First Grade Teachers

Yarelis Vanga

Yarelis Vanga

1st Grade - English

I am from Puerto Rico but I’ve been living in the United States for 12 years. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Georgia Southern State University. I also completed a Teacher Preparation Program at Moreland University. This will be my 4th year as an Elementary School Teacher.

I have a true passion for working with our young learners!  Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily.  The best reward as a teacher is to see your children grow to be the best they can be! I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.

I am looking forward to an awesome school year at Yi Hwang Academy of Excellence!

Shikita Foreman

Shikita Foreman

1st Grade - English

I was an undergrad student at Georgia Southern University when I realized I would enjoy teaching. As an autodidact or person who has a passion for lifelong learning, I taught myself human anatomy and physiology through visual presentation. Driven by personal and professional milestones like this, I went on to earn two Masters: one in Secondary Education and the other in Special Education. Passionate about teaching with love and creativity, there is a level of depth and richness in my teaching style that supports students where they are at, and engages them in a collaborative, meaningful, and sustainable way.

Maritess Santana

Maritess Santana

1st Grade - English

Mrs. Santana is excited to begin her teaching adventure at YHALE. She has taught in elementary and middle schools in the Fulton and Hall County schools. She graduated from Truett McConnell University with B.S. in Middle Grades education, has three years of teaching experience, and will be continuing her professional growth as an educator.

She was recently married, then welcomed a baby boy, who is now a toddler, and brought a family pet home this summer. Outside of school, Mrs. Santana enjoys spending time with family and friends, arts and crafts, DIY projects, and hiking.

For this school year, she looks forward to welcoming her students and connecting with their families. A few of her educational philosophies are to nurture a growth mindset and to be life-long learners. When Mrs. Santana first came to the United States from the Philippines, she began in first grade, and she is truly happy to be in the classroom with first grade students at YHALE.

Dr. Eun Jung Kyeong

Dr. Eun Jung Kyeong

1st Grade - Korean

Dr. Eunjung Kyeong received her bachelor’s degree in Korean Language & Literature and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Korean Language Education. She has approximately 16 years of teaching experience, including positions at multiple middle schools, Ansan University undergraduate school, Inha University graduate school, and other government agencies. She has also delivered lectures on the Korean language to native speakers, including professionals and students, at the National Institute of Korean Language.

In addition to her teaching roles, Dr. Kyeong worked as a language researcher and taught Korean at the Korean Language and Culture Center of Inha University. She was a co-author of The Digital Local Culture Encyclopedia of Korea, published by the Academy of Korean Studies.

Dr. Kyeong is a certified Korean teacher (PK-12) in Georgia and holds two additional certificates for teaching Korean to both native and non-native speakers. She joined YHALE in 2022.

Outside of work, she enjoys eating Korean food with her family and playing the piano and violin.

Li Yang

Li Yang

1st Grade - Mandarin

Ms. Yang holds BA major in both in fine arts and Chinese language art. Ms. Yang has over 17 years of full-time teaching experience in China, in addition to 13 years of teaching weekend Mandarin school here in the states. She is a certified teacher from China. Ms. Yang joined YHALE in December 2022. Ms. Yang loves painting and creating art projects.

Ji Shuai

Ji Shuai

1st Grade - Mandarin

Ms. Shuai earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Sichuan Normal University. She is a certified teacher in China. She has been a Mandarin Immersion Teacher in GA for six years. She loves hiking, traveling and watching movies. Ms. Shuai is excited to join the YHALE family.

 

Looking for a job opportunity?

Please see yhale.org/employment for openings, and then email resume to [email protected]