教育團隊

Mr. Shantz is excited to begin his seventh year at HAS, where he serves as a teacher and counselor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Toronto, where he also completed doctoral work focused on the sociology of knowledge. He recently finished his counseling certification through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

At HAS, he teaches AP Psychology, Drama, and Modern World History. Alongside his teaching, he leads the school's counseling program and its behavior support policies. He is also one of the teachers who designs, implements, and teaches the advising program, which is being rebuilt this year so that each grade level gets something suited to where students actually are. This year he takes on a new role as advisor to the Student Council, and he is looking forward to working with such a talented group of student leaders.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Shantz enjoys playing guitar, running, doing yoga, and spending time on the basketball court. He is a proud father; his son Bryan graduated from HAS and remains a big part of his life. He loves being part of the HAS community and is ready for another meaningful and memorable school year.

Ms. Fu is the fifth-grade homeroom teacher at HAS. She holds a teaching license from the state of Florida and a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from Penn State. She is passionate about English literacy in international classrooms and is especially interested in blending and balancing Eastern and Western cultures to create a holistic learning experience for her students.

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Before joining HAS, Ms. Fu taught for ten years at international schools in China. Throughout her career, she has taught first-, third-, and fifth-grade students in international school settings, serving both as a homeroom teacher and an English Language Arts teacher. Her experience has given her a broad understanding of literacy development and the diverse needs of students in international classrooms. 

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Beyond the classroom, Ms. Fu has coached high school girls’ varsity volleyball and served as a curriculum coordinator, further developing her leadership and collaboration skills.

Outside of school, Ms. Fu loves spending time with her dog, Belly. When she’s not cuddling with Belly, she enjoys going to the gym, watching sitcoms, and solving crosswords. She brings her passion for learning, leadership, and cultural connection to her classroom every day.

Ms. Chen brings an educational perspective shaped by experiences in both Taiwan and Canada. She is a British Columbia Certified Teacher for K–12, specializing in secondary mathematics, and has more than a decade of teaching experience in accredited international schools in Taiwan.

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In addition to teaching mathematics, Ms. Chen serves as the Director of College Counseling, supporting students in Grades 9–12 with academic planning, university preparation, and admissions to institutions around the world. She is also a CAP Level 2 Accredited Counsellor and a British Council UK Certified Counsellor, bringing a thoughtful and student-centered approach to academic and post-secondary guidance.

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Beyond education and counseling, Ms. Chen is an accredited Chinese-to-English translator and interpreter recognized by the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia. Her diverse professional background reflects a strong commitment to communication, cross-cultural understanding, and helping students prepare confidently for an increasingly interconnected world.

Outside of school, Ms. Chen enjoys playing the flute in wind bands and exploring different cultures and educational experiences. As the parent of a daughter attending a Japanese school, Ms. Chen continues to broaden her appreciation for diverse languages, perspectives, and approaches to learning.

Mr. Wu joins Hsinchu American School as a designer and educator committed to inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers. With more than a decade of professional experience in graphic design, UX/UI, branding, and data visualization, he brings a strong industry perspective to the classroom and encourages students to see art and design as powerful tools for communication, problem-solving, and personal expression.

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In his studio classroom, Mr. Wu emphasizes experimentation, visual thinking, and purposeful design. Students develop technical skills while learning how creative work can communicate ideas, respond to real-world challenges, and express individual perspectives. His teaching approach combines exploration with practical application, helping students build confidence as both artists and thoughtful designers.

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Raised and educated in New Zealand, Mr. Wu earned a Bachelor of Media Design as well as diplomas in Digital Media and Graphic Design from Media Design School in Auckland. Together with his teaching experience in Taiwan, his professional background allows him to bring an international and contemporary approach to art and design education.

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Outside the classroom, Mr. Wu is an avid photographer, traveler, and sports enthusiast who enjoys basketball, football, and Formula 1. He also enjoys visual culture, music, and sharing creative ideas with students.

Mr. Loi is delighted to return to Hsinchu American School after a two-year hiatus spent with his young daughter. He is excited to be back in the classroom, reconnect with returning students, and welcome new members of the HAS community. This year, he teaches AP Literature and Composition, British Literature, AP Human Geography, and Grades 6 and 7 Physical Education.

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Across his classes, Mr. Loi encourages students to think critically, communicate thoughtfully, and engage actively with ideas and one another. He strives to create a collaborative, engaging, and respectful learning environment where students feel comfortable participating, asking questions, and developing their own perspectives.

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Born and raised in Southern California, Mr. Loi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Literary Journalism from the University of California, Irvine. He later completed a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching with an emphasis on English Language Arts, also at UC Irvine. His background in literature and education shapes his focus on close reading, meaningful discussion, and strong analytical skills.

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Outside the classroom, Mr. Loi enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Taiwan’s outdoors, and developing his movement practice. He is delighted to return to HAS and looks forward to a rewarding year of learning together.

Mr. Gonzalez is delighted to join Hsinchu American School and contribute to its international learning community. Born and raised in Córdoba, Spain, he studied English Language and Literature and broadened his academic experience through exchange programs at the University of Barcelona and Université Paris 8. These opportunities helped shape his international outlook and interest in cross-cultural learning.

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After working in language academies and as a private tutor, Mr. Gonzalez began his international teaching career in China and later moved to Turkey, where he lived for seven years. He has spent the past three years in Taiwan, continuing to grow as both an educator and learner. He holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Humanities from the UOC and a PGDE in Secondary Education from VIU.

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Beyond education, Mr. Gonzalez is a multidisciplinary artist working with sound, video, text, and installation. His creative practice explores experience, perception, and environment through observation, field recordings, and artistic experimentation. He brings this same sense of curiosity and creativity into the classroom, encouraging students to explore ideas from different perspectives, make meaningful connections across disciplines, and approach learning with confidence, imagination, curiosity, and an open mind throughout the school year and beyond with purpose and confidence.

Ms. Rodriguez is excited to begin her fourth year as a member of the HAS community. This year, she will be teaching 6th Grade Literature and Writing, High School World Literature, English Language Development (ELD), and History of Film. In addition to teaching, she will serve as the Middle School Advisor and Guidance Counselor, supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development. She is also the 6th Grade Homeroom Teacher and will continue leading the Middle School Student Council as its advisor. 
 

Originally from Southern California, Ms. Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from California State University, San Bernardino. She also holds teaching credentials in K–12 English as a Second Language (ESL) and secondary English Language Arts (ELA) through Washington, D.C. Before moving to Taiwan, she spent ten years teaching in South Korea, where she worked with students from elementary school through university.

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Ms. Rodriguez is passionate about creating a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported and challenged to grow. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, cycling, discovering new foods, and anything related to penguins and cats. She looks forward to another exciting year of learning and helping students thrive at HAS.

Mr. Cavill joins Hsinchu American School as an experienced international educator with a passion for literature, writing, philosophy, and critical thinking. With more than a decade of teaching experience across Australia and Taiwan, he encourages students to look beyond the “right answer” and instead ask thoughtful questions, consider multiple perspectives, and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Originally from Australia, Mr. Cavill earned a Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics from Griffith University in Brisbane, majoring in Mandarin Chinese. His career has taken him from language education in Australia to many years in bilingual and international schools in Taiwan, experiences that have shaped a teaching philosophy centered on meaningful discussion, strong student-teacher rapport, and helping students develop their own intellectual voice.

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In the classroom, Mr. Cavill strives to create an environment where students feel comfortable questioning assumptions, exploring complex ideas, and expressing themselves thoughtfully through both discussion and writing. He believes that literature and the humanities can help students better understand themselves and the wider world. 

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Outside of school, Mr. Cavill enjoys reading, traveling, basketball, and exploring philosophy, history, international affairs, and different cultures. He looks forward to helping HAS students become thoughtful readers, capable writers, and curious, engaged citizens.

Ms. Manuel is delighted to join Hsinchu American School, where she teaches Middle School English, History, and Geography. She enjoys helping students discover connections among literature, history, geography, and the world around them, encouraging thoughtful questions, critical thinking, and engagement with different perspectives.

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Having grown up in Saudi Arabia and later making Taiwan her home, Ms. Manuel brings a strong international perspective to the classroom. She has lived and taught in Taiwan for more than ten years and has over fifteen years of teaching experience across Taiwan, India, and the United Arab Emirates. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Madras, a Master’s degree in English Literature from IGNOU, and a CELTA teaching qualification from the University of Cambridge.

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Throughout her career, Ms. Manuel has taught learners from elementary through senior high school, taught academic English at the university level, and supported K–12 students through curriculum development and personalized academic coaching. Ms. Manuel enjoys creating welcoming classrooms where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and growing in confidence as readers, writers, and thinkers. She hopes every student leaves her classroom with greater curiosity, confidence, and an appreciation for lifelong learning.

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Outside school, Ms. Manuel enjoys historical fiction, classic literature, exploring Taiwan, and painting. A self-taught artist, she especially enjoys experimenting with acrylic and gouache while exploring new techniques.

Nick Javier is excited to join the Hsinchu American School community and looks forward to inspiring students through a lifelong love of music. He teaches Elementary Music, Middle School Music, and High School Band and Orchestra. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the American art form of jazz, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, improvisation, and learning through active music-making. While he values all musical traditions, he believes jazz provides students with unique opportunities to develop confidence, critical thinking, and strong ensemble skills.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Michigan, Nick earned a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, Netherlands. He brings more than ten years of international school teaching experience, having worked with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

Outside the classroom, Nick remains an active and sought-after performer throughout Taiwan as the leader of The Nick Javier Group (The NJG). He has shared the stage with many of Taiwan's most celebrated pop artists, including Jay Chou and David Tao. Nick is passionate about connecting his professional performance career with his teaching, helping students develop both musical excellence and a lifelong appreciation for the arts

Mr. Solomon is excited to begin his first year at Hsinchu American School as the Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher. He teaches Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies and enjoys creating an engaging classroom where students learn through curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections across subjects.

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With a strong background in the arts, Mr. Solomon enjoys integrating visual art, music, and creative expression into the elementary curriculum. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University, Stanislaus, and later studied for two years at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy. His professional experience has also included work with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the University of California, Berkeley.

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Mr. Solomon began his education career as a primary school teacher in South Korea before moving to Taiwan in 2023. He is a licensed K–3 educator through Washington, D.C., and brings perspectives shaped by experiences in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

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Originally from California, Mr. Solomon has family ties to Hawai‘i. He enjoys playing ukulele with students and has performed with them at the Taiwan International Ukulele Festival. Outside school, he enjoys surfing, martial arts, baseball, learning languages and pursuing creative projects.

Ms. Tucker is excited to begin her first year at Hsinchu American School, where she teaches Grade 7 Literature and Writing, Creative Writing, Grade 10 American Literature, and U.S. History. She is passionate about helping students become thoughtful readers, confident writers, and curious learners who are willing to question ideas and consider different perspectives.

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Ms. Tucker holds an Illinois teaching license in English Language Arts for Grades 9–12 and a Master of Arts in Linguistics. Her background in language and literature shapes her classroom approach, particularly her emphasis on close reading, clear communication, meaningful discussion, and thoughtful written expression.

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Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ms. Tucker has spent approximately fifteen years teaching internationally in China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. She has lived in Taiwan since 2018 and is excited to make Hsinchu her home for the first time. Her international experience has given her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, perspectives, and learning styles.

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Outside school, Ms. Tucker enjoys reading, listening to records, learning Spanish, and practicing the cello. She looks forward to creating a thoughtful, creative, welcoming, and respectful classroom where students explore ideas, ask meaningful questions, and grow confidently as readers, writers, and thinkers.

Mr. Rakesh  will commence his fourth year of teaching high school Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Sciences at Hsinchu American School. Mr. Rakesh has a Ph.D in Biological Sciences from National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and a teaching credential from Moreland University, Washington, D.C. Mr. Rakesh Ph.D  studies expanded his knowledge of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, which still influences his curriculum development and instructions.

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For more than a decade, Mr. Rakesh has taught middle and high school students across Taiwan and China, gaining a deep understanding of diverse learning styles and educational needs. He has guided students through both local and international academic programs, supporting them in achieving success in competitive exams, university preparation, and science competitions.

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Mr. Rakesh believes that strong, dependable relationships between teachers and students form the foundation for effective learning. In his classroom, students are encouraged to collaborate, think critically, and explore beyond the textbook. He is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and confident in expressing their ideas.

Mrs. Sliger is excited to begin her fifth year at HAS and is thrilled to be teaching both 1st and 2nd Grade. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Exercise Health Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her passion for movement and physical well-being began at a young age, and she is dedicated to instilling this same love of movement in her students, guided by the belief that a healthy body and a healthy mind exist in balance, one supporting the other. This passion is one of the reasons she's especially excited to lead the yoga club again this year.

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She obtained her teaching certificate from the University of West Florida, specializing in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages), and has a M.A. in Education with a focus on Educational Technology from Louisiana State University. She has also recently earned a certification in Children's Mental Health Fundamentals from The Institute of Child Psychology, deepening her understanding of childhood brain development and equipping her with valuable insight into how to best support her students' individual growth and learning needs.

Mrs. Sliger's love of travel began at just fifteen years old, when she took her very first trip abroad. That experience sparked a lifelong desire to see the world, and it is what ultimately led her to pursue a career in international education. She has been teaching abroad since 2009, with experience in South Korea and Poland. However, she has spent most of her career in Taiwan, which she now calls home. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, cycling, reading, and baking.

This will be Mr. Thompson’s ninth year at HAS. He will be the homeroom teacher for grade 4 and will be teaching them Math, Science, Social Studies, Writing, and Reading. Mr. Thompson will also be running after school clubs and very active in sports activities at school all year long.  Mr. Thompson is the basketball coach and soccer club leader and he enjoys nothing more than giving guidance to young learners.

Mr. Thompson earned his Bachelor of Arts with a History major and English minor in 2006. He earned his Bachelor of Education in 2017. Mr. Thompson is from eastern Canada, but has been living in Taiwan for 16 years. He has also taught in an immersion program for six years teaching English full-time to Taiwanese students. Mr. Thompson is a father of two and loves being a dad!  Mr. Thompson is very active and loves hiking, sports, and playing board games whenever possible with friends and students alike. He focuses on creating a fun and entertaining learning environment for his students.

Ms. Tsai is entering her ninth year at HAS, where she brings her enthusiasm for mathematics to a wide range of high school courses, including Algebra 2, Physics, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus AB/BC. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she leads the Math Team, guiding students to build confidence and skill in tackling complex mathematical problems.

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Her academic path began at the University of Sydney, where she earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, and minors in Applied Mathematics and Physics. Before transitioning to education, she built a strong professional background working in multinational corporations, where she collaborated with colleagues from around the world.

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With every lesson, Ms. Tsai strives to empower her students, equipping them not only with mathematical knowledge but also with the confidence and critical thinking skills needed to navigate life’s complexities.

Mr. John joins Hsinchu American School as a Middle School Math and Science Teacher, bringing nearly two decades of teaching experience across the Caribbean and Taiwan. Originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he has called Taiwan home for more than eleven years and brings a strong appreciation for the diverse cultural and academic backgrounds of international learners.

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He holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Kun Shan University of Science and Technology, as well as an Associate of Arts in Mathematics and Science Education from Teachers’ College in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As a licensed secondary Mathematics and Science teacher, he has prepared students for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, a rigorous regional examination comparable to the British GCSE.

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Mr. John believes mathematical and scientific thinking are essential life skills, not simply academic requirements. His classroom approach emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. He strives to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and learning through challenges. He looks forward to helping HAS students approach Math and Science with curiosity, independence, and the confidence to solve problems successfully both inside and beyond the classroom.