Language Acquisition

    Maggie LEE

    My name is Maggie Pui Lam Lee, Chinese teacher. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. Prior to working at Discovery College, I spent many years studying in the UK and Australia, and also taught Chinese and Maths in Brisbane for three years. After being away from home for 10 years, I am very glad to be back in Hong Kong and enjoy working at Discovery College.

    Candice CHEN

    I was born and raised in Guangxi province, which is close to Hong Kong. I have been teaching Chinese as a first and second language after I graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2012. I love being a Chinese teacher and I really enjoy exploring the beauty of Chinese language and culture with my students. In my spare time, I like reading fiction, watching movies and travelling.

    Elaine LEUNG

    I hail from Hong Kong and have always had a passion for life and the desire to explore the world. Before I started teaching I worked as a journalist and translator, which tied in well with my great interest in global issues and media. I also lived in Mexico for several years where I was a lecturer at the University of ITESM. My research interests are in critical thinking and languages – both of which I’ve published various books on. I have taught Humanities, Liberal Studies and TOK, and have been teaching Chinese for more than eight years now. I really enjoy watching movies, doing taekwondo, and dancing Flamenco and Tango. I believe we should all dare to dream and discover in our lifetimes. I hope to inspire students through teaching in order to make our world a better place.

    Valerie MAO

    My name is Valerie Mao, a China-born Singaporean. I came to Hong Kong with my husband and daughter to settle down here in 2016. Mandarin is my native language and has been my career passion. Prior to joining DC, I taught full time Mandarin for students from Secondary to Pre-University level. I also taught Mandarin HSK, GCE, IBMYP, IBDP, IGCSE and Common Core curricula in China, Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. I am an IBMYP Mandarin Moderator since 2012 and now an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview Tester. In my spare time, I used to be a fan of fashion designing, but now nurturing a young child has occupied my personal life, which is a good balance with my job. I am looking forward to working with DC and settling into the DC community.

    Danny SHIH

    Having been born in mainland China, I came to Hong Kong when I was in primary school. My educational background is in Chinese language and literature and I am in my twelfth year of teaching. I am familiar with both Lang A and Lang B courses in the IB DP Programme. Out of school I enjoy cycling, practicing Karate, reading and playing with my two little daughters. My favourite motto is “Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.”

    Amy YANG

    I was born in Shanghai and has been teaching at YCIS Shanghai for over 16 years, from Primary up to Upper Secondary. I became a qualified IB DP Language B examiner and the member of CIS accreditation visiting team in 2013. I am a person who is full of intellectual curiosity who always seeks to investigate new pedagogy and new technologies, which makes my leisure time full of reading and studying online courses. I’m also passionate about photography and painting and enjoy making the invisible learning visible to all my students.

    Kelly CHAK-MARX

    My Chinese family name is 翟（Zhái in Pinyin, Chak in Cantonese). The character 翟 is composed of 羽 (feathers) and 隹(bird). I love the beauty of Chinese characters and like sharing stories and meanings with students. I was born and grew up in HK. After studying anthropology at university, I worked and studied in mainland China, Germany and Luxembourg. Having worked in both business and educational NGOs, I hope to help students see the value of their learning by applying it in real-life settings. I am the mother of two biracial children. Learning and development in multi-lingual and multi-cultural contexts, particularly learning Chinese as an additional language (CAL), is my special interest. I am delighted to be part of DC.

    Claire LIAO

    I am originally from Taiwan. It is my pleasure to assist so many excellent and loving educators here. Young people are our future and hope. I do hope I can help the students enjoy learning and plant the seeds of dreams at Discovery College. They will hopefully grow and fulfil their potential in the future.

    Oscar TANG

    I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I had been teaching Chinese in both local and international schools for six years before I joined Discovery College. As a Chinese teacher, I always love to guiding students to appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language and share with them the joy of reading literature. In my spare time, I like hiking, playing badminton, reading and travelling to different parts of the world.

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    Barbara RODRIGUEZ MONTERO

    I was born and raised in Spain. As soon as I graduated from University, my love for languages and appreciation for other cultures brought me to live and work in a diversity of countries. During my teaching career I have taught in the UK, Thailand, China, UAE, Brazil and Turkey. As a teacher I believe we never stop learning. I am currently working towards a Masters degree in International Education. I also enjoy cinema and working out in the gym.

    Laura Motta

    I was born and raised in Argentina. I graduated as a Graphic Designer, and I have a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Computer Science. I moved to Hong Kong 20 years ago, and more than ten years ago, I discovered my true passion, helping people learn Spanish and discover a new culture. I became a Certified Spanish Teacher, and since then, I have worked in different International Schools in Hong Kong. I never stop learning; recently, I finished a Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language. I love to spend time with my family and pets, travel, paint, and read. Go to the movies too!