Principal’s Message

Myungwon (Mandy) Sur

Principal

Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Learning Korean is more than learning a language. Language carries history, culture, and identity, helping us understand who we are and connect with one another.

We hope our school will be more than a place to learn Korean—a joyful community where students can experience Korean culture, build connections, and grow together. For students with Korean roots, we hope it will strengthen their understanding and pride in their heritage.
For those discovering Korean language and culture, we hope it will open the door to a broader world.

Together with our teachers, families, and local community, we are committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can learn and grow. We are grateful to everyone who has supported the Korean School of Greater Hartford and look forward to continuing to grow together.

하트포드 한국학교를 찾아주신 여러분을 진심으로 환영합니다.

한국어를 배운다는 것은 단순히 하나의 언어를 배우는 것 이상의 의미가 있습니다. 언어에는 한 나라의 역사와 문화, 삶의 방식과 마음이 담겨 있으며, 우리가 누구인지 이해하고 서로를 이어주는 힘이 있습니다.

하트포드 한국학교가 학생들에게 한국어를 배우는 곳을 넘어, 한국을 경험하고 사람과 사람이 연결되는 즐거운 배움의 공간이 되기를 바랍니다. 한국의 뿌리를 가진 학생들에게는 자신의 언어와 문화를 이해하고 자랑스럽게 이어갈 수 있는 곳이 되고, 한국어와 한국 문화에 관심을 가지고 찾아온 학생들에게는 새로운 언어와 문화를 통해 더 넓은 세상을 만나는 곳이 되었으면 합니다. 서로 다른 나이와 배경을 가진 학생 한 사람 한 사람이 존중받으며 자신의 속도로 배우고 성장할 수 있도록, 선생님들과 함께 따뜻하고 열린 교육 환경을 만들어 가겠습니다.

지역 사회 안에서 한국의 언어와 문화를 나누는 공동체로서 하트포드 한국학교와 함께 성장해 온 분들의 수고와 신뢰에 감사드립니다.

Administration

  • Mandy Sur | 서명원

    Mandy Sur is an educator with a background in marketing and communications. After studying Economics, she spent ten years in advertising, where she developed a strong belief in the value of branding and communication.

    After moving to the United States and raising three children, she became involved in Korean language and cultural education as an immigrant and parent. Her interest in art later led her to return to college in her forties to study art, and she is currently pursuing an MFA while working as an art teacher.

    She has also led and supported art and craft programs in community and nonprofit organizations as well as serving Korean Schools. Through education, she hopes to help students discover their potential and grow as active members of their communities. Drawing from her own experience of taking on new challenges at different stages of life, she hopes the Korean School of Greater Hartford will be a place where Korean language and culture provide a foundation for diversity, inclusion, and growth.

    ----------------------------------------

    서명원 교장은 마케팅 분야의 경험을 바탕으로 교육과 예술 현장에서 활동하고 있는 현직 교육자입니다.

    경제학을 전공한 후 광고 에이전시에서 약 10년간 마케팅 업무를 담당하며 브랜딩과 소통의 중요성을 경험했습니다. 미국 이주 후 세 아이를 키우며 한국어와 한국 문화 교육의 가치를 깊이 인식하게 되었고, 지역사회와 비영리단체를 중심으로 예술·문화 활동과 한국학교 교육을 꾸준히 지원해 왔습니다.

    미술에 대한 오랜 열정으로 마흔이 넘어 순수미술 학위를 취득했으며, 현재는 미술 교사로 활동하는 동시에 MFA 과정을 이어가며 예술가이자 교육자로서의 전문성을 넓혀가고 있습니다.

    자신의 삶이 그러했듯, 나이나 환경에 한계를 두지 않고 꿈을 향해 도전하고 성장하는 힘을 교육을 통해 나누고자 합니다. 하트포드 한국학교가 한국의 언어와 문화를 배우는 것을 넘어, 학생들이 자신의 뿌리를 이해하고 다양성을 존중하며 더 넓은 세상으로 성장해 나가는 든든한 디딤돌이 되기를 소망합니다.

  • Sueyeon Uhm | 엄수연

    Sueyeon Uhm is a teacher and assistant principal who has completed the Korean Language School Teacher Certification Program offered by the Overseas Koreans Agency.

     As an educator, Sueyeon is committed to creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students. She believes that learning Korean is more than developing language skills; it is a meaningful opportunity for students to explore, connect with, and appreciate Korean culture and heritage.

    In her role as Assistant Principal, Sueyeon looks forward to working closely with teachers, families, and students to support the school community and develop meaningful educational and cultural programs. She is especially excited to help organize a variety of school events and cultural experiences that make learning Korean enjoyable, engaging, and memorable for students.

    ———————————————————-

    엄수연 선생님은 하트포드 한국학교에서 한국어 회화반을 가르치고 있으며, 2026-2027학년도부터 교감직을 겸하고 있습니다.

    재외동포청에서 실시한 한글학교 교사 인증과정을 이수한 교육자로서 엄수연 선생님은 학생들에게 긍정적이고 즐겁게 참여할 수 있는 학습 환경을 만들어 주기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 한국어를 배우는 것은 단순히 언어 능력을 키우는 것에 그치지 않고, 학생들이 한국의 문화와 전통을 직접 탐색하고 경험하며, 한국 문화와 더욱 깊이 연결되고 그 가치를 소중히 여기는 의미 있는 기회라고 생각합니다.

    또한, 교감으로서 교사, 학부모, 학생들과 긴밀히 협력하며 학교 공동체를 더욱 발전시키고, 의미 있는 교육 및 문화 프로그램을 만들어 가고자 합니다. 특히 다양한 학교 행사와 문화 체험 활동을 함께 기획하고 운영하여 학생들이 한국어와 한국 문화를 즐겁고 흥미롭게 배우며, 오래 기억에 남을 소중한 경험을 할 수 있도록 돕고자 합니다.

  • Leila Dennis

    Leila Dennis serves as the Director of Marketing for the Korean School of Greater Hartford, where she leads the school’s marketing, communications, and digital engagement efforts. In this role, she supports the organization’s mission by strengthening brand awareness, community outreach, and engagement across diverse audiences through strategic and thoughtful marketing initiatives.

    She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and brings professional experience in marketing strategy, content creation, and nonprofit communications. In addition to her role, she currently serves as the Head of the Social Media and Marketing Committee for Geno for the Kids, where she oversees digital content creation, promotional campaigns, and fundraising communications in support of the organization’s charitable mission. She looks forward to collaborating with school leadership, families, and the broader community to further strengthen the school’s presence and impact.

    ----------------------------------------

    Leila Dennis 마케팅국장은 하트포드 한국학교의 마케팅, 커뮤니케이션 및 디지털 홍보 활동을 총괄하고 있습니다. 학교의 인지도 제고와 지역사회 outreach, 그리고 다양한 대상과의 소통 및 참여를 확대하기 위해 전략적이고 체계적인 마케팅 활동을 이끌며 학교의 사명과 비전 실현을 지원하고 있습니다.

    마케팅학 학사(Bachelor of Science in Marketing)와 경영학 석사(MBA) 학위를 보유하고 있으며, 마케팅 전략 수립, 콘텐츠 제작, 비영리기관 커뮤니케이션 분야에서 다양한 실무 경험을 쌓아왔습니다.

    또한 현재 비영리단체 Geno for the Kids의 소셜미디어 및 마케팅 위원회(Social Media and Marketing Committee) 위원장으로 활동하며, 디지털 콘텐츠 제작, 홍보 캠페인 기획 및 모금 커뮤니케이션을 총괄하고 있습니다. 앞으로도 학교 리더십, 학부모, 그리고 지역사회와 긴밀히 협력하여 하트포드 한국학교의 인지도와 영향력을 더욱 확대하는 데 기여하고자 합니다.

  • JiAe Sohn | 손지애

    As Director of Development for the Korean School of Greater Hartford, JiAe is committed to strengthening the school's long-term sustainability, expanding community partnerships, and advancing opportunities for future generations to learn and experience Korean language and culture. She works closely with school leadership, families, community stakeholders, and supporters to foster strategic growth, community engagement, and resource development.

    Professionally, JiAe serves as Program Director at Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (ESI) and Smart Development Institute (SDI), where she leads program management, stakeholder engagement, business development, and strategic communications for government and nonprofit initiatives.

    Originally from South Korea, JiAe previously worked for the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), supporting international cultural programs and public communications. She is honored to serve the Korean School of Greater Hartford and is passionate about preserving Korean heritage while building meaningful connections across the broader community.

    ----------------------------------------

    손지애 발전국장은 하트포드 한국학교의 지속 가능한 성장과 발전을 위해 지역사회 협력, 자원 개발, 전략적 파트너십 구축에 힘쓰고 있습니다. 학교 리더십, 학부모, 지역사회 구성원 및 후원자들과 긴밀히 협력하며, 미래 세대가 한국어와 한국문화를 배우고 경험할 수 있는 기회를 확대하고 학교의 장기적인 성장 기반을 마련하는 데 기여하고 있습니다.

    현재 Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (ESI)와 Smart Development Institute (SDI)의 프로그램 디렉터로 재직하며 정부 및 비영리기관을 대상으로 프로그램 관리, 이해관계자 협력, 사업 개발, 전략적 커뮤니케이션 업무를 총괄하고 있습니다.

    또한 문화체육관광부 해외문화홍보원(KOCIS)과 문화방송(MBC)에서 근무하며 국제 문화교류 및 대외홍보 업무를 수행했습니다. 한국인으로서 하트포드 한국학교 발전위원장으로 봉사하게 된 것을 큰 영광으로 생각하며, 한국 문화유산의 계승과 더불어 지역사회와의 의미 있는 연결을 통해 학교의 발전에 기여하고자 합니다.

Our Teachers

교사진

At the Korean School of Hartford,
we’re proud to have a team of dedicated and talented teachers,
led by experienced faculty heads.
Together,
they bring passion, expertise, and cultural insight to every classroom.

Junior Leadership

Meet our incredible team of Junior Leaders

volunteer students who bring dedication, energy, and support
to our teachers, our school, and our students

The Board

Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of professionals
who provide vision and guidance
to help our organization grow,
serve the community,
and make a lasting impact.

  • Board President

    Mark is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Army veteran who is passionate about community engagement, education, and service. 

    He holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Through his experiences in healthcare and military service, Mark has developed a strong commitment to supporting and advocating for others. 

    As a Board Member for Korean School of Greater Hartford, he is honored to support Korean language education and help foster cultural connection and community for future generations.

  • Vice President

    Michael Bosworth has been an educator for 27 years and currently serves as the Athletic Director for both the middle and high schools in a Connecticut school district. He is passionate about building connections with students and takes pride in watching student-athletes achieve success through dedication and hard work. Outside of school, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, whom they adopted from South Korea. He’s an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys kayaking, hiking, and biking throughout Connecticut.

  • Board Secretary

    Kristen currently works as an engineer and has also worked as an educator. She is a graduate of Villanova University with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of St. Joseph, and a Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. She takes pride in her past and present work in Equity and Inclusion and has gained valuable insights through her position as the secretary of the KLCEI Board.

  • Board Co-Treasurer

    Bepsie has a Bachelor of Science from Lesley University,  a first Masters of Education from Saint Joseph University and a second Master's degree in educational administration from CCSU.  She holds a certification in elementary education, special education and Intermediate Administration or Supervision.
    She has worked over the decades as an elementary teacher, special education teacher, transitional coordinator, and, most recently, an administrator. She also served as the president of Hello! West Hartford and was a part of West Hartford’s Community Connections group. Although she recently moved to Utah, she remains committed to the Korean School of greater Hartford as the co-treasurer.

  • Board Co-Treasurer

    Sungkyun is a polymer scientist, with 20+ years of private industry experience, both in Korea and the US. He holds a BS and an MS degree in Fiber and Polymer Science from Seoul National University, as well as a PhD degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Since 2019, he has served as a board member, taking varying levels of responsibility over time. Leveraging his technical and financial expertise, he strives for a sustainable and transparent operation of Korean School of Greater Hartford. He feels honored to serve on the board.

  • Keumok is an experienced professional with a strong background in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and education. She has been teaching from preschool to college levels for two decades in Korea, Germany, and the USA, holding teaching certifications in music, special education, and other world languages endorsed by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).

    Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for a beginning teacher program run by CSDE. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from the University of New England, a master's degree from Northwestern University & the Robert Schumann Musikhochschule, and a bachelor's degree from Yonsei University.

    Keumok resides in Glastonbury with her husband, two kids, and two rescued dogs.

  • Jee Nah is an Executive Vice President at Kaplow Communications, a female-founded, award-winning communications and public relations agency in New York City. As the recipient of the PR News PR Professional of the Year and PR News PR Team Leader of the Year awards, she has been recognized for her leadership in the PR industry and for her work repositioning heritage lifestyle brands including Target, Fidelity Investments, Stanley, David’s Bridal and Timex.

    As a first-generation Korean American, raising biracial daughters, she is passionate about creating a welcoming space to learn about Korean language and culture for all. Jee Nah attended The University of Colorado at Boulder with degrees in English and Creative Writing. At Kaplow, she is a founding member of the agency's DEIB Taskforce.

  • Jungmin Song is an Assistant Professor in Residence in the Department of Dramatic Arts and a Research Associate at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Originally from South Korea, she studied at Seoul Science High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Costume and Textile from Seoul National University before moving to the United Kingdom to pursue advanced studies in theatre design and completed her Ph.D. in performance art from Roehampton University in London. Currently, she teaches contemporary theatre, performance art, Shakespeare, and puppetry and curates museum exhibitions at UConn.
    Dr. Song was the co-recipient of the Special Achievement Award in 2022 and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award in 2023 from UConn’s School of Fine Arts. These awards highlight her collaborative work as a researcher and her commitment to advancing DEI.

Volunteers

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is the heart of our school community.

Together, we celebrate and share Korean language and culture, enrich our students’ learning experiences, and create memorable events that go beyond the classroom. From sponsoring events to enhancing resources, the PTO brings parents, teachers, and staff together to make a meaningful impact. Membership is open to all families and staff—join us and help shape an engaging, supportive community for our students!

Learn more