Prepare for Duolingo DET Speaking & Writing Skills & Strategies 1:1 Tutoring

Background
In 2004, I graduated with a 3-year diploma from CDI College, School of Business, Technology and Healthcare as a Programmer Analyst & Internet Solutions Developer. My computer science studies provided a comprehensive foundation in programming techniques, web development, and designing solutions to complex projects from a systems analysis perspective. Throughout the program, I learned software engineering skills, programming in multiple object oriented languages including Microsoft Basic, C, Java, and SQL.

Following this, I spent a decade working in diverse professional roles including customer service, sales, technical support, factory and warehouse inventory management, spanning industries from telecommunications, automotive, and hospitality and retail, and logistics to name a few. 

These experiences provided me with opportunities to apply my technical skills problem solving skills, whilst also developing my professional communication and leadership abilities. 



Years later, adapting to the current economic challenges of the time, and becoming increasingly driven by a desire for personal and professional growth, I made the strategic decision to pivot towards the non-profit and social services sector. This led me to pursue a second diploma that would align more closely with my evolving career aspirations. In 2014, I completed one year in Liberal Arts studies and two years in Community Development and Social Services at George Brown College's School of Community Services and Early Childhood Education. 



Perhaps the single most transformative experience during this period was a month-long sponsored volunteering opportunity with the Tata Institute in Mumbai, India. This immersive experience profoundly shaped my professional trajectory, as I worked as a volunteer and research student simultaneously in healthcare and education sectors. During my time at the Tata Institute, I engaged in two primary roles: assisting patients in healthcare settings and teaching preschoolers. As part of the sponsorship agreement, I was required to complete a formal research paper documenting my experiences and observations. It was from this experience that I made the life-altering decision to pursue a career as an overseas language instructor and to explore teaching in Asia.


To this end, I obtained two Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificates. The firsts of which, I completed 100 hours of in-class training with Oxford Seminars, focussing on classroom  skills such classroom management and student engagement. Following this I also obtained an additional 200 hours of online study through TEFL Express, where I deepened my understanding of complex grammar and also online course development. 



International Teaching Experience
I have a rich ten year teaching journey. Starting in Canada, I mentored teens in middle schools teaching literacy after school, as well as teaching language skills newcomer adults with a well established Toronto based Charitable Literacy Organisation. As mentioned, also taught English phonics to preschoolers in India briefly. 

The majority of my full time work was done both in China for up to eight years, working in private language training centres as well as public schools, both in the primary and middle school levels, in various parts of the country, as well nearly two years teaching at a prestigious language training centre for professionals and families in Moscow, Russia. Throughout this time, I built up my expertise teaching academic English and test preparation for teens and adults, as well as business English for individuals, small groups and even organisations. I hope that my growing catalogue of courses provided on this platform can attest to this.



Online Tutoring

Throughout the chaotic turmoil of the 2020 pandemic, I was fortunate to continue to grow in my teaching career, transitioning temporarily into online instruction. Due to the changing circumstances, I specialised in areas I felt were most appropriate to the medium, offering newly custom made courses focusing on academic reading and writing skills, and business conversations. 

Some of my greatest accomplishments include teaching livestream courses to groups of as many as several hundred students. The majority of my teaching caters to high school and university students working on an intensive schedule, to prepare for and pass their English proficiency exams to go on to international study both at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. 

Coming out of this, I have developed dozens of courses, many of which follow the 12 week semester format, catered to different student age groups and levels, for various specific needs.



Personal Mission
I now reside in rural Quebec, Canada, with a dedicated mission to serve under-privileged areas through distance learning. My goal is to provide targeted support to students, particularly those in remote or marginalised communities, offering preparation for higher education. I continue to offer targeted preparation for English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and various others, available on demand.

In conclusion, I feel that my because of my unique background spanning business and computers, social services, and language teaching, and an interest in lifelong learning coupled with extensive experience across various countries and educational settings, I teach with confidence, passion, and a profound commitment to creating meaningful change at both individual and community levels. In today's multi-cultural and rapidly evolving technological landscape, I recognise the critical need for comprehensive mentorship and continuous support for students. Young people are navigating an increasingly complex world, where technological advancements and social challenges require adaptive learning and continuous support, supervision and guidance. My mission is to bridge educational gaps, to inspire confidence, and to offer friendly mentorship, whenever and wherever I can.