DAEGU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” These words, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., embody the beliefs shared by the faculty and community at DIS about the purposes of education. The faculty at DIS is committed to furthering these beliefs about education in our students.

Our faculty knows that lessons are often learned with not just the mind, but with the body and the heart, as well. Experiencing ideas, through interactive and hands-on activities, makes learning real. Our faculty works to challenge students to achieve beyond their expectations, and to become creative, analytical, independent thinkers.

Scott Jolly (scjolly@dis.sc.kr) - Head of School

Educational Background

University of San Francisco, Masters in Educational Leadership
Washington State Principal Certification
Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Education
Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography
Vancouver Island University, Physical Education Diploma

Courtney Cameron (ccameron@dis.sc.kr) - Principal

Educational Background

Georgetown University, Bachelor of Arts
Syracuse University, Master of Public Administration
Washington State Principal Certification
Washington State K-12 Teacher Certification

William Seward (wseward@dis.sc.kr) - Director of Teaching and Learning

Educational Background

Hunter College of The City University of New York, Advanced Certificate in School Building and District Leadership
NYU Steinhardt School of Education, Reading Recovery Certificate
Mercy College, M.S. in Elementary Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.A. in African American Studies
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, B.A. in History and Political Science
New York State, School Building Leader and School District Leader Certificates

Doo Won Kim (dwkim@dis.sc.kr) - Director of External Affairs and Korean Studies

Educational Background

Yeungnam University, MBA
Keimyung University, B.S. in Business Administration

Amanda Ringrose (aringrose@dis.sc.kr) - Early Childhood Classroom

Educational Background

Griffith University, MA Primary Teaching
Laurentian University, BA Psychology

Deanna Suozzo (dsuozzo@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 1 Classroom

Educational Background

Susquehanna University, B.A in Elementary Education (PreK-4)

Michelle White (mwhite@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 1 Classroom

Educational Background

Texas State University, Masters in Elementary Education
University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography

Molly Kaschub (mkaschub@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 2 Classroom

Educational Background

Master's of Reading from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Bachelor of Science in Spanish, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Sarah Prestia (sprestia@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 2 Classroom

Educational Background

M.Ed. in International Education, Endicott College
BS in Elementary Education (Summa Cum Laude), University of Maine Farmington

Michael Bartolay (mbartolay@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 3 Classroom

Educational Background

American College of Education, M.Ed. in Educational Technology
University of South Carolina-Aiken, Gifted and Talented Education Endorsement
University of the Philippines, Bachelor in Elementary Education

Cassidy Rouse (crouse@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 3 Classroom

Educational Background

B.A. in Elementary Education, St. Ambrose University

Sarah Bielec (sbielec@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 4 Classroom

Educational Background

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.A. International Education Administration and Leadership
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. Elementary Education
Minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures: Concentration in Korean Language

Addam Rouse (addam.rouse@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 4 Classroom

Educational Background

B.A. in Elementary Education, St. Ambrose University

Nicole Morissette (nmorissette@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 5 Classroom

Educational Background

M.Ed in International Education, Endicott College
BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics (cum laude), University of Maine Farmington
Bethel University, International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning
Harvard University, Certificate in School Management and Leadership

Moa Son (mson@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 5 Classroom

Educational Background

Bethel University, B.A. Elementary Education
State of Indiana Life Science & Math (5-9) Certificate

Antonette Gum (agum@dis.sc.kr) - Art

Educational Background

M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Primary Education, University of West Florida
BA in Art History, University of South Florida
Florida State Art & ESL K-12 Professional Educator Certificate

Keline Medina (kmedina@dis.sc.kr) - Spanish

Educational Background

University of Carabobo, Bachelor of Education Major English

Joshua Park (jpark@dis.sc.kr) - Elementary Music

Educational Background

Central Washington University, Masters of Music Education and Conducting
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign of Music, B.M. in Music Education
Applied Focus on Piano and Instrumental Music Education
Illinois State Teaching Certification Music K-12

Richard Pierog (rpierog@dis.sc.kr) - Computer

Educational Background

University of Western Ontario, : BA in Psychology
Wilfrid Laurier University, Accounting Program
Brock University, Bachelor of Education, Primary-Junior
University of British Columbia, Masters in Educational Technology

Adam Purdy (apurdy@dis.sc.kr) - Physical Education

Educational Background

University College London, M.Ed. Applied Educational Leadership and Management
University of Ulster, B.Sc. Honours Degree in Geography with Education

Julia Zhu (jzhu@dis.sc.kr) - Chinese

Educational Background

Framingham State University, M. Ed. in International Teaching
Huaqiao University, B.A. in Teaching of Chinese as a Foreign Language
National Teaching Certificate and Diploma in Middle school and Elementary school Chinese Teaching

Timothy Archer (tarcher@dis.sc.kr) - Physical Education & Residential Director

Educational Background

Master of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Bachelor of Art in Education from Eastern Washington University

George Balint (gbalint@dis.sc.kr) - Science

Educational Background

Relay Graduate School of Education, Masters in Chemistry Education
University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology

Derek Bergan (dbergan@dis.sc.kr) - Social Studies

Educational Background

Loras College, Bachelors in Secondary Education and History

Hannah Nagy (hnagy@dis.sc.kr) - English

Educational Background

Minnesota State University, Masters in English Literature and English Studies
The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, Bachelor of Science in Education

Bruce Cameron (bcameron@dis.sc.kr) - Science

Educational Background

University of Washington, Masters in Teaching
University of Washington, B.S. in Oceanography

Christopher Coleman (ccoleman@dis.sc.kr) - Math

Educational Background

BS in Secondary Education, University of Maine at Farmington

Steven Gall (sgall@dis.sc.kr) - Math & Computer Science

Educational Background

University of Glasgow, Master of Science in Mathematics and Physics
Institute of Education, University of London, PGCE Secondary Mathematics

Marlow Gum (mgum@dis.sc.kr) - Art

Educational Background

M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education, University of West Florida
BFA in Studio Art, University of South Florida
Florida State Art K-12 Professional Educator Certificate

Philip Hinkle (phinkle@dis.sc.kr) - English

Educational Background

Mississippi State University, MA in English
Ohio University, BA in English

Conrad Hutchings (chutchings@dis.sc.kr) - Instrumental Music & Orchestra

Educational Background

Sam Houston State University, Masters of Music in Wind Conducting
University of Southern Maine School of Music, BM in Music Education
Applied Focus on Classical Trombone, Voice and Instrumental Conducting
University of Southern Maine, Teaching Certification Music K-12

Sarah Jolly (srjolly@dis.sc.kr) - Counselor & Athletic Director

Educational Background

University of California San Diego - Specialized Certificate in College Counseling
Walden University, M.Ed. in Elementary Reading and Literacy
Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Education
Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Arts in English and history

Nicholas Kaschub (nkaschub@dis.sc.kr) - Social Studies

Educational Background

Bachelor of Science in Broadfield Social Studies Education, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Jinsol Kim (jkim@dis.sc.kr) - ELL

Educational Background

M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Boston University
B.A. in Christian Education, Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary
Massachusetts State Teaching Certification PreK-12 English as a second language

Jefferson Lipsky (jlipsky@dis.sc.kr) - Social Studies

Educational Background

DePaul University-M.Ed. in Secondary Education, concentration in History, Social Sciences, & Psychology, with a Middle School Endorsement
Southern Illinois University-B.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (Mass Media), minor in Psychology

Ana Lopez (alopez@dis.sc.kr) - Spanish

Educational Background

Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Masters in Spanish as a Foreign Language
Univesidad Central de Venezuela, Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages (Spanish, Italian, English)
Universitá Italiana per Stranieri, Certification for Teaching Italian Language and Culture

Brittany Loutsch (bloutsch@dis.sc.kr) - English

Educational Background

University of Iowa, B.A. in English
King's College London, Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health

Annette Lualhati (alualhati@dis.sc.kr) - Science

Educational Background

Master in Science Teaching at De La Salle University, Philippines
B.S. Secondary Education at University of Batangas, Philippines

Molly McNevin (mnevin@dis.sc.kr) - School Counselor

Educational Background

Boise State University, Masters in Social Work
Boise State University, Bachelor of Arts, Social Work

Jabeen Wang (jwang@dis.sc.kr) - Math

Educational Background

State of New Jersey Math K-12 Teaching Certificate
Pusan National University, B.S. in Mathematics Education
Bloomfield College, Math and Science Teacher Training (MAST) Program

Tony Zhao (tzhao@dis.sc.kr) - Chinese

Educational Background

B.A. Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Sichuan International Studies University
Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Language

Jack Jinho Bae (jinho39@dis.sc.kr) - Facility & Faculty Housing

Hyunji Choi (hyunji@dis.sc.kr) - Accountant

Doyle Doyeop Choo (doyle@dis.sc.kr) - Business Manager

Sumin Hong (suminhong@dis.sc.kr) - Faculty/Event Services

Katie EunJeong Kim (katiekim@dis.sc.kr) - Marketing & PowerSchool

Becky JiYe Kim (bkim930@dis.sc.kr) - Nurse

Leah Sumin Kim (leahkim@dis.sc.kr) - Student Services

Kade Seungji Ko (kadeko@dis.sc.kr) - Admissions

Woo Seok Lee (nikkor@dis.sc.kr) - IT

Jimin Park (jiminpark@dis.sc.kr) - Office Manager

Cindy Jihyun Shin (cshin@dis.sc.kr) - Librarian

Luke Shorty - Chairperson

Educational Background

Montana State University, Masters of Science in Mathematical Sciences
University of Maine at Farmington, Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics

More about Luke Shorty

Luke Shorty has been in education as a teacher or administrator for over a dozen years. He started teaching Mathematics at Poland Regional High School and the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) before becoming the Executive Director at MSSM and now Lee Academy. Outside of his passion for global education, Mr. Shorty enjoys cooking and outdoor recreation. He resides in the United States with his wife, Lisa who practices Osteopathic Medicine in Maine.

Martin Grohman - Director

Educational Background

BS, Chemical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

More about Martin Grohman

Martin Grohman is executive director of E2Tech, the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine, an organization of 280+ companies committed to advancing Maine’s cleantech economy. He is a former State Representative in the Maine Legislature, where he was a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. Previously, Grohman co-founded DuraLife Decking, a composite decking manufacturing company that continues to operate and grow in Biddeford. After the company's acquisition, Grohman served as Director of Sustainability for GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, developing initiatives such as roofing recycling and the company's Zero-Waste-to-Landfill effort, as well as building networks with national organizations such as the US Green Building Council.

Marty grew up in Carthage, Maine, where his family still runs a small farm keeping Jersey cows. He and his wife Amy and their two children now live in Biddeford, Maine, USA.

Colleen Grover - Director

Educational Background

Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Maine;
Master of Education in Counseling University of Maine; Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership, Unversity of Maine; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

More about Colleen Grover

Colleen Grover has accumulated over four decades of experience in education as a classroom teacher, college counselor, and administrator. Traveling to more than 35 countries, she has been instrumental in building international programs in secondary schools and comprehensive internationalization programs in higher education, helping students and families to negotiate the challenging maze of educational access in the United States. Colleen has served as a consultant in creating critical incident response teams in schools, as well as a mentor and advisor for schools interested in ethical problem solving models, civil rights, and restorative justice. She has presented internationally on topics of educational ethics and diversity. Now retired, Colleen enjoys time at her farm in central Maine, taking advantage of as many outdoor recreational activities as possible, and continuing her involvement in issues of social justice and equity.

Dong Geun Han - Director

Educational Background

Purdue University, Ph.D in Economics
Ball State University, Masters in Economics
Seoul National University, Masters in City Planning

More about Dong Geun Han

Executive vice president of Yeungnam University for research and university-industry relation

Jongseop Jun - Director

Educational Background

Graduate School of Korea National University of Education, Masters in Policy and Administration
Kyungpook National University, Bachelor of Public Administration

Sunkook Kwon - Auditor

Educational Background

University of Oklahoma, Ph.D. in Accounting
University of Colorado-Boulder, MBA
Yonsei University, Bachelor of Business Administration

More about Sunkook Kwon

Sunkook Kwon is Professor of Accounting at the School of Business, Kyungpook National University in Daegu, Korea. He was Professor of Accounting at Mississippi State University, USA and Visiting Professor at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. At Kyungpook National University, he worked as Dean for International Affairs, Dean for Research & University-Industry Cooperation, Dean for College of Economics and Business Administration, and Dean for Academic Affairs. As a certified public accountant in both Korea and USA, he also worked for Tongyoung Accounting Corporation and Ahnkwon Accounting Corporation.

Ki-Seok Lee - Director

Educational Background

Seoul National University, Ph.D. in International Development

More about Ki-Seok Lee

Currently working for Daegu Metropolitan City as Director of International Affairs and Trade. Have worked in universities, research institutions, government agencies including some years in non-governmental organizations in the field of international development and education.

Youngju Park - Director

Educational Background

Keimyung University, Masters of Music in Piano
Keimyung University, Bachelor of Music in Piano

Kevin Ritchie - Director

Educational Background

University of Maine, Masters in Educational Leadership
University of Maine, Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Minor in English

More about Kevin Ritchie

Kevin Ritchie lives with his wife, Kendra, and five cats and a dog, on a hilltop in the forests of Lee, Maine. He began his career in education in 1980 and he has been a counselor, tutor, classroom teacher, coach, advisor, Assistant Head of School, Academic Dean and grant administrator during the past 41 years. He worked at a federal Job Corps Center, for 35 years at Lee Academy, and with the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Native American Tribes with their schools in eastern Maine. In the early 2000s, he led the faculty of the Moores Campus in developing the curriculum documents and classroom tools and assessment methods that provided the basis for teaching and learning at the Shanghai, Moores and Daegu schools of Lee Academy. He enjoys the woods of Maine for snowshoeing on its fields and trails, swimming in its lakes, and building camps in its forests.

Stan Sawyer - Director

Educational Background

University of Maine at Orono,
Certificate of Advance Studies [CAS} in Superintendency of Schools
University of Maine at Orono, Masters in School Administration
University of Maine at Orono, Bachelors of Science

More about Stan Sawyer

I am married with 4 sons and 7 grand children. I was a teacher , coach , Principal , assistant Superintendent and then 24 years as a superintendent of schools. I am now a consultant at the Maine Department of Education involved in finances and Covid-19 administration of funds . My biggest responsibility is my involvement with a team of 6 people who approve the funding of state school construction projects and assisting schools in the design and development of those projects. I also mentor numerous beginning school superintendents . Jane and I love to travel, play golf, visiting our sons and grand children, spending time at our camp , gardening and playing cards. I love my John Deere tractor and gator!