Teachers

Ms. Burden is in her eighth year at HAS, serving as WASC coordinator, middle and elementary school chair, and teaching Sport, Exercise, and Health Science, Life Science, and elementary PE. She also advises the Middle School Student Council and is the 6th-grade academic advisor.

A South African native, she holds a bachelor's in Human Movement Science from North-West University, a PGCE from the University of South Africa, and a Master’s in Education from The College of New Jersey. With 13 years of teaching experience in Taiwan and a background in ESL education, she previously taught and coached sports in South Africa. She enjoys the outdoors in her free time.

Mr. Bangs is thrilled to be joining HAS this year. He will be teaching 6th World History, US History, Journalism, British Literature, and MS Study Skills. He also will be advising the Camping Club and the Homework Club for this 2024-2025 school year.

Mr. Bangs is from Milwaukee, USA and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor's in History and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. He has also earned his teaching license from the State of Wisconsin in four subject areas. He previously taught in Taiwan from 2018-2022 and is delighted to be back. When not teaching, he enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his rabbits.

Mr. Bangs is looking forward to a fantastic year with the HAS students and community!

Mrs. Ferris will be entering her fourth year at HAS. Last year, she taught 5th grade and led the elementary drama club, but this year she will lead the elementary Wolf Pen Club which focuses on reporting, writing, and publishing work for the school magazine. She will continue teaching 5th grade and looks for this 2024-2025 school year.

Mrs. Ferris is from Seattle, USA, and graduated from Washington State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her teaching journey began in South Korea in 2011, but she has spent the last 10 years teaching in Taiwan with her husband. She earned her teaching certification in Upper Elementary Language Arts through Moreland University. In her free time, she enjoys being a mom, watching crime shows, reading, playing games, and traveling.

Mr. Ferris is excited to return to HAS for his fourth year. This year, he will be teaching marketing, Weather Science, Business Math, and AP Economics. He has 10 years of experience teaching and traveling in Asia, but has spent the majority of his time overseas in Taiwan.

Mr. Ferris was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and received a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Economics from The Ohio State University. He loves learning new things, playing competitive games and sports, and taking care of his amazing daughter and wife.

Mr. Boas is thrilled to join HAS as a music teacher, instructing Elementary and Middle School music, as well as Film Score, Pop Music, and Band for High School. He encourages students to explore, analyze, perform, and compose across diverse genres, from Classical to K-pop.
 

Born in Brazil to a Polish family, he holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Michigan State University and master's degrees in music performance, theory, and musicology. With over 10 years of teaching experience across Brazil, the US, and Taiwan, he is passionate about music education. In his free time, he enjoys learning languages and exploring music online.

Mr. Jaeger is very happy to be back at HAS for a second year as this year’s Computer Science, PE and Physics teacher.
 

With a Master's in Industrial Engineering and a wealth of experience as a software developer in innovative fields such as AI and blockchain, he brings a unique blend of academic and practical perspectives to teaching.

He is excited about sharing his passion for software development, fitness and the natural world with the students and looks forward to a fun and enriching school year.

Mr. Kensinger joins HAS as Principal, bringing over 20 years of experience in K-12 international education. Originally from San Francisco, he is committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive school environment.

He holds a bachelor’s in Philosophy from Colby College, master’s degrees in Education and Educational Leadership, and is completing a doctorate in International Education Leadership. He is also a licensed teacher and administrator in Washington State.

Excited for the year ahead, he looks forward to leading HAS—Go Wolves!

Mr. Kudra is in his fifth year as the 2nd-grade homeroom teacher at HAS, where he teaches Reading, Writing, Science, Math, and Social Studies. Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, he has lived in Hsinchu for six years and has over 15 years of teaching experience in Taiwan and South Korea, primarily with K-6 students.

He holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University, a Master’s in Education from Moreland University, and an elementary teaching license from Washington D.C. He brings energy and enthusiasm to his classroom and looks forward to a fantastic year at HAS!

Mrs. Lai returns for her fourth year at HAS, teaching Elementary and Middle School Art, AP Studio Art, Painting and Drawing, and Modern-Contemporary Art History. With over 15 years of experience in art research and education, she values art as a universal language and a tool for critical thinking, emphasizing creativity and experimentation over the final product. She also collaborates with local museums and artists to enrich student learning.
 

Born and raised in Houston, she holds a B.A. in Art History from Oberlin College, an MBA from National Chiao Tung University, and a teaching certification from The College of New Jersey. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, good food, meditating, and the art of doing nothing.

Mr. Cam (Mr. Murphy was already taken) is returning for his third year at HAS. He is teaching 6th, 7th, & 8th grade Social Studies, Modern World History, and AP Modern World History. He will be serving as the director of the Model United Nations.

Born and raised in Southern California, Mr. Cam earned a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies Learning & Teaching and a Social Studies/History Teaching Credential. He has been teaching in the US and abroad for the last six years. 

Mr. Cam enjoys traveling, hiking, playing guitar, and reading.

Ms. Muñoz is thrilled to join the HAS English Language Arts program, teaching AP Literature and middle school Literature and Writing. She is inspired by the talented scholars and educators at HAS.

With nine years of experience teaching English Literature, Language, and EMI Global Issues in Taiwan, Turkey, and Chile, she is completing a PhD in English Literature at National Taiwan University. She holds an M.Sc. from Trinity College Dublin and a B.A. in English from Purdue University. Having worked with institutions like NYU and the UN, she is committed to fostering a safe, compassionate, and engaging learning environment.

Mr. Merck is very pleased to begin teaching at HAS this school year. He is teaching middle school math, computer science, and PE.

Mr. Merck grew up near Atlanta, GA in the United States, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology. After graduating he taught in China for several years before moving to Tainan where he worked as a teacher as well. During his time in Tainan, Mr. Merck also conducted research on effects of urbanization on local wildlife at NCKU where he received his master’s degree.

In his spare time Mr. Merck enjoys playing banjo, training Brazilian Jiujitsu, and spending time in nature.

Mr. Pérez is excited to continue being part of the HAS family as the Spanish teacher for eight consecutive years. Mr. Pérez received his Bachelor degree in Engineering of Opto-Mechatronics and Materials at the University of Chung Hua located in Hsinchu, Taiwan. He also studied a master’s degree in Technology Management and Business Administration at the same University.

Mr. Pérez is from Mexico and has been living, studying, and teaching in Taiwan for over 10 years. Before arriving in Taiwan, he also lived in Montreal, Canada for three years. His thrilling experience of learning languages such as Spanish, English, French, and Chinese awakened a passion for teaching and sharing the Hispanic Language and Culture.

Mr. Rakesh is excited to begin his second year at Hsinchu American School, teaching high school Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Food Science.
 

He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from National Sun Yat Sen University and a teaching credential from Moreland University.

With over a decade of experience teaching in Taiwan and China, he is passionate about fostering collaboration and creating a supportive, respectful learning environment where students thrive.

Ms. Rodriguez is excited for her second year at HAS, teaching 6th Grade Literature and Writing, High School World Literature, and ESL. She will also serve as the Guidance Counselor and co-advise the Middle School Student Council.

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Originally from Southern California, she holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Education (TESOL) from CSU San Bernardino, and an English Language Arts teaching certification. She taught in South Korea’s public schools for 10 years before moving to Taiwan.​ 

Passionate about education, travel, cycling, and penguins, she looks forward to fostering a positive learning environment and exploring Taiwan.

Mrs. Román is entering her fifth year at HAS, teaching high school Introduction to Literature, American Literature, Introduction to Writing, Creative Writing, and College Essay. She will also serve as the 12th-grade academic advisor.
 

She holds a Master’s degree with dual certification in Special Education and English (grades 7-12) from Long Island, NY. With over a decade of teaching experience in the U.S. and Asia, she continues to pursue professional development.
 

An avid reader of nonfiction and mystery, she also loves music, dancing, biking, and travel. This summer, she backpacked through 12 countries and has cycled both Taiwan’s East and West coasts, hoping to continue her cycling adventures worldwide.

Mr. Shantz is entering his fifth year at HAS, teaching Sociology, AP Psychology, Drama, and AP Research. He also continues as a guidance counselor and assistant coach for the boys' basketball team.
 

He holds an MA and has completed doctoral coursework in sociology at the University of Toronto, specializing in the sociology of knowledge and education. With over a decade of teaching experience in Canada and Taiwan, he brings passion and expertise to his classes.

In his free time, he enjoys running, basketball, and reading.

Grateful to be part of the HAS community, he looks forward to another great year. Go Wolves!

Ms. Sheu is looking forward to her second year in the HAS family as the Middle School and High School Science teacher. Ms. Sheu will be teaching 6th grade Earth Science, 8th grade Physical Science, Marine Biology, AP Environmental Science and Global Issues.

She was born in Southern California, but grew up in Oregon. Ms. Sheu holds a B.A in Life Science and an M.A. in STEM Education from King’s College London. She also completed her teaching certification at King’s College London and has taught in the UK and other international schools for the last six years.

Ms. Sheu has a passion for education, meditation, and yoga. She sets high expectations for her students and hopes to bring the joy of learning to her classroom

Ms. Sheu is looking forward to her second year in the HAS family as the Middle School and High School Science teacher. Ms. Sheu will be teaching 6th grade Earth Science, 8th grade Physical Science, Marine Biology, AP Environmental Science and Global Issues.

She was born in Southern California, but grew up in Oregon. Ms. Sheu holds a B.A in Life Science and an M.A. in STEM Education from King’s College London. She also completed her teaching certification at King’s College London and has taught in the UK and other international schools for the last six years.

Ms. Sheu has a passion for education, meditation, and yoga. She sets high expectations for her students and hopes to bring the joy of learning to her classroom

Mr. Thompson is entering his seventh year at HAS as the 4th-grade homeroom teacher, covering Math, Science, Social Studies, Writing, and Reading. He will also lead after-school clubs and participate in school sports activities.
 

Originally from eastern Canada, he holds a B.A. in History and English (2006) and a B.Ed. (2017). With 12 years in Taiwan, including six in an English immersion program, he brings rich experience to his classroom.

A father of two, he enjoys hiking, sports, and board games, creating a fun and engaging learning environment for his students.

Ms. Tsai is entering her seventh year at HAS, teaching Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalculus, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus AB/BC. She also coaches the Math Team and co-advises the 9th grade with Mr. Jaeger.
 

She holds a B.Sc. in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics from the University of Sydney. Before teaching, she worked with multinational companies, gaining global experience.

Passionate about math, she strives to equip students with the confidence and skills to tackle life’s challenges.

Mr. Dennis is in his second year as the 3rd-grade homeroom teacher at HAS, covering Reading, Writing, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies.
 

Originally from Canada, he has 19 years of teaching experience across Canada, Taiwan, Mexico, and Bahrain. He holds a B.A. and B.Ed. from Queen’s University and a Master’s degree, with a thesis on Cooperative Learning in the Elementary Classroom.
 

With experience as a Curriculum Coordinator and Elementary Department Head, he fosters a cooperative, fun, and safe learning environment. He enjoys traveling, hiking, swimming, cycling, river tracing, and scuba diving.

Mr. Chaperon is the French teacher for the tenth consecutive year at HAS.
He is from Nantes (a city in western France) and has been living in Taiwan for thirteen years.

He studied Secondary Education in Nantes and graduated in 2000. He also obtained an academic degree in BTS Force de Vente (specialization in Professional sales qualification).

He simultaneously did Writing Classical Music studies in the conservatory of Nantes. He has played pipe organ since he was 15 years old