Jacob Van Dyk is an experienced international educator with a strong background in both psychology and sport science. He has taught in multiple countries and brings a broad, open-minded perspective to his classroom. Teaching in international schools has given him the chance to learn from leading educators around the world, which continually shapes and strengthens his practice.
He still clearly remembers his first class: “all the little faces looking up at me as if I had all the knowledge in the world.” That moment made him realize the deep responsibility teachers carry, and it continues to guide the care and thought he puts into his work with students.
Teaching Philosophy
For Jacob, relationships come first. He makes a deliberate effort to get to know each student personally, their interests, hobbies, home life, and what excites them. From there, he works out what each child needs and how he can best support them to succeed. His goal is always to set students up for long-term confidence and independence as learners.
He also believes learning should be active, hands-on, and fun. One of his favorite memories is of students building Rube Goldberg machines. One group created a very complex contraption to pop a balloon, and he accidentally missed recording the final moment. The students had to reset the entire machine, and the shared laughter and teamwork is still a story they enjoy retelling in class.
Learning Environment at Dwight School Hanoi
Jacob makes full use of Dwight School Hanoi’s outstanding facilities. He regularly takes students to the Wonder Lab, where they can design, build, and experiment. These spaces allow students to turn ideas into real projects, deepening their understanding through creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Why Families Appreciate Him
Parents value Jacob’s balance of warmth, professionalism, and high expectations. He genuinely cares about his students and works hard to understand who they are as individuals. With his strong academic background, global experience, and focus on knowing each child well, he creates a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.
