Jeffrey Kane: English Language Arts, Grades 7 and 8
Jeff has worked in the Phnom Penh education system since 2006. Originally from the US, with a BS in journalism from Northwestern University and a Masters from Vanderbilt in Independent School Leadership, Jeff has spent his career fulfilling many educational and administrative roles, primarily at East-West International School. This is Jeff’s second year leading Liger’s English Language classroom, and he has also taken on the role of Athletics Director and boy’s basketball coach.
Sokha Nen: Khmer Literacy, Grades 7 and 8
Sokha has worked at Liger since 2014. His background is in Khmer Literature, with a Bachelors from RUPP and the highest level teaching certificate (Bachelor+1) in Khmer Literature and History from the National Institute of Education. Sokha has taught Khmer language to Grades 6-12 at various points during his decade at Liger, and has also led several project-based learning modules. Sokha has supported students in organizing and running multiple on-campus events, including two Khmer Literature and Culture Festivals, several Khmer Model United Nations conferences, and more. Finally, Sokha is the author of the Liger Khmer Literacy Curriculum, encompassing Grades 7-12.
Jeffrey Boucher: Mathematics, Grades 7 and 8
Jeff has worked at Liger since its first day back in 2012. Originally from the US, Jeff graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and received his Masters degree in Education from Lesley University in Boston. During his tenure at Liger, Jeff has taught all levels of math, from pre-algebra to Advanced Placement (college level) Statistics. Jeff has also facilitated dozens of project-based learning modules, from environmental science projects on native bees, the water cycle, and ecotourism, to overseeing the writing of the first volume of the Cambodian Economy book, and running our 2023-2024 robotics program. Finally, Jeff is the author of the Liger Mathematics Curriculum, encompassing Grades 7-12.
Alvern Tesorero, Grade 7 Life Science and Grade 8 Earth Science
This is Alvern’s first year at Liger. He graduated from the University of the Philippines with a BS in Chemistry and has a Masters in Marine Plastics Abatement from the Asian Institute of Technology. Alvern has a diverse career background that includes stints in tech support, software engineering, chemistry, sales, and lab sciences. He has tutored, lectured and taught at the university level, and has worked extensively in the field of research.
Bunthan Un: Explorations, Introduction to PBL, and Personal Organization and Wellness — Grades 7 and 8
Bunthan has worked at Liger since 2014. Prior to working at Liger, Bunthan worked at PSE, a French NGO, as an English teacher for three years and then as the English Team Leader/Supervisor for three years. Bunthan has a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Cambodian Mekong University (CMU). Additionally, Bunthan earned a Master’s in Education from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (2015). Since beginning his tenure at Liger, Bunthan has steadily risen to expert level in our project-based learning curriculum, leading more day trips, overnight trips, and Explorations than any other staff member. Bunthan has facilitated massive, cornerstone Liger projects, including a two-year initiative planting 10,000+ trees, with funding and support from the Ministry of Environment. He has ideated and implemented successful Explorations and impact projects with individuals, small, and large groups, and has played a huge role in building our network with various ministries. Bunthan was instrumental in the recruitment of our second cohort, and rose to Head of Recruitment for our third cohort of scholarship students.
Keith Simpson: Explorations, Financial Literacy, Public Speaking and Debate — Grades 7 and 8
Keith has worked at Liger since 2016. His background is in finance and economics, with a degree in Economics from New York University. After an extensive career in big banking, including at JP Morgan, Keith expatriated to Cambodia in 2008. In his time at Liger, Keith has spearheaded the development and implementation of our Entrepreneurship program, leading first and second cohort students in Explorations on topics including lean start-ups, waste management, and economics and infrastructure. Additionally, Keith was instrumental in the writing and publishing of the Cambodian Economy Book: Volume Two. Keith has supported students in preparing for external competitions such as RISE and the national Business Model Competition, hosted by NUM. Under Keith’s guidance, we have had multiple teams place in the top three of the BMC across several years. Finally, Keith is the author of the Liger Entrepreneurship Curriculum, encompassing Grades 7-12.
Maya Merrill: Explorations, Digital Design, Creative Arts — Grades 7 and 8
This is Maya’s first year working at Liger, and she comes to us through the Princeton in Asia program. Maya graduated in June 2024 from the University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, located in the US. Maya earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Product Design, as well as Minors in Multimedia, Global Service (concentration in Environment) & Science Communication. Before coming to Liger, Maya did study abroad stints in both France and Japan, and held internships in research and design.
Magdalena Bak: Explorations and Computer Programming — Grades 7 and 8
This is Magda’s first year working at Liger, and she comes to us through the Princeton in Asia program. Magda graduated in May 2024 from New York University Abu Dhabi with a Bachelors of Science in Bioengineering. Before coming to Liger, Magda was a Curriculum Development Intern at iMagi Labs, working to design an engaging Python curriculum for beginner middle school students, including lesson plans, learning objectives and assessments, blending educational goals with interactive content. Magda also did study abroad stints in both Shanghai and Bangladesh.
Sovannary Rith: Explorations, Introduction to PBL, and Personal Organization and Wellness — Grades 7 and 8
Sovannary graduated from Liger in 2020, and went on to major in philosophy, political science and economics at the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh. Nary completed her degree from AUW in July of 2024 and promptly moved back to Cambodia. While at university, Nary was a research assistant for the women’s resource center, and also worked remotely as a content creator and sales manager for a Cambodian business. With her background as a Liger student, she is invaluable in supporting Bunthan with the 7th graders during Introduction to Project-based Learning, as well as co-facilitating Grade 8 Explorations.
Phanna Hun: Explorations, Financial Literacy, Public Speaking and Debate — Grades 7 and 8
Phanna has a degree in Business Enterprise, and prior to working at Liger, worked in Community Development at Serve Cambodia for four years. He has also worked in education supervision, overseeing the development of a program that met students using a holistic approach similar to the one used at Liger: understanding that emotional well-being, physical health, and academic success go hand in hand. Phanna has been an excellent complement to Keith in the Grade 7 classroom, able to support the understanding of several students who struggle with their English comprehension, and leading lessons under Keith’s supervision.
Souyeth Kret: Explorations, Digital Design, Creative Arts — Grades 7 and 8
Souyeth is a graduate of Liger’s class of 2020. Due to her young age at graduation, Souyeth pursued a two-year scholarship to study the International Baccalaureate overseas. Due to COVID-19, Souyeth made the thoughtful decision to defer her acceptance to the United World Colleges program, instead getting a full-time job in the city. After that initial gap year, Souyeth spent two years in Italy at UWC Adriatic, pushing herself to maximize the academic and executive functioning skills necessary to stay competitive in the IB program. After graduating from the IB, Souyeth came back to Cambodia. In August of 2024, twelve years almost to the day of her own entrance to Liger as a student, Souyeth was hired as an LFA.
Sakseth Preab: Explorations and Robotics — Grades 7 and 8
Sakseth is a graduate of Liger’s class of 2023; due to his young age at graduation, he applied for and was accepted to stay at Liger for one additional Pathway Development Year. During this year, Sakseth lived on campus and worked at Liger part-time; his main roles were co-facilitating the robotics program with Jeff B., and working on Creative Wednesdays. During this time Sakseth also studied for and took the IELTS and SAT tests required for United States university admissions. Due to Sakseth’s valuable contributions during his Pathway Development Year, Sakseth was hired full-time as an LFA.
Sork Oun An: Math — Grades 7 and 8
Sork Oun majored in mathematics at Burapha University in Thailand. She completed her bachelor’s degree in December of 2020 and moved back to Cambodia. She was quickly hired as the Grade 11 and 12 Math Teacher and Transformer Coach at well-renowned school E2STEM Education, Preah Yunkunthor. While employed at E2STEM, Sork Oun designed and implemented curriculum-aligned lesson plans that encouraged critical thinking and problem solving, adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and levels of comprehension, and prided herself on creating a safe and supportive environment where students felt comfortable learning. With her background in math content and her strengths in teaching, Sork Oun has been invaluable in supporting Jeff B. and the range of Liger learners during class.
Echhinh Chao: Science — Grades 7 and 8
Chhinh has a bachelor’s degree in Agro-Industry from the Royal University of Agriculture in Phnom Penh, where she is also currently completing her Masters. Prior to working at Liger, she worked as an ESL teaching assistant in a private school, and also as a part-time English teacher in a primary school. Chhinh has experience in sales and digital marketing, and previously volunteered in a microbiology lab. Chhinh is a master of the growth mindset, pushing herself to set and achieve goals both personally and professionally. Chhinh is incredibly open to feedback, and has developed great relationships with her science students, especially those who require a bit more support when it comes to their English language development.
Dapong Mut: Khmer Literacy — Grades 7 and 8
Dapong is a recent graduate of Khmer Literature, Pali, and Sanskrit from Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2024. Dapong has teaching experience with early university level students, and has held other roles outside the classroom as well. It was clear from the first interview that Dapong is incredibly passionate about teaching Khmer to young Cambodians. He was really struck by the Liger methodology and culture, and he has since given his all to the position. In addition to building relationships inside the classroom, Dapong coaches the boy’s football and girl’s volleyball teams.
Vannary Kim: English Language Arts — Grades 7 and 8
Vannary is a graduate of Build Bright University, holding a bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Complementing her skill set from uni is Vannary’s extensive teaching background. Before coming to Liger, Vannary had worked at East-West International School (EWIS) since 2008. She worked mostly within the primary grades, moving around between classes and gaining knowledge about how to teach the foundations of English to ESL learners. Vannary has been a wonderful addition to the ELA classroom, spending most of her time with our Grade 7 students who are at a beginner level of English acquisition.
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