Simon Powell

Email: simon.powell@sjajeju.kr | Instagram: mrpowell_edu

Hello! My name is Simon Powell and I am delighted to be returning as a Grade 5 teacher at SJA Jeju this year. Originally from London, England, I bring over a decade of experience as a homeroom teacher, grade-level leader, and EAL educator. I hold a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Cambridge, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sussex, and additional qualifications in EAL instruction and educational leadership. I am also currently pursuing a second Master’s in Outdoor Education Leadership.

Colleagues describe me as a creative, energetic, and student-centered educator, passionate about active and inquiry-based learning. I believe in setting high expectations, fostering curiosity, and providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Student wellbeing and academic progress are my highest priorities: I value each child as a unique individual and strive to nurture respectful, caring relationships that support, challenge, and inspire them to thrive.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family. My wife is a Korean photographer, and our son, Louis, is currently in Grade 3 at SJA. As a parent in a multicultural family, I have lived in Korea for ten years, taught in six Korean schools, and speak Korean at home. I hope this experience helps me better understand your family’s perspective and support your child throughout the school year.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing the violin, bicycle touring, kayaking, hiking, meditating in nature, learning Korean, cuddling with my dog, Snowy, and exploring new cultures through travel. Having previously worked as a chef, violinist, and photographer, I am passionate about bringing my diverse interests into the school community, including the SJA Greatest of All Time Singers (GOATS).

I look forward to partnering with you to champion our students’ success at SJA Jeju this year.

Vanessa Cooper

Email: vanessa.cooper@sjajeju.kr Instagram: @vcooper_edu-

Hello, my name is Vanessa Cooper. I am very excited to begin my third year with the Grade 5 team at SJA Jeju! This is my 14th year teaching. Previously, I have taught Grades 3 and 4 in El Salvador and Paraguay. I have liberal arts honors and Spanish degrees from the University of Texas, and I am a certified Spanish bilingual educator EC-6 with additional certifications for teaching English language learners. I also have a Master’s degree in International Education from Framingham State University.

SJA Jeju’s mission aligns well with my teaching philosophy, as I value an inquiry-based, student-led classroom and continuously strive to prioritize curiosity and student agency. In my classroom, students will participate in a variety of collaborative projects and will be empowered to make decisions about their own learning. I make it a priority to get to know each student as a unique individual and offer choices to fit their interests and needs.

I am originally from Houston, Texas. In my spare time I love to hike, read, and travel. I’m looking forward to a great school year at SJA Jeju!

Victoria Williams

Email: victoria.williams@sjajeju.kr

Hello! I'm Victoria Williams, and I'm delighted to be at SJA again this year. My journey in education has been driven by a passion for learning and a love for teaching. I earned my B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas, where I also completed the Teacher Certification Program for Early Childhood through 6th grade. Additionally, I'm certified in ESL, which has enriched my ability to support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Growing up in Houston, I graduated from Alief Taylor High School, which laid the foundation for my educational career. I started as a 2nd Grade Interventionist, focusing on Math and Reading, before moving on to become a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher and Team Leader. These experiences taught me the importance of early education and the joy of guiding young minds.

My love for teaching and adventure took me to Korea, where I have been teaching internationally in 5th grade for 4 years and this will be my 7th year in the education field. I'm excited to bring my diverse experiences and enthusiasm for education into our classroom. 

Outside of teaching, I love to unwind by reading, especially science fiction novels. I'm also a big fan of sci-fi movies and enjoy getting lost in futuristic worlds. When I'm not immersed in a book or movie, you might find me on the golf course, enjoying a relaxing round of golf. Let's embark on this learning journey together and make this year an incredible one!

Jin Young (Jessie) Kim

Email: young.kim@sjajeju.kr              

Hello! I'm Jessie Kim, and I'm excited to be part of the Grade 5 team at SJA for the sixth year.

I originally began my career as a journalist after graduating from Korea University. However, my journey took a different path when I started living abroad, which sparked my interest in education. I lived in India and Chile, and during my time in Chile, I had the opportunity to teach Korean to elementary and middle school students at a Korean school. This experience deepened my passion for education.

I believe that the best way for children to learn is through exploration driven by their own curiosity. I'm looking forward to another fantastic year with our Grade 5 students!