Welcome to SNA Marianapolis

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to SNA Marianapolis International School. We are a blending of international Schools of North America and Marianapolis Preparatory School bringing a nearly 100-year tradition of American education at its finest to Bien Hoa, Vietnam. It is an honor to lead our highly qualified faculty from around the world ensuring that your children learn to become global citizens of the 21st century as well as gain strong academic skills, knowledge, and understanding that goes hand in hand with 21st-century skills.  

I believe that school leadership is responsible for living and breathing its mission and values. Our mission is one that emphasizes academic excellence and a commitment to faith in humanity by building character, compassion, and integrity. As an educational leader and professional, I work diligently to be fair, open, and honest and lead as an example to the school community and stakeholders. I am transparent with faculty and staff that my educational philosophy is one in which I believe students can take ownership of their education. This student-centered approach to teaching and learning has served me well in the past three decades as an educator and leader. Out of this comes one of my strengths in continuous school improvement. As a lifelong learner, I attempt to constantly improve my knowledge and be relevant to the current practices and standards. I possess two master’s degrees (MEd and MSW) and have obtained an International Leadership certificate. 

When I began my teaching experience in the last century, the emphasis from leadership, experienced teachers and professors alike was to keep the class quiet, studious, and in control. As a school leader, I now find that good teachers have students who are engaged, are positive in interactions and communication and there is a palpable “buzz” going on in the room. Good teachers vary the learning environment, have clear and concise expectations (academic and behavioral), and allow students to have some input in their learning journey. I think that striking the right tone is something that good teachers strive for throughout their careers. However, in today’s education world, it is important to give students some choices in their learning. Good teachers give choices. As a school leader, I can see that students are gravitating towards those classrooms where the teacher makes a connection with the students, that are warm and inviting where the teacher is perceived as fair to all, and those classrooms that vary the teaching methods.  

You will find that our teaching methods are progressive, modern, and student-centered at SNA Marianapolis International School. The days of rote memorization and repeating back have changed to days where students have voice, choice, and ownership of their learning. I look forward to meeting parents to explain my educational philosophy and how SNA Marianapolis International School strives to be a center of learning and growth academically and personally with each student. This can be seen as our students show great character whether playing football against rival schools, cheering on peers at assemblies, or simply collaborating with classmates during lessons. 

Again, welcome to SNA Marianapolis International School. We would be delighted to show you all that it offers from our spacious classrooms and labs to our 680-seat auditorium, our sporting and arts facilities, or our happy students and talented faculty.