Experience Summary
I began working as an English teacher 6 years ago, when I was living in Japan. I had originally moved to Japan to work as a designer, but after a year I started teaching English, which is something I'd always wanted to do. Over the following 4 years I worked at 4 different kindergartens, all of which were affiliated with Sunnyside International (my employer). I also taught various afterschool elementary classes and tutored students of different ages, from ages 5-adult. For the past two years I have been living in Guangzhou, China, where I worked as an English teacher in the International School of Jinan University. I taught five classes of freshmen Oral English and English Writing. I also taught English once a week at a Chinese elementary school and taught corporate English classes at the Samsung and Kumho branch offices in Guangzhou.
Teaching Style
I try to communicate concepts in a simple and organized way and provide "shortcuts" whenever possible. I also try to keep in mind my own feelings and experiences as a learner of a foreign language (for me, Japanese). This helps me to be patient and understanding of the pressures and difficulties my students face. I use my own experiences as examples when trying to illustrate a point and give advice as a friend would. Hopefully this injects some humor and reality into my classes. I think I have taken my cues from the Japanese kindergarten teacher model, which is that of a big sister. I take responsibility for my students and serve as their role model; I am understanding and patient. I care about the progress of my students because in a sense they are my family and reflect back on me.