appropriate classroom and the proper guidance and instruction, I believe young children will develop a positive attitude towards education, along with the self-confidence and independence necessary to become successful adults in the future.

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