Faculty Strengthens Inclusive Education Through Collaboration

Written by Tonya Garrick, Director of Student Learning Support

Faculty members from Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) joined educators from across South Korea on Saturday, March 7 for a professional development event hosted by SENIA (Special Education Network in Asia) Korea at Korea International School. The gathering focused on strengthening inclusive practices and improving how schools connect people and systems to support all students.

Representing YISS were Tonya Garrick, Director of Student Learning Support; Becky Palisuri, Elementary School Assistant Principal; Lorena Meadows, Director of High School Counseling; Blessed Lebona, Middle School Counselor; and Greissy Tellez, High School Counselor.

Throughout the event, participants collaborated with educators from international schools across Korea to explore strategies for supporting both colleagues and students. Discussions emphasized building stronger systems that provide access to key resources—curricular, structural, and human—for all members of the school community.

SENIA Korea is the South Korean chapter of SENIA International (Special Education Network in Asia), a professional network that connects educators, specialists, and families involved in special education. SENIA Korea provides professional development opportunities for educators who are passionate about  students with diverse learning needs. YISS maintains an active role in the organization, with Tonya Garrick serving on the SENIA Korea board.

For the YISS community, professional learning opportunities like this help faculty continue refining best practices. By strengthening inclusive systems and collaboration among educators, YISS remains committed to helping every student grow academically and personally.