Working with Jason over the past two years has been a privilege. He fosters collaboration and innovation, encouraging us to enhance the curriculum and improve student outcomes. Jason is open to new ideas and initiatives, enriching the school community. Personally, his mentorship has been invaluable in my leadership journey, offering guidance and boosting my confidence to pursue new challenges. As a knowledgeable leader, he empowers and inspires staff to be their best. His influence has positively shaped the school environment and will continue to guide future educators. I’m deeply grateful for his support.

In the five years we worked together at Kwangju Foreign School, Mr. Jason King was a key component of our school’s success. He reinvented our summer school program by adding more cross-curricular activities for students and made learning fun and rewarding. He mentored several high school students preparing for university and even a few new teachers we added to our staff.  Mr. King demonstrated outstanding teamwork in a variety of ways, including collaborating with parents, other schools, and the local community. Not only was he a trusted colleague, but he became a close friend. Even though we no longer work together, I still consider him a trusted adviser and someone I can turn to for fresh ideas in the classroom.

I had the pleasure of working with Jason King at Thalun International School in Yangon, Myanmar, during my first international teaching job. Jason’s extensive experience in teaching at international schools across various countries was invaluable. His deep expertise in both curriculum development and instruction was evident, and he was always willing to share his knowledge and provide guidance.

Not only did Jason teach language arts and social studies with great skill, but he also played a pivotal role beyond the classroom. He coached the basketball team, helped lead the school’s accreditation process, and served as our Secondary Learning Leader, SIS and Google Administrator, and Data Coordinator, where he was instrumental in developing our testing and data systems. Jason’s dedication to his students, his colleagues, and the school as a whole made a lasting impact.

I had the privilege of working with Jason King in several different capacities over the course of three years while working at St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju. I worked with Jason on a school wide committee where I witnessed his passion for education and his students as he planned and supported various school-wide initiatives. Jason is a dedicated educator who keeps students at the heart of decision-making and planning. I also had the opportunity to work closely with Jason as he organized and ran a two-week English summer camp. He was very detail-oriented and clear in communicating with his staff and the students from various surrounding schools. I also had the privilege to work with Jason as an administrator for the Middle School division where he consistently demonstrated support for his staff and the students during various situations. Jason was always willing to have conversations to support with planning, curriculum, student needs, or anything that may have been in the support of the teachers in his division. He treated me as a trusted professional, with respect and kindness. I would strongly recommend Jason King for any educational leadership position and he is a leader I would happily work for again in the future.

I am privileged to write this testimonial for Mr. Jason King, an exceptional educator, and an outstanding colleague. As a dedicated secondary learning leader and Assistant Principal, Mr. King consistently demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, professionalism, and leadership that has made a significant impact on both students and fellow educators.

From the very beginning, Mr. King’s hard work and passion for teaching were evident in everything he did. His ability to engage students in meaningful learning experiences while maintaining high standards of academic excellence sets him apart as an educator. Whether it was through creative lesson planning, hands-on activities, or fostering a classroom culture of mutual respect and curiosity, Mr. King always put the needs of his students first. His dedication to their success was unwavering, and he continually sought innovative ways to inspire and motivate them to reach their full potential.

As a secondary learning leader and Assistant Principal, Mr. King was a guiding force within the school. He is a natural leader, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer valuable advice to his fellow teachers. His approachable demeanor makes him a trusted mentor and a resource for others, and he played a key role in fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere among the teaching staff. Colleagues know they can turn to him for guidance on best teaching practices, curriculum development, or simply for encouragement and support. His ability to listen, provide constructive feedback, and share his expertise has had a lasting impact on everyone he works with.

Mr. King’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. He has consistently taken the initiative to lead professional development workshops, mentor new teachers, and support school-wide initiatives. His strong work ethic and collaborative approach have made him a cornerstone of the secondary education team, where he has been instrumental in shaping the academic direction and enhancing the quality of education for students. His leadership style is characterized by empathy, openness, and a genuine desire to see both students and colleagues succeed.

What truly sets Mr. King apart is his approachability. Despite his many responsibilities, he always makes time for others—whether it’s a student seeking help or a colleague needing advice. His calm, patient, and thoughtful nature creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking his input, knowing they will be met with kindness and understanding. This approachability, coupled with his vast knowledge and leadership skills, makes Mr. King not only a respected leader but also a beloved member of the school community.

In conclusion, Mr. Jason King is an exemplary teacher, leader, and colleague who has made an indelible mark on our school. His dedication, hard work, and approachability have earned him the admiration of both students and staff alike. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him and witness firsthand the positive impact he has made on secondary education.

I have had the pleasure of working with Jason for three years, one year as a coteacher (gr.6 social studies) and for two years when he was my vice principal.

Jason is hard working and doesn’t just see the job as a 9-5 position. He puts in more hours than anyone I have ever worked with, often arriving in the early hours and staying until way past supper time. He volunteers often and is around on weekends to assist.

Jason works by the motto “The buck stops here”. He doesn’t ask anyone to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself. He is passionate and loyal to the school and years of living in Korea mean that he is very attuned to the culture of the local population. He is almost always (except for appropriate spirit days) dressed professionally in a way that models behavior for students and staff alike.

As the father of SJA students he is invested in this community and wants it truly to succeed.

Jason does not always agree with the ideas of other educators, but he gives everyone time to explain themselves and listens to what they have to say. Ultimately he will make a decision and expects others to follow. He is flexible in his approach and tries new strategies and ideas and adds them to what he already knows and what has worked previously. 

I previously planned and executed a grade-wide trip with him (to Japan). He did his due diligence and made sure that his staff were aware of the plan going in. When plans change, he is flexible and able to make changes on the fly. 

Jason is very meticulous on planning and paperwork and writing curriculum, schedules, and making sure that they are made accessible to invested parties is a major strength.

I hope that these show the measure of the man applying for principal.

To Middle School Principal Hiring Committee :

I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Jason King, who has been an invaluable member of our St. Johnsbury Academy (SJA) community since 2021. During his tenure as a social studies teacher, middle school assistant principal, and now as the high school assistant principal, Jason has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an outstanding leader, mentor, and advocate for students and staff.

Jason’s leadership style is best described as hands-on and collaborative. He embodies the principles of servant leadership, always prioritizing the needs of others while empowering his team. Jason’s ability to foster a positive, supportive atmosphere has greatly contributed to the growth of our school community. His approach to leadership in the middle school has led to positive changes in staff morale, increased teacher engagement, and a stronger sense of shared purpose, all of which have continued as he transitioned to the high school. Whether working with staff, students, or parents, he approaches every challenge with a solutions-oriented mindset, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and serve the best interests of all SJA stakeholders.

One of Jason’s standout achievements was directing the JDC English Summer Camp, where he showcased his expertise in managing complex operations. From budgeting to scheduling, he ensured the program ran smoothly and exceeded expectations. His business acumen, combined with his educational leadership, makes him uniquely skilled in balancing the administrative and human sides of leadership. This strong foundation in business operations would be a tremendous asset in the role of middle school principal, where managing resources, overseeing budgets, and optimizing school processes are essential for success. Jason’s ability to lead efficiently while maintaining a student-centered approach ensures that all operational decisions enhance the educational experience.

Beyond his official roles, Jason is deeply committed to the SJA community. He frequently volunteers at school events, athletic programs, and more, always willing to step in and support students and staff alike. His generosity and dedication do not go unnoticed, as he is often the first to offer assistance or take on extra responsibilities. Jason has also been instrumental in fostering innovation within our staff. For example, he led AI-focused sessions during our unconference, helping teachers explore new ways to enhance their instructional practices. His encouragement and genuine interest in professional development have played a significant role in boosting staff morale and fostering a culture of growth and learning.

What makes Jason an exceptional candidate for the middle school principal role is his clear vision for success and his deep understanding of the Korean context within an international school setting. He not only appreciates the cultural nuances of our community but also has the foresight to shape a learning environment where all students can thrive. In closing, I wholeheartedly recommend Jason King for the middle school principal position. His leadership, dedication, and passion for education make him the ideal candidate to continue advancing the mission of St. Johnsbury Academy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at 010-4734-6288 or [email protected]

My name is Carolyn McGuire and I had the pleasure of working at St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju from 2020-2023 as the Middle School Counselor. I was fortunate to work with Jason King in the 2021-2022 school year when he first joined us as a teacher, then in 2022-2023 as our Assistant Principal. When Jason started working at SJA, he immediately impressed me as a dedicated teacher. He quickly built positive relationships with his students and I could see that students eagerly sought him out for help and support. At a Time when Covid continued to have a deep impact on our community, Jason would always greet all students at the door in the morning and help create a positive and welcoming start to the day for our students and faculty. His visible presence in the halls during breaks and recess helped to create a friendly and positive atmosphere.

As a colleague, what impressed me was Jason’s willingness to lend a hand in any capacity that he could. Whether it was helping to cover classes for teachers who were sick, volunteering to run programs, or helping a student in the hall, Jason never hesitated to volunteer. Early in his first year, one of our Middle School Administrators was experiencing health issues and was unexpectedly absent for a lengthy period of time. It was at this difficult moment that Jason quietly stepped in to help in any capacity that he could. His calm demeanor and steadfast ability to assume leadership roles was evident. Our Principal was able to lean on Jason to help whether it involved a student issue, or with something on an administrative level. Jason was able to pivot to help where and when help was needed. This was all while also teaching a full load. As a counselor I found Jason to be a trusted ally and could easily see his capacity for becoming a leader.

Due to Jason’s skillful support and leadership his first year, the school leaned on him once again when both the middle school administrators announced they would be leaving after the 2021-2022 school year. In the Winter of 2021, it was announced that Jason would be the official Assistant Principal the following year. True to his character, Jason was already working in this capacity and began earnestly preparing for the new school year. As a returning employee, he also was instrumental in preparing the Middle School for the 2022-2023 school year and helping the new Principal to transition to SJAJ. Jason continued to work tirelessly during this transition. I witnessed the countless hours he worked and his earnest commitment to develop and strengthen the Middle School program.

In my last year at SJA, I worked closely with Jason as the Assistant Principal. I had the utmost respect for him as an administrator and valued his perspectives. With Jason and our new Principal, I saw incredible growth in the Middle School program. Teachers sought Jason out for support and he worked hard to build relationships with students, faculty, and our parent community. It was a pleasure working with Jason and I felt very fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with him.

I am writing to you in support of Mr. Jason King’s application for the position of Director of Business Administration. After reviewing the Vacancy Announcement, it is clear to me that, based on my experience working with him, he not only has the skills but also the disposition to be a great asset to you in this role.

During our time in Myanmar, it became clear that he is one of the most dedicated and caring professionals I have worked with during my career. I am sure you have realized in your time as his colleague that any organization privileged enough to have him on their team would greatly benefit from his significant experience, work ethic, creativity, and care for education.

The Position Overview notes that a successful candidate will manage business operations in finance, human resources, facilities management (ICT), campus operations, and academic support. As I am sure you are aware, Mr. King has valuable academic and operational experience. His career in finance was a great asset to us in Myanmar when we worked with the World Bank (IFC) and Dutch, Belgian, and British Development Funds, as he was able to guide due diligence practices with a remarkable eye for detail. His perspective on how academics and operations affect one another is a notable asset. In addition to this noteworthy skill set, his cultural ties to and investment in his host culture (particularly Korea) helped him navigate school and host country relationships with diplomacy and care.

Mr. King was a great asset to our SLT. He consistently identified what needed to be done to support growth and high standards, found pragmatic solutions to problems, and then resolved them in collaboration with his team when given the freedom and opportunity to show his natural leadership.

In addition to the abovementioned professional skills, Mr. King made the time to get to know every student and parent and went out of his way to support, challenge, and guide them when needed. It is obvious that he not only has excellent professional and educational skills but also the ability to build strong personal connections in support of his learning community. He sets high expectations for himself and works very hard to meet them. This is noted and respected by his peers, and he sets a great example for others.

Our whole school community benefitted from his presence, and as such, I would like to recommend that you consider him for the position of Director of Business Administration. If you have any questions, require elaboration, or need additional information, please contact me.

I am writing in support of the candidacy of Jason King for the position of Director of Business and Administration of St. Johnsbury Academy, Jeju. Although I have only known Jason since accepting the position of high school principal last year, I have worked very closely with Jason for the past 6 months. Our work started virtually and for the last three months, we have collaborated on all aspects of administration. Jason really stands out for both his very impressive skill set he brings to administration and also for the unmatched passion and energy he brings to the job.

Very quickly in our relationship, I became aware that Jason is a person who gets things done and he brings a very strong skill set which is perfect for the role of Director of Business for an educational institution. As a former accountant, I rely on Jason to navigate me through the very complex spreadsheets that accompany the accounting of a large, international school. Jason has a thorough understanding of budgets, accounting practices and money management. What I like best about Jason’s approach is that he is also an educator so he knows which budgets directly impact teaching and learning. He will not need assistance in prioritizing the needs of students when making tough decisions. I believe that it is imperative to have a business manager who takes a “learning first” approach to the job.

Not only is Jason a trained accountant, but he also possesses a very strong array of technical skills which will be highly beneficial for a Director of Business and Administration. Jason is very skilled at writing scripts and making forms which streamline processes, making the entire organization more efficient. This year, Jason has developed automated processes for several of our typical routines, including coverage for absent teachers, teacher evaluation forms and a system for teachers to acknowledge positive behavior. All of Jason’s spreadsheets contain advanced capabilities which, among other things, ensures that we select the correct student. This is an important process when such a large portion of our student body have the same last name.

Earlier I spoke of the passion and energy that Jason brings to the job. I have worked with him for three months in person and I’m not sure that I have heard him say “no” to a teacher yet. Instead, he will listen to the concern of the teacher, determine the actual need and then work to find a solution. Jason just has an incredible work ethic. He is always willing to work late if there is any benefit to the student learning. Recently, a student club that focuses on business needed a chaperone and a judge for a business competition. The club was late in making requests of the faculty, but Jason made himself available on both Saturday and Sunday to ensure that students would be able to have their function.

Many organizations struggle when there is a disconnect between the business side and the learning side of the school. When a business manager has not spent time as a teacher or an administrator, they cannot make sound judgements when budgets are tight. Jason King has had careers in both business and education and he would make an excellent choice for the next Director of Business and Administration of SJA Jeju.