LEADERSHIP
Leadership Rooted in Education
For more than four decades, Richard Lee has worked in education as a teacher, school administrator, counselor, education director, test supervisor, and principal.
In 1994, he founded Solomon International School in Washington State and has served as its Principal ever since.
RICHARD LEE · FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
CAREER IN AMERICAN EDUCATION
From Teacher to Founder & Principal
Richard Lee's leadership of Solomon International School grew from years of direct experience in American secondary education.
His career progressed from classroom teaching to school administration before he founded SIS in Washington State in 1994.
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1986–1992
Washington State-Certified Teacher
Queen Anne High School
Seattle, Washington
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1992–1994
Vice Principal
McClure Middle School
Seattle, Washington
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1994–Present
Founder & Principal
Solomon International School
Washington State
17YEARS
ETS Test Center Supervisor
SAT I, SAT II and TOEFL
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
American Education Across Borders
Principal Lee's work in education has extended beyond Washington State.
Over the years, he has been invited to speak about American education, establish international academic programs, and address students, educators, families, and media audiences in several countries.
SELECTED INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
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2011 · Shenzhen, China
First Nanshan Dialogue: Sino-Foreign Excellent Principals Forum
Principal Lee was invited to speak on the U.S. middle and high school system to school leaders from across China.
The forum was hosted by the China National Institute for Educational Research and the Nanshan District Municipality.
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2012 · Hanoi, Vietnam
International Program Doan Thi Diem School
Principal Lee established an international program at Doan Thi Diem School that was formally approved by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education — the first of its kind in Vietnam.
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2023 · Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Education, Media & Student Engagement
Principal Lee appeared on BTV News Center to discuss the U.S. education system and participated in a televised dialogue with Cambodian students.
He was also invited to present awards at the Mathematics Local Round of the Copernicus Olympiad.
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2024 · Korea
Education & Media Engagement
Principal Lee appeared in a long-form CTS television interview about his life and the journey to founding a school in the United States.
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2025 · Mongolia
Dreams and Vision
Principal Lee lectured secondary students on dreams and vision.
Principal Lee’s international education experience reflects a longstanding commitment to connecting American education with students and educational communities beyond the United States.