Amy was born in Seoul, but lived most of her life in the United States. After growing up in a suburb of Michigan, she spent time in Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C. for school and work. For many years, Amy longed to return to Korea and was finally able to do so in the summer of 2021. She joined the Dwight School Seoul community this 2021-2022 school year.
What is your role at Dwight School Seoul?
I am a Kindergarten B teacher at DSS. I love supporting our school’s youngest learners as they begin to read and write for the first time.
What made you decide to work in an education setting? And what is your philosophy?
I decided to become a teacher because I have always loved children and find their curiosity, candor, and creativity so delightful and energizing. My vision for teaching and learning stems from my experiences as an art student in college where I was guided to discover my passions and articulate my ideas through various media. I strive to create a collaborative learning community in which my students can pursue their own interests while developing skills and strategies for lifelong learning.
What do you like the most about working at DSS?
My favorite part about working at DSS is the diversity within the student body and faculty. I have enjoyed learning about and from the different cultures and experiences of my colleagues, students, and their families.
What are your interests and or hobbies?
In my free time, I like to visit museums and art exhibitions. I enjoy learning and am fascinated by the different ways people engage with the world around them. I am currently interested in traditional Korean architecture and art and am thrilled that I have access to Korea’s palaces and classes for Korean traditional art forms! I also love trying new restaurants and having coffee and sweets at the many themed cafes around the city.
Who inspires you and how?
I am inspired by my colleagues and other educators. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding, but also challenging profession. There are so many variables to consider and very few straight-forward answers to how we can teach best. It requires constant observation, evaluation, reflection, and problem-solving. Everyday my colleagues inspire me with their perseverance, dedication to supporting students’ academic and personal development, and the wisdom they have gained with each school year under their belts.
What is the best book or production that you have read, watched, or listened to lately?
One podcast I have been listening to is On Being with Krista Tippett. The host, Krista Tippett, has thought-provoking conversations with guests from various fields about profound life experiences, spirituality, and how they make sense of the world through their work.
What one particular social issue calls out to you and why? How do you see yourself contributing to making an impact/being the solution?
Something I am always thinking about is how I can instill empathy and an appreciation of differences among people in my students. I am learning about cultural competence, which is the ability to understand and interact respectfully and effectively with people from other cultures and backgrounds. I look for opportunities to get a glimpse of the lives of people with diverse experiences so that both my students and I can widen our perspectives and grow more culturally competent.
If you were given one wish, what would it be?
I would wish for the ability to pause and resume time. There is never enough time!
Why would you tell a prospective family to choose DSS?
DSS is a school that is continuously working to make learning more authentic and student-driven. It is the kind of environment where students learn to engage with the real world in their own unique ways, which I think is so valuable.
