Area: Gyeonggi, Yongin City

Contact: LinkedIn, gyeonggikotesol@gmail.com

Bio: I am a freelance teacher and I am currently working at a hagwon and teaching adult students. I have been living in Korea since 2001 and I have been involved with KOTESOL since 2022. I strongly believe in the goals and values of KOTESOL and my mission is to grow the Gyeonggi chapter into a truly representative teacher organization. 

Area: South Chuncheong, Cheonan City

Contact: lucy_natsu@naver.com, Kakao ID: Tina991225

Bio: I am currently working in Cheonan, at an English Hagwon, teaching elementary school students. Being a KOTESOL member since 2022, I’ve participated in various meetings and conferences which led me to become the Second Vice President. My role in KOTESOL was and still is to share my knowledge and experience with other members and open up a path for people to KOTESOL. 

Area: Gyeonggi-Do

Contact: TBA

Bio: As a dedicated educator with extensive experience teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) at various levels in South Korea and Canada, I bring a wealth of organizational and communication skills to the role.

Over the years, I have actively participated in KOTESOL, presenting workshops at national and international conferences and assisting when and wherever needed at events.  These opportunities have allowed me to share innovative teaching practices, such as active learning and task-based approaches while connecting with a diverse community of professionals.  I also have a strong background in curriculum development, teacher training, and facilitating professional development programs.

As secretary, I will prioritize keeping accurate records of council activities, enhance communication among members, and support chapter events.  I aim to contribute to the growth and success of our chapter by fostering collaboration and ensuring smooth operations.

Area: Gyeonggi, Yongin City

Contact: TBA

Bio: When I arrived in Korea, I realized the benefits of KOTESOL as a professional learning community right away. The give-and-take from committed peers is a necessary part of being an educator. My visa-sponsored employment allows me to serve with joy at Luther University (Sanggal-dong; GiHeung-gu). I believe the Gyeonggi Chapter is ready to be an important resource and "a second family" for anyone who needs help. Teachers Helping Teachers is our organizational tagline and we make it a reality. We do this by being caring people and providing a safe, honest place for everyone who works in all kinds of English-teaching situations. I have been involved in the Yongin Chapter since 2017, eventually becoming a Lifetime Member. Without a doubt, I have grown as a professional and as a person while holding positions at the local and national level, all while having fun. 

My goals will focus on 3 main initiatives: 

1.) Work with our chapter leadership and members to bring the Gyeonggi Chapter into reality. 

2.) Seek out and mentor new talent  

3.) Establish better communication and publicity "s.o.p." (Standard Operating Procedures/practices) for events. 

I have presented at both international and local conferences and find it helpful, but prefer to participate in events by carrying out other roles. Excitement is seeing others grow in their vocational journeys. I do this through direct contact as a guide, coach, and encouraging friend.  I hold to the mantra, "Professionally social and socially professional".  

Area: Gyeonggi, Suwon City

Contact: LinkedIn, vandorn.edu@gmail.com

Bio: I have worked as an educator in Korea since 2013 and am currently a professor at The University of Seoul. I joined KOTESOL in early 2024 and have attended many workshops hosted by the Yongin chapter, as well as the international conference last spring. I’m new to KOTESOL but not to leadership. As president of the Seoul Flyers for several years, I developed strong organizational and leadership skills that I look forward to applying in this role. I am hoping to utilize my leadership experience to help the Gyeonggi chapter organize events more frequently and effectively, while fostering a network of ambitious educators. I look forward to contributing as the Undergraduate Student Representative. 

Area: Gyeonggi, Gwangju City

Contact: Daybak

Bio: Rhett Burton has been working with young learners in South Korea since 2002. He began his teaching journey at an English kindergarten, moved on to a public elementary school, and eventually found his home in a study room, where he continues to this day. His study room serves as a playground for planning, designing, and implementing custom learning experiences that help children of all ages “circle the square.” He thrives on random walks and talks, finding inspiration in curiosity and conversation.

Area: Gyeonggi-Do, Korea

Contact: LinkedIn

Bio: Wesley Martin has been living in South Korea off and on for more than five years, and he is currently teaching at a private academy (hagwon). He also has experience teaching ESL and linguistics to a variety of backgrounds at the university level. He has studied several languages, including Spanish and Korean, and is most interested in teaching and learning vocabulary. He has an MA in linguistics from the University of Iowa.