Kree Barrus

Email kree.barrus@sjajeju.kr 

Hello! My name is Kree Barrus. I'm originally from California, but now I call both New Mexico and North Carolina home. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to teach in seven different countries, working with students from Pre-K through third grade. This is my fourth year teaching at SJA Jeju, and I feel so grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive school community.

I am passionate about inspiring a love for lifelong learning in young children. My teaching approach is hands-on, child-centered, and focused on creating meaningful learning experiences. I believe in nurturing not only academic growth but also social and emotional development. In my classroom, students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and express themselves in a safe, supportive space where they feel seen, valued, and respected.

I have two teenage daughters who were born in Bolivia. My oldest is currently studying in college in the U.S., and my younger daughter will be a sophomore here at SJA Jeju. My husband, Steve Poole, teaches high school math. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy cooking, hiking, being creative, and spending time with my two Yorkshire terriers.

I look forward to getting to know your family and working together to support your child’s growth and learning this year!

Anna Kong

Email: namwon.kong@sjajeju.kr

Hello, my name is Anna Kong. I’m very excited to be able to join at SJA Jeju community. I studied Fine Juvenile Art in Korea. After graduated University in Korea, I studied Early Childhood Education in the U.S.A. I have a Certificate of Early Child Education from Bellevue College in the United States. I worked at Bellevue Child Care Center as an intern for one year.  With my education and working background, I have been teaching English in Korea for over 10 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have experience working at many English schools in Seoul so I’m truly excited to be at this great school.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching early students. Every student always brings something new to each lesson and I focus on inspiring students to learn while having a good time at school. 

Learning a new language is not always fun but also can be challenging. I hope this will be a great opportunity to pass on my knowledge to students in the process of learning a new language. I look forward to seeing all the progress we can make together! 

Victoria Heaton

Email: victoria.heaton@sjajeju.kr | Instagram: victoriaheaton_edu

My name is Victoria Heaton and I am so pleased to be continuing with the grade 1 team! This is my 4th year at SJA. I have over 15 years experience in Korea working with children from 18 months-18 years in international schools, universities, public schools, teacher training centers and outdoor education programs. I hold a Bachelor of Education (University of Toronto, Canada ) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts ( NSCAD, Canada). I am also a Certified Forest School Practitioner with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada and have my Level 1 Reading Specialist certification. Before starting at SJA, I was teaching kindergarten for 3 years just down the road at BHA.

I live here with my partner, our 15 year old son, Louie and our dog, Pandal. My family and I love snorkeling, hiking and beachcombing. On weekends, we can usually be found staring intently into tidepools.

I am passionate about teaching and enjoy the opportunity of working in a great country, at a great school, and with such great families. We are all part of the SJA community and I look forward to working together to support the growth of our children.

Naeun Kim

Email: naeun.kim@sjajeju.kr

Hello everyone! My name is Naeun, and I’m so happy to be joining the Grade 1 team at SJA Jeju as an Assistant Teacher. I recently graduated with a B.Ed. in Elementary Education from Gyeongin National University of Education and earned the Elementary School Teacher's Certificate. During university, I had the chance to participate in an exchange program in Copenhagen, Denmark, which really opened my eyes to different cultures and teaching styles.

While in Denmark, I taught English to 4th graders at a local school, and I also taught Korean to young Danish-Korean children at a weekend Korean Language School. These experiences helped me discover how much I enjoy working with children from diverse backgrounds. I believe that learning should be fun, creative, and filled with encouragement. I’m especially passionate about helping students feel confident and supported—both in the classroom and beyond.

In my free time, I love doing arts and crafts, playing sports—especially swimming—and spending time with my adorable white toy poodle, Mongsil.

I’m truly excited to be part of the SJA community and can’t wait to learn and grow together this year!

Morgan Pinckard

Email morgan.pinckard@sjajeju.kr

Hello! My name is Ashley Morgan Pinckard, but you can call me “Ms. Morgan”! I am so excited to be joining the Grade 1 team at SJA! I have lived in Korea since 2019, and have been teaching for almost seven years in elementary schools. I have a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in TV Production from the University of South Florida. I have my teaching license from Washington DC and am certified in PreK-Grade 5 . Before starting at SJA, I taught at Younghoon Elementary School in Seoul and American STEM Prep in Suwon.

I live here with my partner, our dog, Koda, and our bunny, Augie. My family and I love the beautiful sites that Jeju has to offer, and have really been enjoying the pool in our free time. On weekends, we love to visit the tidepools to see all of the living things.

I am so happy to be teaching 1st grade in such a wonderful country, at a great school, and with such great families. We are all part of the SJA community and I look forward to working together as a team to build a relationship and support our students in the best ways we can!

Daniel Hwang

Email daniel.hwang@sjajeju.kr

 Hello, my name is Daniel Hwang.

I graduated from Dongguk University located in Seoul with a major in International Studies. I also studied English in Australia and New Zealand, and studied Building and Construction in Australia.

I am delighted to be supporting our students on a daily basis. I would like to aid the students in learning with ease while enjoying the process. My teaching philosophy is that every student has the potential to succeed and the right to a full education while being supported through the process. As an assistant teacher, it is my goal and duty to help brighten every student’s future and I'm looking forward to seeing the future growth in my students.