Founded in 2010, Chadwick International — an international school located in Songdo, South Korea — is a place of growth and cherished memories. Countless teachers and staff members have since joined as part of the CI community, helping students learn, adapt, and discover their potential in various subjects. Faculty and staff members work diligently to provide our students with support, often behind the scenes; their aid must not go unnoticed. Yet as the 2023~2024 school year has come to an end, our school faces the departure of several teachers who have profoundly impacted the community, consistently setting powerful examples as role models. Soon, they will be leaving the navy blue and white colors of Chadwick International to paint the next steps of their lives.
“I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by!” One departing faculty member is Ms. Cindy Kim, the Middle School Counselor. This was her second year in Chadwick International, and she has contributed tremendously, fostering an environment of positivity within the school.
Can you introduce yourself shortly?
“Hello! I was born and raised in California and Chadwick was my first international school experience. I love exploring different neighborhoods of Seoul on the weekends and I’m always up for trying spicy foods.”
What’s your favorite part of CI? What will you miss most?
“My favorite part of Chadwick International is greeting the students in the morning as they walk into the MS/US building. Sometimes Ms. Cameron and I have dance parties to wake the students up. It’s so fun seeing students either join us or get really embarrassed. Regardless, I love being one of the first teachers to greet them each day.”
What are your plans after leaving CI?
“After leaving CI, I plan to return to California and continue my career in school counseling. I’m excited to be back with my family and reconnect with friends. However, I will dearly miss the CI community!”
“She’s always very enthusiastic and willing to share her passion for science,” a student in Grade 10 commented. Another teacher who will be departing is Ms. Sinele Tsabedze, who teaches chemistry at Upper School. Teaching at CI for 10 years now, Ms. T plans to teach MYP Science and DP Chemistry in a school in Luanda, Angola, after leaving.
Can you introduce yourself shortly? For how many years have you been teaching at CI?
“I come from a tiny African Kingdom called Swaziland/eSwatini. Before coming to Chadwick 10 years ago, I was teaching in a high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, for about 2 years. Before that, I was at Iowa State University doing my doctorate in chemistry after doing my BA in Chemistry at a small liberal arts college in Minnesota called Carleton College. My high school diploma was an IB Diploma from the UWC in Singapore. I had such a wonderful 2 years in Singapore that years later when I was thinking of what to do careerwise, I decided to go into teaching IB.”
How do you think your students will remember you?
“Good question. I am not sure, but I hope it is positive. I will certainly remember my students from 2014 to now, there have been so many of them, some that I never taught but saw in the hallways and had some connection with. It is interesting how students at Chadwick have changed in both positive and not-so-positive ways.”
In addition, Ms. Mary Rhodes, who has taught Upper School English Language and Literature at CI for three years, will not be returning the next school year. Always energetic and bright when teaching, Ms. Rhodes shares her genuine love for English and encourages her students to strive to reach their full potential — all while sipping from a massive tumbler.
What’s your favorite part of CI? What will you miss most?
The students – you guys are fun.
Any proud moments in CI?
Judging the KAIAC Forensics debates and watching Chadwick students get placed every single time! These students are super talented.
What are your plans after leaving CI?
I am moving to Bangkok to carry on my international adventures. And teach.
Along with Ms. Cindy, Ms. T, and Ms. Rhodes, several other teachers will not be returning for the 2024~2025 school year. Although the teachers have spent differing periods of time at Chadwick International, all of them have undeniably left a lasting impact on our school and its students, and will be dearly missed. Whether it’s through sharing their passions, transferring their knowledge, or offering valuable advice, teachers at CI have always gone above and beyond to inspire their students. While the time has come to bid some of them farewell and wish them luck in their future endeavors, our community will forever cherish our memories and experiences with them — and hope that they will do the same.
Once a dolphin, always a dolphin. Good luck!
