Sun Lee
North Shore,Auckland
Summary
Experienced educator and curriculum leader specialising in EAL/D and inquiry-based learning. Proven track record in strengthening student achievement by developing academic language across subjects and mentoring teachers to embed inclusive, evidence-based practices. Holder of a Master of TESOL (Distinction) with expertise in the IB PYP and readiness to apply skills to the Australian Curriculum.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
Director of EAL/D (ESL)
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
Takapuna, Auckland
01.2025 - Current
- Provided instructional leadership in EAL/D within an IB PYP school, leading staff workshops and professional learning to strengthen classroom support for multilingual learners.
- Collaborated with teachers across all subjects to align language support programs with the PYP transdisciplinary curriculum, and individual student learning needs.
- Delivered targeted small-group ESL lessons, and designed withdrawal support programs to accelerate language acquisition.
- Used data-driven assessment (ELLP) to monitor and report on the progress of 300 students, informing teaching practices and school-wide strategies.
- Compiled and presented ESL progress reports to the school board, and successfully secured Ministry funding for over 250 students.
- Mentored and coached teachers and support staff to build capability in differentiating for English language learners.
- Managed the ESL budget and resources to ensure effective support for students and teachers.
- Led additional academic support initiatives, including academic writing programs, to strengthen literacy across the curriculum.
Across-School Lead Teacher (EAL)
Ministry of Education
North Shore, Auckland
01.2024 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership in EAL/D across a network of schools (early childhood to secondary), improving the consistency of language support programs.
- Supported teachers to implement evidence-based practices, resulting in increased differentiation, and more inclusive classroom strategies for multilingual learners.
- Facilitated professional learning workshops and cross-school collaboration, strengthening teacher capability and confidence in supporting EAL/D students.
- Monitored student progress and transitions across sectors, ensuring smoother pathways, and continuity of support from early childhood through to high school.
- Partnered with school leaders and department initiatives to lift achievement outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students, contributing to improved engagement and achievement.
- Improved student academic achievement by developing programs that build academic language skills to meet curriculum demands across all subjects.
Team Leader - Year 7/8
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
Takapuna, Auckland
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Led a team to deliver high-quality teaching, pastoral care, and curriculum implementation within the IB PYP framework.
- Built and maintained a collaborative, inclusive team culture, prioritising student wellbeing and academic achievement.
- Supported teachers' professional growth through mentoring, coaching, and targeted feedback.
- Led curriculum implementation and planning within the team, ensuring alignment with the IB PYP and NZ Curriculum.
- Acted as the first point of contact for staff, students, and families, supporting the resolution of challenges and promoting positive outcomes.
- Developed and maintained administrative and communication systems to ensure smooth team operations.
- Contributed to school-wide strategic initiatives, professional development, and the broader life of the school.
Classroom Teacher & Maths Extension Lead
Northcross Intermediate School
Northcross, Auckland
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Planned and delivered engaging classroom lessons for Year 7-8, differentiating to meet diverse learning needs.
- Led a math extension program, providing challenging opportunities for high-achieving students to accelerate learning.
- Developed and implemented enrichment tasks that promoted problem-solving, critical thinking, and deeper conceptual understanding in mathematics.
- Monitored and assessed student progress, using data to inform targeted support, and adapt learning activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align classroom teaching and extension programs with curriculum expectations and student needs.
- Mentored students in independent and group inquiry projects, fostering resilience, collaboration, and academic confidence.
- Integrated digital tools to enhance engagement and learning outcomes in both classroom and extension settings.
Classroom Teacher – IB PYP School
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
Takapuna, Auckland
01.2014 - 12.2022
- Taught Year 7-8 students, implementing the IB Primary Years Programme to foster inquiry, curiosity, and holistic development.
- Planned and delivered inquiry-based learning units across the transdisciplinary PYP framework, integrating multiple subject areas.
- Designed differentiated learning activities to meet the diverse academic, language, and social needs of students.
- Facilitated student-led inquiry, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills.
- Used formative and summative assessment to monitor student progress and inform future planning within PYP units.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align teaching and assessment practices across subjects and year levels.
- Integrated digital tools and hands-on resources to enhance engagement and support inquiry learning.
- Supported students' social and emotional development by fostering a safe, inclusive, and reflective learning environment.
Across-School Lead Teacher (Community Engagement)
Ministry of Education
North Shore, Auckland
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Led initiatives across contributing schools to strengthen community relationships and promote culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Strengthened and enhanced stakeholder relationships in line with the school’s strategic plan, fostering collaboration across a diverse community.
- Built teacher understanding of key Ministry documents (Tātaiako, Tapasā, and Responding to Language Diversity in Auckland) to support culturally responsive practice.
- Embedded culturally responsive teaching strategies across schools to support the Pupuke Kāhui Ako achievement challenges, and improve student outcomes.
- Guided staff in valuing and celebrating cultural diversity, and promoting inclusive practices in classrooms and school-wide programs.
- Supported cross-school collaboration and professional learning to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement across the network.
Mathematics Curriculum Leader
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
Takapuna, Auckland
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Designed and implemented curriculum initiatives that improved student achievement in mathematics, with year-on-year growth across multiple cohorts.
- Embedded mathematics language strategies to support English language learners, leading to greater confidence, and improved assessment outcomes.
- Strengthened transitions between primary, intermediate, and secondary schools by aligning curriculum pathways, ensuring smoother progression for students.
- Led whole-school mathematics assessments and data analysis, using evidence to identify learning needs, and inform targeted interventions.
- Reported assessment outcomes and achievement trends to the school leadership team and Board, influencing resourcing, and school improvement priorities.
- Delivered professional learning in mathematics pedagogy to staff, increasing teacher capability and consistency of practice across year levels.
- Introduced targeted support programs that accelerated progress for underachieving students, narrowing achievement gaps.
- Coordinated extension programs for high-achieving students, fostering deeper conceptual understanding, and improved competition outcomes.
Education
Master of TESOL (Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages) - Applied Linguistics
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ01-2023
Graduate Diploma in TESSOL (Teaching English in Schools To Speakers of Other Languages) - Education
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ01-2018
Bachelor of Education (Teaching) - Primary Teaching
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ01-2014
Skills
- Expertise in EAL/D pedagogy and multilingual learner support
- Experience with the IB PYP and the New Zealand Curriculum, adaptable to the Australian Curriculum
- Data-driven assessment to inform teaching and track student progress
- Instructional leadership, staff mentoring, and professional learning facilitation
- Differentiated teaching and inclusive classroom practices
- Strong community and stakeholder engagement across diverse cultural contexts
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Korean
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo — demonstrating discipline, resilience, and commitment to mentoring others.
Accomplishments
- TeachNZ Primary Principals’ and Teachers’ Study Award, 2022
- TESSOL Scholarship, 2017
Certification
- Fully Registered Teacher, New Zealand
- Instructional Coaching for Teaching Practice Certificate
- GROWTH Leadership Coaching Certificate
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge Certificate
- International Baccalaureate PYP Certificate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of EAL/D (ESL)
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
01.2025 - Current
Across-School Lead Teacher (EAL)
Ministry of Education
01.2024 - Current
Team Leader - Year 7/8
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
01.2024 - 12.2024
Classroom Teacher & Maths Extension Lead
Northcross Intermediate School
01.2023 - 12.2023
Across-School Lead Teacher (Community Engagement)
Ministry of Education
01.2019 - 12.2021
Mathematics Curriculum Leader
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
01.2018 - 12.2021
Classroom Teacher – IB PYP School
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
01.2014 - 12.2022
Master of TESOL (Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages) - Applied Linguistics
University of Auckland
Graduate Diploma in TESSOL (Teaching English in Schools To Speakers of Other Languages) - Education
University of Auckland
Bachelor of Education (Teaching) - Primary Teaching
University of Auckland
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