Meet Ms. Monica

My Beliefs

I believe that education is one of the most powerful forces for shaping not only successful students, but thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a deep commitment to helping young people discover their voices, develop intellectual confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Over the past eight years, I have taught students across the United States, South Korea, Eastern Europe, virtual learning environments, and even United Nations-designated refugee camps. These experiences have allowed me to work with learners from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, reinforcing my belief that every child possesses unique strengths, immense potential, and a story worth sharing.

15 years of experience working with and educating children and students - Meet the educator behind Excelsior Institute & Literacy Lab. Learn more about the teacher who is dedicated to helping students strengthen their English proficiency, develop critical academic skills, and achieve long-term academic success. Through personalized instruction, meaningful mentorship, and a passion for learning, Monica is committed to supporting every student's growth and potential.

My Education

I hold a Master of Science in Education Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science with a concentration in American Studies. During my undergraduate studies, I served as an Honors Fellow, an elected Student Government Association Class Representative, and a founding member of the university's Mock Trial Team, where I competed in multiple tournaments across the East Coast and helped lead the team to award-winning performances. I was also actively involved in the Pre-Law Society, experiences that strengthened my passion for critical thinking, public speaking, academic discourse, and civic engagement.

While pursuing my graduate studies, I completed a competitive Education Policy Fellowship and was selected by the Johns Hopkins School of Education Admissions Office to host and lead podcast interviews with deans, professors, and academic leaders from some of the nation's most respected schools of education, including institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Southern California. These experiences deepened my understanding of educational leadership, policy, and innovation while providing unique opportunities to engage with leading voices in the field of education.

As a Fulbright Award recipient, I had the privilege of teaching at the university level in Eastern Europe, where I witnessed firsthand how education can build bridges across cultures, foster mutual understanding, and empower students to engage meaningfully with an increasingly interconnected world.

My Professional Background

My professional journey began in one of the highest-performing and most nationally recognized school districts in the United States, where I developed a strong foundation in literacy instruction, English language development, and student-centered learning. Since then, I have guided numerous multilingual learners to meet and exceed their English Language Development (ELD) goals, helping them grow into confident communicators and successful scholars.

I have also taught at and helped develop academic programs for one of the most respected English academies in Daechi, Gangnam, South Korea’s premier education district. There, I had the opportunity to mentor students who went on to earn top placements in English speech and public speaking competitions, strengthening not only their language abilities but also their confidence, leadership, and capacity to express their ideas with clarity and conviction.

At Excelsior, my goal extends far beyond helping students improve their English. I strive to create a nurturing, intellectually challenging environment where students learn to read deeply, think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Through literature, research, discussion, writing, and meaningful inquiry, I seek to help students develop the knowledge, character, and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global society.

Above all, I hope to inspire students to become curious learners, empathetic leaders, and responsible global citizens—individuals who not only achieve academic success, but who also contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

More About Me

I am a Korean American educator born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, where my family has proudly called home for more than thirty years. Growing up in a community that valued education, service, and civic engagement helped shape many of the values that continue to guide me today. As a Korean American navigating multiple cultures and perspectives from an early age, I developed a deep appreciation for diversity, global understanding, and the transformative power of education.

During high school, I was actively involved in leadership, service, athletics, and the arts. I served as President of the International Club, founded and led my school's Key Club chapter as its first President, and served as Vice President of the National Art Honor Society. I was also a member of the National Honor Society, an avid tennis player, and was honored to receive my high school's submission and nomination for the statewide Comcast Leaders and Achievers Award in recognition of my leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community service. These experiences taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, collaboration, and service to others—qualities that continue to shape my approach as an educator.

Outside of school, I spent my high school and college summers working as a nanny for the family of a private-practice pediatric psychiatrist and Ph.D. scholar, and a medical physician who served as Chief of Medical First Responders. Working closely with a family deeply committed to children's health, development, and well-being gave me invaluable insight into the importance of nurturing young people both academically and emotionally. Those years reinforced my belief that every child deserves caring adults who recognize their potential, challenge them to grow, and support them with compassion.

These formative experiences instilled in me a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and service. Today, I strive to create learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to become confident learners, thoughtful leaders, and engaged citizens of the world. My goal is not only to help students achieve academic success, but also to cultivate the curiosity, character, empathy, and resilience that will empower them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to an increasingly interconnected world.