At the heart of the BIS Hanoi community is Gerard Durkan, a dedicated Year 6 teacher who finds immense joy in helping his students grow academically, socially, and personally.
With a deep commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and integrating cultural insights into the classroom, Gerard is passionate about preparing his students for success in an ever-changing world. In this exclusive interview, Gerard shares his inspirations, teaching philosophy, and what he loves most about being part of the BIS Hanoi family.
What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
“What inspired me to get into teaching was seeing the growth of students over the course of a year. I really love seeing students take a starting point and watching how they develop academically, socially, and personally. Helping students realise their passions and interests, particularly in an ever-changing society and world, is extremely rewarding.”
What do you enjoy most about teaching at BIS Hanoi?
“While we are teaching a British curriculum here at BIS Hanoi, much of our learning is highly contextualised to reflect Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asia region. This gives students a great opportunity to connect with what’s happening in their region as well as their host country. I find the best way for students to reach their potential is through meaningful relationships that I build with them in the classroom. I spend a lot of one-on-one time with students, getting to know them, identifying areas where they might feel challenged, and encouraging them to rise to those challenges and be the best they can be.”
How would you describe the BIS Hanoi community?
“What I enjoy most about BIS Hanoi is the warm, welcoming community we have at this school. We encourage families and students to be as involved as possible. This sense of collaboration and involvement is important because it fosters a shared sense of belonging and purpose. Our students inspire and uplift one another, creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.”
What makes BIS Hanoi students unique?
“I would say that curiosity and self-motivation are huge factors for our students here at BIS Hanoi. They have a real desire to know more about the world around them. They inspire each other to explore, learn, and share their ideas with one another. It’s truly amazing to witness how their curiosity drives them to achieve their full potential.”
Watch Gerard’s interview here:
