SPECIALIST
Mr. Stephen Brennan
SEN, Wellbeing & EAL Lead
Mr. Stephen Brennan is an experienced EAL specialist from Ireland with over 15 years of teaching experience across primary, secondary, and university education. Since beginning his career in 2010, he has taught internationally in South Korea, Vietnam, and Colombia, working with learners from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Mr. Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a master’s degree in TESOL. His combination of language and STEM expertise has enabled him to develop innovative STEM-focused curricula that integrate English language learning with science for primary schools in Daegu and Busan. He also holds specialist certification in Cambridge AS & A Level Biology and SEND education.
Mr. Stephen continues to develop his expertise through postgraduate studies in Primary Education and International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS). He particularly enjoys creating inclusive learning experiences that build students’ confidence, curiosity, and enjoyment of learning.
Ms. Jiyeon Seo
Art Teacher
Ms. Jiyeon Seo is an accomplished artist and experienced educator who has been a valued member of Atherton International School since 2009. Originally from Daegu, Korea, she taught at a Korean middle school for three years before joining AIS. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Fine Arts and has received numerous awards for her artwork, including first place in the 23rd Sinra Art Exhibition.
Ms. Jiyeon holds an Art teaching qualification as well as a U.S. K-12 Art Teaching License. She further broadened her professional expertise by earning a TESOL certificate from California State University, Long Beach, together with certifications in MBPA Nanta and Performance Nanta Drum.
Beyond school, Ms. Jiyeon remains actively involved in the arts through several professional art associations and participates in group exhibitions each year. She is also a keen violinist who performs with local ensembles. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, Pilates, spinning, and cooking.
Ms. Eunbyeol Ma
Music Teacher and ASA Lead
Ms. Eunbyeol Ma is an accomplished music educator and violinist with extensive experience teaching children across a wide range of ages. She studied Music at Daegu Catholic University, majoring in Violin and graduating top of her class. She gained her music teaching qualification during university and subsequently earned a U.S. K-12 Music Teaching License and a TESOL certificate from California State University, Long Beach.
Since 2012, Ms. Eunbyeol has regularly participated in Orff teaching courses, workshops, and music educators’ conferences as part of her continued professional development. She also holds specialist certifications in Korean Ukulele teaching, MBPA Fusion Nanta, and Performance Nanta Drum. Her broad musical expertise allows her to create engaging and creative learning experiences for students from Early Years through Secondary.
Outside school, Ms. Eunbyeol continues to perform as a violinist with local ensemble groups. She also enjoys painting, crafts, DIY projects, and exploring Geoje with her dog.
Ms. Suwon Lee
Korean Teacher & Learning Assistant Teacher, Library Lead
Ms. Suwon Lee is an experienced educator with an extensive background in music, language learning, and supporting young people. After studying flute and piano at Chang Shin College of Music in Changwon, she spent 12 years teaching children from Reception through age 16 at a piano school before joining Atherton International School.
Ms. Suwon has been a dedicated member of the AIS community for more than a decade, contributing across a variety of roles including Korean, Music, and Library, as well as providing learning support to students. She holds a Children’s English Teacher Certificate from Koje College and completed the TESOL programme at California State University, Long Beach. She also holds specialist qualifications in recreation, Ukulele, MBPA Fusion Nanta, and Performance Nanta Drum.
Her patience, versatility, and many years of experience with children allow Ms. Suwon to support students both academically and personally. Outside school, she enjoys swimming, golf, and hiking in all kinds of weather.