André Jacobs - President
Yongin City
I served as 1st Vice President for Yongin KOTESOL Chapter in 2024 and as secretary in 2023.
I am currently a freelance teacher. I teach business English, at an elementary afterschool program and a private academy.
In 2025 I would like to focus on expanding the newly formed Gyeonggi KOTESOL Chapter as well as creating a series of teacher training workshops focused on elementary and academy teachers.
Kim Young Ki - 1st Vice President
Yongin City
I have been working as the Member at Large and Vice President of Suwon Chapter for more than 10 years. I used to work as an English teacher for about 16 years and as a supervisor and head supervisor for about 10 years. I also worked as Vice Principal at a Middle school and now I am working as a principal at a middle school. As the First Vice President of Gyeonggi Chapter, I will do my best to work with other chapter officers and to activate the new chapter.
Christina Tsoy - 2nd Vice President
Cheonan City
I am Christina Tsoy, currently working in Cheonan, at an English Hagwon, teaching elementary school students. Being a KOTESOL member since 2022, I’ve participated in various meetings and conferences which led me to become the Second Vice President. My role in KOTESOL was and still is to share my knowledge and experience with other members and open up a path for people to KOTESOL. I will continue to play that role for KOTESOL’s further evolution.
Kristina Kauss - Secretary
Yongin City
As a dedicated educator with extensive experience teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) at various levels in South Korea and Canada, I bring a wealth of organizational and communication skills to the role.
Over the years, I have actively participated in KOTESOL, presenting workshops at national and international conferences and assisting when and wherever needed at events. These opportunities have allowed me to share innovative teaching practices, such as active learning and task-based approaches while connecting with a diverse community of professionals. I also have a strong background in curriculum development, teacher training, and facilitating professional development programs.
As secretary, I will prioritize keeping accurate records of council activities, enhance communication among members, and support chapter events. I aim to contribute to the growth and success of our chapter by fostering collaboration and ensuring smooth operations.
I look forward to continuing my involvement with KOTESOL in this new capacity.
David D.I. Kim - Treasurer
Yongin City
With my varied experiences in KOTESOL, including Yongin Chapter Past President and current tenure as Chapter Treasurer, I feel I have the experience and spirit to work with fellow Gyeonggi Chapter members and executive to develop a growing community of teaching professionals in the Yongin region.
Martin Todd - Graduate Student Representative
Yongin City
I’ve held several positions on the Yongin KOTESOL executive since 2013, including President and 1st and 2nd VP, as well as the Graduate Student Representative. I was also the National KOTESOL Secretary for two terms. As the Graduate Student Representative, I will help advocate for members who are graduate students. I will also help provide continuity and a voice of experience as newer members take on more responsibility.
Joseph van Dorn - Undergraduate Student Representative
Suwon City
I have worked as an educator in Korea since 2013 and am currently a professor at The University of Seoul. I joined KOTESOL in early 2024 and have attended many workshops hosted by the Yongin chapter, as well as the international conference last spring. I’m new to KOTESOL but not to leadership. As president of the Seoul Flyers for several years, I developed strong organizational and leadership skills that I look forward to applying in this role. I am hoping to utilize my leadership experience to help the Gyeonggi chapter organize events more frequently and effectively, while fostering a network of ambitious educators. I look forward to contributing as the Undergraduate Student Representative.
Greg Lewis - Member at Large
Yongin City
I officially retired from teaching university classes in June 2024 but I continue to teach English part-time. I hold a Masters in Applied Linguistics and I have presented at local and international language education conferences in Korea and Japan. I held the position of Member at Large at Yongin KOTESOL for 2024 and feel comfortable continuing to serve in that capacity for 2025.
Daniela Trinks - Immediate Past President
Berlin, Germany
It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as the 1st Vice President in 2023, Co-Chair of the National Conference 2023, and as President of the Yongin Chapter in 2024. I am proud of how our chapter has grown and become more active over the past two years, thanks to the dedication of our team, active members, and speakers.
Although I have relocated to my hometown of Berlin after 18 years in Korea, I'd like to keep supporting the new executive team with my experience and insights from the past two years.
One of the greatest successes of 2024 was undoubtedly the merging of the Yongin and Suwon Chapters into the new Gyeonggi Chapter. Our team successfully brought these two chapters together, creating a fresh start while honoring the history of both. Merging two chapters is not simply a matter of 1+1, and I hope that all members feel equally represented as we move forward together.
I'd like to encourage all members to bring their talents and ideas to the table by reaching out to any board member, including myself, so that we can continue to grow and shape the chapter’s events and initiatives together.
James Rush – Membership Officer
Yongin City
When I arrived in Korea, I realized the benefits of KOTESOL as a professional learning community right away. The give-and-take from committed peers is a necessary part of being an educator. My visa-sponsored employment allows me to serve with joy at Luther University (Sanggal-dong; GiHeung-gu). I believe the Gyeonggi Chapter is ready to be an important resource and "a second family" for anyone who needs help. Teachers Helping Teachers is our organizational tagline and we make it a reality. We do this by being caring people and providing a safe, honest place for everyone who works in all kinds of English-teaching situations. I have been involved in the Yongin Chapter since 2017, eventually becoming a Lifetime Member. Without a doubt, I have grown as a professional and as a person while holding positions at the local and national level, all while having fun.
My goals will focus on 3 main initiatives:
1.) Work with our chapter leadership and members to bring the Gyeonggi Chapter into reality.
2.) Seek out and mentor new talent
3.) Establish better communication and publicity "s.o.p." (Standard Operating Procedures/practices) for events.
I have presented at both international and local conferences and find it helpful, but prefer to participate in events by carrying out other roles. Excitement is seeing others grow in their vocational journeys. I do this through direct contact as a guide, coach, and encouraging friend. I hold to the mantra, "Professionally social and socially professional".
