Who We Are

The Teacher Development Support Organization, formerly know as The Angkor Tree Project, is the result of long term cooperation between enthusiastic Cambodian teachers and various western supporters. The project has its roots in Cambodia and is run by the people in Cambodia. The western partners give their support and help where they can.

It all started as a small initiative, providing free English classes to neighbourhood kids. Under a thatched roof, protected from the scorching heat of the tropical sun and sheltered from the sometimes heavy rain showers, kids discovered the richness and joy of acquiring English as a second language.

As demand grew, we transformed the living room into a second classroom. A second teacher joined the team. And when we had to add another classroom, not more than a few weeks later, we experienced that the real challenge was finding well-trained teachers. 
We decided to provide training to our own staff, and why not, to make these training sessions also available for teachers in other NGOs. The Teacher Training Centre was born!
A professional teacher-trainer joined the young team, and suddenly things went at warp speed; the number of teachers requesting to join the training sessions increased rapidly. At the same time, we decided to add Language training for teachers to our portfolio.
The pandemic has catapulted education into the 21st century! Computers, the internet, distance learning, blended learning …it all became a necessity. IT literacy has become an absolute necessity for all those involved in education, especially teachers. Hence our IT-training programs.

Our Vision

At The Teacher Development Support Organisation, we firmly believe that every child has the fundamental right to a trained teacher. We understand that no child should be forced to beg or work, and they should be entitled to enjoy their childhood – to learn, play, make friends, and grow in a safe and happy environment.

With this core belief at the heart of our mission, we are dedicated to ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances or location, have access to well-trained and qualified teachers. We believe that a trained teacher can make an immense difference in a child’s life, providing them with the guidance, knowledge, and support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, we are committed to primarily contributing to the goal of quality education. Our mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all children. By focusing on the importance of a trained teaching workforce, we aim to empower teachers with the necessary skills and expertise to create nurturing and impactful learning environments.

Furthermore, we recognize the significance of multilingual education as a crucial lever in providing learners with access to high-quality educational opportunities. By embracing multilingual education, we equip teachers with the tools to cater to diverse learners and foster cross-cultural understanding and communication.

Through our dedication to nurturing well-trained teachers and advocating for quality education, we envision a world where every child’s right to a trained teacher is realized, and they are provided with the education and support they deserve to reach their full potential. Together, we can transform the lives of children, shaping a brighter and more promising future for generations to come.

Our Mission

At our teacher training and learning centre in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we are dedicated to empowering educators and fostering the holistic development of children and adolescents. Our mission operates on two fronts: teacher training and a student learning centre.

Our teacher training programs focus on equipping educators with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. We provide high-quality professional development, training in innovative teaching methods and effective classroom management, as well as workshops and mentoring to foster continuous learning. Our goal is to create skilled, compassionate educators who deeply understand child development and are committed to lifelong learning themselves, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement in the education sector.

Our learning centre provides a nurturing environment for children and adolescents. We offer language classes and create a safe, inclusive space for exploration and growth. We emphasise opportunities for critical thinking and creativity, always tailoring our approach to meet individual learning needs. This centre also serves as a practical training ground, allowing new and early-career teachers to observe and practice their skills.

Throughout al our work, we prioritise a learner-centred approach to education. We believe in collaborating closely with parents and the community to create a supportive ecosystem for learning. Our focus is on holistic development, nurturing not just the intellectual growth of our students but also their social, emotional, and physical well-being.

Our goal is to create a future where all educators can provide transformative learning experiences and every child has access to a well-trained teacher, enabling them to reach their full potential. This aspiration drives everything we do at our teacher training and learning centres in Siem Reap. At the core of our mission is the fundamental belief that every child has the right to a trained teacher. Through our dedicated efforts in teacher training and student education, we strive to make this belief a reality, not just in Siem Reap, but as a model that can inspire change across Cambodia and beyond.

Our Values

Fairness and transparency: we commit to using the resources entrusted to us solely for the organisation’s objectives and to communicate regularly, timely and entirely on our activities and progress.

Service to the community: we commit to letting the interest of the local and global communities take precedence over our personal interest, even over the organisation’s interest.

Excellence and continuous improvement: we commit to permanently striving to improve the quality of our services and programs.

Our values are translated in a number of clear codes and policies.

Child-Protection-Policy-V2-12-05-2020.pdf
Code-of-Conduct-V2-01-11-2022.pdf
Ethical-Code-V2-01-11-2022.pdf
Child-Protection-Policy-V2-12-05-2020.pdf
Code-of-Conduct-V2-01-11-2022.pdf
Ethical-Code-V2-01-11-2022.pdf
Name

Our Ambition

n the heart of Siem Reap, we are crafting a transformative narrative for English education. Our ambition is crystal clear – to emerge as the preeminent beacon for English teacher training, enveloping 95% of educators, roughly 1,500 teachers, within public and informal schools by mid-2027. But our vision extends far beyond the city limits.

We extended to rural terrains, empowering educators and pupils alike. By invigorating STEM disciplines, we aim to cultivate a generation versed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

At our core lies the belief in lifelong learning for teachers, fostering their growth and development. Forging strategic partnerships with development allies, we aspire to manifest pioneering pedagogical methodologies.

Our aspirations reach higher still. As the frontrunners in continuous mentorship and support, we seek to bestow recognition through ‘credits’ and an Executive Master’s degree to our distinguished alumni and experienced educators.

Ultimately, our destiny is to be the focal “Cambodian Skill Centre for Teacher Training,” radiating wisdom, expertise, skills, and tools to educational teams across the nation’s provinces.

Senior Leadership

Son Nat

Executive Director

Management Team

Soriya Un

Director of Operations

Sokly Sour

Head of Teacher Training

Tola Tem

Director of Quality

Team

Sopheak Ros

Program Manager

Thoeut Proeun

Project Manager

Kimset Ray

English Teacher/Coach

Saroeun Nhem

Teacher Trainer

Vandy Khan

English Teacher

Sokseksa Eam

English Teacher

Sokhit Kan

IT Coordinator

Houk Thoeurn

Language Coach

Thida Song

English Teacher

Korb Kem

English Teacher

Sothea Mean

Teacher Trainer

Ravy Soth

Teacher Coach

Vannsy Tip

English Teacher

Sinat Kol

CPD Coordinator

Reaksa Sar

English Teacher

Lihuong Kim

Housekeeper

Sokun Son

Housekeeper

Phary Kath

Gardener

International Advisory Board

Special Advisors

Prof. Michael Goethals

Special Advisor TESOL

Belgian Foundation Board

Ludwig Jegers

Treasurer

Els Voorhoof

Director

Ethical Officer

Iris Vanderwee

Ethical Officer

Reports

Fairness and transparency are at the core of our organisation. That’s why we share all operational and financial information.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further inquiries.

Legal

Teacher Development Support Organisation.

Boeng Doun Pa Village – Slorkram Commune 17251
Siem Reap – Kingdom of Cambodia
NGO registration nr 10968
Contact: [email protected]

TDSO (Teacher Development Support Organisation) vzw

Donkstraat 61 – 3150 Haacht-Wespelaar
Belgium
Ond nr BE 0642 700 026
Contact: [email protected]

Maps