Sean Bui

Why does a successful lawyer and child of Filipino-Vietnamese immigrants who came to the United States fleeing war, become a high school teacher? As Sean Bui will tell you, “As a 27-year-old attorney, I woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, realizing I had achieved my family’s dream, but not mine.” So, he turned to education, earning his credential and teaching English Language Development and Business Law, while developing and leading his school’s very successful Mock Trial Club. Sean declares that teaching is his passion and his superpower, although his students would argue that his superpower is his loud voice and infectious energy!

Though Sean wears many hats, he is most proud of being the English Language Development (ELD) Coordinator. His father, who came from Vietnam speaking almost no English, always reminded him that it was the support of native language speakers that helped him reach his full potential in America. Sean sees being the ELD Coordinator as his opportunity to “pay it forward” and make sure that his English learners reach their full potential.

Sean believes that the emotional well-being of students is critical. To counteract the pervasive effect of social media he asserts that teachers must receive training. In his vision of a healthy school, Sean notes “we are all a team working toward the social and emotional well-0being of all students.” Skillful teachers must be a counselor, cheerleader, coach, mentor, entertainer and sage, all in the same day. According to Sean, “The only way that you can juggle and put on these hats every single day is by guaranteeing that teaching is your passion.” Known as “the voice of positivity and described by one colleague as “aggressively happy,” Sean has truly found his purpose.