教職員

Cheikh joined UWC ISAK Japan with 25 years of experience in English Language Teaching. He holds a doctoral degree in education from SUNY, Binghamton, New York and a master’s degree in ESL from Cheikh A Diop University, Dakar, Senegal. He has taught in Senegal, the USA, and Qatar. Cheikh is returning to the movement after teaching at UWC-USA for ten years. He enjoys the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of the UWC students and the fact that they do not just accept diversity; they celebrate it. The natural landscape of Karuizawa offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, and Cheikh is looking forward to taking part in many outdoor activities with UWC ISAK students. Cheikh enjoys swimming and playing soccer in his free time.

Cathy Banerji has always lived and worked in India in various careers ranging from theatre, education, publishing, and working in the United Nations Volunteers. As a workshop leader for the IB for TOK, English A courses, and Film Studies, she traveled to many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As a child, she spent a summer in Tokyo, wandering around the corridors of Sophia University where her father was a Chemistry visiting professor. Her deep connection with Japan began that summer. She became interested in UWC ISAK Japan for its mission and its motto: “One Life. Realize Your Potential. Be a Catalyst for Positive Change.” The rest is history. She enjoys living the school philosophy and its community.

Ms. Bolger started teaching Japanese language and culture as a fellow teacher at a public school in Ontario, Canada. After graduating from university, she taught Japanese at University of Durham, U.K. for 6 years. Also interested in Computer Science, she then worked in the software industry in the U.K. and Japan. Ms Bolger earned a B.A. in Japanese Language and Culture from the University of Tsukuba as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Essex.

Ms. Chien has a Master’s degree in International Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Literature. She has been teaching both Chinese A and Mandarin B in the IB Diploma Programme for 10 years. Ms. Chien was born in Taiwan and has lived in the UK for the last 15 years. Having taught in both Taiwan and UK, she truly enjoys working in an international environment, and believes that the cultural diversity helps enrich the whole learning process.

Since leaving her picturesque hometown of Málaga, Spain, Mrs. González has worked in the UK, Germany and Japan teaching Spanish to middle school, high school and university students with diverse international backgrounds. She has extensive experience in curriculum design and planning, having implemented new Spanish courses at her last two schools. Mrs. González holds a Law Degree from the University of Málaga; a Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from UNED University in Madrid; and a PGCE in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Málaga. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures, as well as designing jewelry when she finds the time.

With twenty years of experience teaching the IB Programme in Curacao and Atlanta, Georgia (US) and thirty years of teaching experience in total, Mrs. Hasham brings considerable expertise and knowledge to ISAK. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She most recently served as CAS Coordinator at Atlanta International School and has broad experience in international education, with her major focus on high school history courses. In 2011, Mrs. Hasham received a Teacher of the Year Award from ECIS, a global organization that promotes best practices in international education.

Mr. Hinton has taught in schools in Turkey, Italy, Brunei Darussalam, and the UK, where he was Head of Arts. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Cambridge University and has been teaching in an international environment for nearly thirty years. He is a practicing artist, working in oils, watercolor and relief printing, as well as being a professional photographer. He loves the creative spirit the visual arts develops in students..

Mr. Mangubat, originally from the Philippines, spent ten years teaching and leading schools from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme before joining UWC ISAK Japan in 2022. Prior to this, he worked as the PYP coordinator and Middle School Individuals and Societies teacher at a small international school in Tokyo. Passionate about history and the social sciences, he enjoys engaging students in discussions that encourage critical thinking. Drawn to UWC ISAK Japan for its strong community and mission, Mr. Mangubat saw it as a chance to teach a dynamic subject while contributing to a global learning environment. He came to Japan because of its rich culture, and Karuizawa appealed to him for its natural surroundings and as an ideal place to raise his family.

Before becoming an educator, I worked at a startup designing websites and databases, which sparked my love for technology. I’m originally from the Philippines, and I’ve lived and worked in Thailand, Guatemala, and most recently in India at Mahindra UWC, where I served as a librarian and Wada Parent. The part of ISAK’s vision that resonates most with me is “One Life”—a reminder that we exist not just for ourselves, but in service to others. Outside of work, I love playing guitar (especially when jamming with students), staying active with sports like badminton and volleyball, and exploring museums, walking trails, and new places.

Mr. Masui was born and raised in Japan. After attending college, he moved to the United States and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Japanese with an emphasis in language teaching from San Francisco State University. Mr. Masui taught Japanese language and culture at a secondary school (grades 6 through 12) in the San Francisco Area for thirteen years. He enjoys helping students develop a genuine interest and motivation for learning languages. He believes that learning languages is the key to becoming a citizen of the world and hopes to support students in becoming respectful and responsible global citizens. After living in the U.S. for 18 years, Mr. Masui and his dog, J.J., are very excited to return to Japan and to be a part of such an innovative school in a beautiful environment.

Originally from Spain, Mr. Melero gained valuable business experience in information technology, graphic design and advertising before finding his true calling as a teacher. He has since spent nine years teaching mathematics and computer science in the UK, Spain, Germany and Japan. Mr. Melero has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Málaga and a PGCE in mathematics from the University of Oxford. Inspired by his computer science background, he uses every opportunity to integrate technology and online resources into his mathematics lessons. When not teaching, he enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, cycling, photography, fishing, and scuba diving.

Prior to joining the faculty at UWC ISAK Japan, Ms. Mimuro taught science at UWC Maastricht. She brings deep IB experience to UWC ISAK, having previously served as a biology examiner and moderator for the IBDP. She has also served as principal examiner for Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology (A Level) for a leading exam board in the UK. Ms. Mimuro is passionate about Aikido and enjoys participating in the UWC ISAK Japan martial arts activity.

I’m a secondary science educator from South Africa with 20 years of classroom experience, 17 of those in boarding schools across China and Southern Africa—including Keystone Academy, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, and Waterford Kamhlaba UWC. I’ve taught a range of curricula, including IB DP, IBMYP, IGCSE, and IEB, and have held leadership roles in both academic and residential life. Education transformed my life, opening doors that had long been closed to those before me. That’s why I believe deeply in the power of transformative learning—to help young people grow into the best versions of themselves. At ISAK, I hope to co-create opportunities for students to realize their potential and pursue their goals with confidence and courage. I hold an MA in International Education focused on ESD and Global Citizenship, and I carry with me the spirit of ubuntu: “I am because we are.” I look forward to learning and growing alongside the ISAK community.

Ms. Blessing Mutiro is a proactive counselor eager to help all patients attain exceptional mental and emotional wellness. Born and bred in the Southern region of Africa, in Zimbabwe, Blessing spent the last 14 years away from her home country. She served as a counselor in a non-Governmental Organization in South Africa for two years before moving to the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, where she lived for 12 years. There, she worked as a school counselor for Ubombo Trust Schools and served in different Swaziland communities as a consultant working under the department of Social Welfare. Blessing joined UWC ISAK Japan because she strongly believes in UWC values and admires Japanese culture. She is excited about the beautiful Karuizawa environment and the community.

After several years teaching health and physical education at elementary and middle schools in Tokyo, Ms. Ogawa became a scuba diving instructor, teaching scuba diving in Thailand, the Maldives and Canada. She returned to Japan after a period in Germany and became a licensed special education instructor. Ms. Ogawa loves sports of all kinds, and is currently teaching physical education at ISAK.

I’ve taught Economics, Business, and Humanities in international schools across Armenia and Indonesia – including at UWC Dilijan. My journey in education has been deeply shaped by the UWC movement, where I first experienced the power of a diverse community with a shared purpose. Alongside teaching, I’ve served as an Extended Essay coordinator, which gave me a deeper appreciation for supporting students in their independent research and inquiry.
Joining UWC ISAK feels like a natural next step in my journey. I’m drawn to learning environments where students engage deeply—not just with academic content, but with the world around them and their role within it. That’s what excites me about teaching Economics: connecting theory to real-world issues and sparking meaningful conversations. Outside the classroom, I love hiking small trails, listening to music, and discovering hidden places. After years in busy cities, I’m looking forward to the fresh mountain air of Karuizawa and the chance to slow down, learn, and grow alongside the community.

I’m a passionate Chinese educator with three years of experience teaching at an international school in China. Coming from a multicultural background with family ties to both China and the U.S., I love bridging cultures through language. I’m a homebody at heart, happiest when I’m cooking—especially perfecting my mom’s dumpling recipe—or curled up with a good book or movie. In the classroom, I bring the same spirit of care, creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued. This is my first time living and working abroad, and I’m excited to grow as an educator while exploring everything Japan has to offer.

I was born in Zimbabwe and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and a Master’s in Development Studies. My work with a non-governmental organization advocating for children’s rights, and my role as a residential tutor at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, shaped my passion for supporting young people’s growth and well-being. I’m always smiling and happiest when I can help those around me feel the same. The part of ISAK’s vision that inspires me most is making a positive impact today and in the future—and I’m excited to continue that work here in Japan.

Mr. Underwood has extensive experience in teaching English Literature and English as a Second Language. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Teaching from the University of Tasmania. Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan, he taught in rural Western Australia and Hiroshima International School. An enthusiastic writer, Mr. Underwood believes in the value of creativity as a means of self-expression and to make positive change in the world. When not in the classroom, Mr. Underwood enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with his three daughters.