Over 13 years ago, Sunmi began her teaching career as a homeroom teacher at an international school, after studying Early Childhood Education and Primary Education in Canada. Working with students from diverse backgrounds helped her understand the important role education plays in shaping identity and confidence.
At the same time, her love for Korean language and literature grew stronger. Wanting to share that cultural pride with students, she pursued and obtained the Korean Language Teacher’s Certificate. Through this journey, she discovered that teaching allows her to connect both of her passions, education and Korean culture, and inspire students to take pride in their own identities while learning about others.
First Teaching Experience
Her first day of teaching was as a student teacher leading a technology lesson about pulleys and forces. The students were curious, eager, and excited to participate. Together, they explored the concept by cutting and assembling cardboard to create simple gears and pulley systems, allowing the children to see and feel the mechanisms in real life.
Although she was nervous at first, their enthusiasm brought the lesson to life. Watching their faces light up as they discovered how pulleys make work easier was unforgettable. That experience inspired her to design interactive, experiential lessons where students learn by doing and internalize concepts through real-world practice.
Memorable Teaching Moments
Some of Sunmi’s fondest memories come from celebrating Korean traditional holidays with her students. For Chuseok and Lunar New Year, they made songpyeon (Korean rice cakes) and prepared performances for assembly, featuring traditional Korean dance and song. The students’ pride in sharing their culture was heartwarming.
Another unforgettable experience was hosting students from Dubai during a cultural exchange program. Her class introduced them to Korean traditions and cuisine, and they visited the Kimchi Museum together. Watching Korean and international students learn from each other reminded her that education can create powerful cultural connections.
These moments affirmed for her that teaching is not just about academics, it is also about building bridges between cultures, fostering respect, and helping students appreciate the beauty of diversity.
A Proud Professional Achievement
One of Sunmi’s most meaningful achievements occurred when working in Seoul, when she was invited to interpret for a distinguished U.S. professor giving a university lecture on Early Childhood Education.
Interpreting in an academic setting allowed her to exchange ideas with university students and connect with educators and professors from various backgrounds. This experience deepened her understanding of Early Childhood Education from a global perspective and reinforced her belief that bridging cultures through education is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a teacher.
