Susan comes from Traverse City, Michigan in the United States. Prior to coming to Seoul, she worked at the International School of Berne in Switzerland. She is excited to begin her sixth year at Dwight!
What is your role at Dwight School Seoul?
I am first and foremost an MYP/DP science teacher. Although I have had many other roles at Dwight, I am currently the Head of Department for Science. This role allows me to be the link between the science teachers at Dwight and our administrative team to ensure a quality teaching and learning environment.
What made you decide to work in an education setting? And what is your philosophy?
This was not my original plan! After changing my major several times at university, I fell in love with being part of a school community and working with students. I saw many parallels between the world of education and science. Both are process-oriented and do not end with an exam or research paper. Both are continuous quests to build on the past to find something new, something better the lives of a community.
What do you like the most about working at DSS?
I like that we have a small school feel, yet many resources available to us.
What are your interests and or hobbies?
I enjoy being a tourist in this city that I call home (although much of this has slowed down with COVID). Seoul always has something going on. I enjoy exploring new districts, exhibits, restaurants and cafes.
Who inspires you and how?
As a daughter of first-generation immigrants, my parents are my biggest inspiration. They have modeled the value of hard work and resilience. Their life’s work has allowed me the freedom of choice: the privilege to come back to their home country and work in a field that I am passionate about.
What are you reading lately?
I am currently reading The Act of Leadership by Dan Haesler. He was a keynote speaker at our D21 teacher professional development last spring. The book is his commentary on how to lead “with humility, clarity and purpose.”
Why would you tell a prospective family to choose DSS?
This is a school where the staff really care about each student. We are purposeful about catering to more than just the academic needs of each student; they are human beings first.
