Suhyun: Korea: Mar 01, 2018

Throughout August 2016 to June 2017, I worked as a teaching assistant at a middle school in Harlem, New York City for an after school program called Reel Works. I worked with 6th grade students and taught them basic videography and editing skills as well as simple animation. The after school also consisted of helping the students with their homework. Reel Works trained me in social and emotional learning, behavioral management, first aid, and classroom facilitation. Working with more than thirty 6th grade students who have been through various difficult living circumstances have really expanded my compassion and patience. At times it was very difficult, but the work was truly rewarding when I helped students feel better or learn something new. I believe that the role of a teacher is really important for students to feel like they can have fun learning something new in an environment where they feel safe enough to be themselves.

As a Korean person who has lived overseas most of her life, from Hong Kong, to the Philippines, to Canada and the United States, I want to be able to share my experiences with my students while understanding and meeting their needs. I would love to work with elementary students and teach them English in a fun and engaging way. From having multiple ESL teachers since 1st grade, I want to emulate the ways in which those teachers have shown me the compassion and understanding it takes to nurture a child's learning experience with English.