Hello,

My name is Renee and I am a recent graduate of the University of Virginia. In addition to confirming that I meet all the qualifications for the position, I would like to expand upon my passion for teaching and cross-cultural education. I would also like to touch upon some additional experiences and accomplishments that render me a competitive candidate for this teaching position.

Firstly, I hold a strong academic record. I obtained a bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Virginia, finishing with a 3.82 GPA. During high school, I also demonsrated academic excellence, graduating with a 4.3+ GPA. I was a National AP Scholar and took a total of 11 AP classes. Additionally, I scored in the 99th percentile with on the SAT on my first try.

Outside of my academic achievements, I have also dabbled in other extracurriculars – particularly music. I played piano competitively for over 10 years and won multiple awards. I also developed an interest in singing and musical composition in high school, which I carried with me to university where I was a member of The Virginia Sil'hooettes, the most award winning a cappella group and nationally recognized.

In regards to teaching experience, I have worked with children of all ages. I worked as an English and Math instructor for 3 years during high school, helping children ages 5-13 with grasping particularly tricky English/Mathematic concepts. Additionally, I tutored my own peers in mathematics (with a focus in Calculus and Statistics) in high school as part of a tutoring club.

After graduating college, I began to develop a desire to teach English abroad – I would love the opportunity not only to share and help others understand the English language, but also the culture that comes along with it. As a Chinese American, I've had the benefit of exposure to both East Asian and American influences, which has contributed to my desire to work within an intersection of the two.

I believe that my academic and professional experiences, along with my own personal values and mission, make me a strong candidate for this position. Please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding my qualifications and/or application.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Best,
Renee Zhang

Passionate and caring ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher with four years plus experience with students from three years – adult. Have taught ESL in Colombia, South Korea, China and online. Excellent feedback has been received from employing institutes. Background in drama is utilised in the classroom to bring lessons to life for learners. Organised, strong communicator and innovative; student centric lessons are fun and engaging.

– I’m patient and always prepared to give some students extra help and guidance to help them keep up with the rest of their class.

– I’m understanding of my students native culture, it helps me to connect with my students and exercise empathy.

– I genuinely care about my students and maintain a good relationship.

– I’m greatly adaptable to new circumstances, handle change well, and be willing to embrace each new environment as a learning experience.

– I have a fun, energetic personality that put students at ease and draws them into activities that help them to improve their English language abilities.

– I use a variety of methods in my classroom.

– Microsoft Office proficient (Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point etc).

-Results oriented and efficient in coordinating projects and tasks.

-Excellent time management and organizational skills.

-Strong planning and oral and written communication skills

Teaching Assistant, MYSMARTLEARNING: (Sept 2013 – Jul 2019)
• Worked with students between the ages of 4-16 teaching English, maths, and science.
• Held one-to-one lessons with GCSE and A-level students leading to them achieving one and a half grades higher in their maths and physics exams.
• Aided many 11+ students to attain a place in the grammar school of their choice by tutoring a group of 4-6 students weekly.
• Eased the workload of the teacher by preparing the resources for classes each week.

Teaching Assistant, Bishop Challoner Internship: (Jun 2019 – Jul 2019)
• Planned and delivered starter exercises to a range of sets to develop critical thinking of students.
• Conducted and presented a research project on the link between student behaviour and teaching techniques.
• Implemented new learning techniques to help my assigned students become more engaged

Worked as Community outreach officer of my society at university, in which I planned, organised, marketed, and led volunteering events throughout the year. Examples include but not limited to; planting trees, delivering food to the homeless, visiting care homes, organising blood and bone marrow donations.

Skills: Completed a 120 hour TEFL course. First aid trained in low level work emergencies by St John Ambulance.

Interests: I have a large family, so I am very family oriented and majority of my free time, I try to spend with them. I enjoy reading fantasy novels and psychology books such as “The Courage to be Disliked”. I really enjoy fiction through any medium, such as studying well made films from great directors. Christopher Nolan is my favourite director. My love of fiction has inspired me to write my own novel. I am currently in the early stages of my first draft of my own book set in an alternative history of Korea. I play volleyball regularly to try and stay healthy.

I have been working towards becoming a teacher most of my life, and I'm really looking forward to this new area of teaching.

I have a BA honors degree in Education studies and English Literature from London metropolitan university. During that time I was working as a student ambassador for one year taking jobs in different schools and colleges around London. I have completed a 120 hour TEFL course and can’t wait to put all my knowledge to use in the classroom using everyday activities.

Having a can-do attitude in all aspects of my life has allowed me to overcome hurdles and remain positive and upbeat in and out of work. I am a hard worker with good interpersonal skills, and I have proven abilities to use my initiative to negotiate new and challenging situations. I believe I am an enthusiastic and passionate individual with a love for education and working with children.

I believe I have the right skills and attributes which makes me a perfect candidate for the teaching position available. I have Excellent communication ability, strong written communicator and skilled at oral communication when working with other students or colleagues. Proficient with using software’s such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Patient and understanding person with strong interpersonal skills, allowing me to be a capable leader of a classroom and an easy colleague to work alongside.

Despite the fact that i don't have teaching experience, working as a team leader in a clothing store has allowed me to develop great communication skills, which I believe is a necessary skill in teaching. I also have a great understanding of working with people from all types of backgrounds and personalities and i also have great leadership skills and understand how to take on great responsibility.

I am currently completing a TEFL qualification and hope to finish this by the end of February.

I am confident in my command of the English language. I am passionate about language learning and desire to help others cultivate their skills as I will with mine. I was involved in both Japanese and Korean culture clubs in college. They helped grew my desire to continue learning language and culture. I am TEFL certified.

I am a punctual, organised and a native communicator of English. I hold all my work at a high value of importance, no matter how small the task is. I am self-motivated and independent; meaning I can work by myself and within a team. I believe even the smallest assignment is what makes the bigger picture perfect. My ability to pick things up quickly and my enthusiastic attitude to work has always allowed me to fit easily into most work dynamics, with little to no problems.

Since graduating from University, I have been thinking about my future more now than ever before. Over the years I have had different jobs (Admin, retail, Banking), which have been amazing and have helped me gain experience and learn new skills; skills that I plan to put towards my future goals and endeavours. Due to recent events, I’ve been able to volunteer my time online to people of different backgrounds. Since May 2020 I have been tutoring English online my main student being a Korean university student. I have been helping him in both written and spoken English and improving his conversational skills as he hopes to work abroad after graduating. I have also taken up a position as an ESOL teaching assistant at ELATT

There are three main reasons why I want to teach. The first is because I have a passion for teaching English. I wish to impart my knowledge and experiences to not just my future students but other teachers. I don’t just plan to share my knowledge but to gain some from those I meet and other educators. The second reason is that I understand how knowing a second langue opens more career paths and opportunity for students. It gives them an academic advantage as well as increases their confidence. I want to help and motivate them to reach their langue goals. Finally, I want to make a difference in students’ lives. For me, it was my English teachers that ignited my passion for creative writing and English. They are the main force behind me studying English at a higher level and a large factor in me wanting to become a teacher myself.

My teaching philosophy is to never give up on my students. Every student is different and has their talents, weaknesses and strengths. Each student learns differently and has unique ways of retaining information. I will use a variety of teaching methods such as visual and auditory; to reach students, so that no one is left behind. I plan to learn from students as much as they learn from me. My philosophy will be to teach my students how to study, how to ask the right questions and when. One way I plan to emphasise this philosophy in my classes is to incorporate regular feedback from students and be available to them through different means for questions. Many time students avoid asking questions because they are shy of being singled out by their peers. I aim to encourage my students to fully engage in the topics taught and speak (within reasons) freely. I strongly believe asking questions is the only way students can fully comprehend what they are learning.

I have only recently completed my TEFL course and am looking for my first teaching opportunity in Asia with a view to entering the education sector as a long-term career path, while simultaneously having the chance to expand my knowledge and understanding of other cultures and languages. Despite my educational background being in Politics and the social sciences, I have taken part in many educational initiatives previously. In particular, my experience with the ParliaMentors program, in which I helped to sustain a social action project that educated 16 to 18-year-old students about the British democratic process and as such involved conveying educational material in a manner that was engaging for the target audience. Similarly, I have been involved with the Scouting movement as a troop leader; the main role of a troop leader is to engage younger people with basic education on the environment and nature.

During my 3rd year at university, I also completed an exchange year in Seoul at Korea University, and as such have a basic understanding of the Korean language as well as prior basic experience with the Korean educational culture.

The opportunity to be able to tutor and teach young people in what is an increasingly needed skill in a more globalised world is one that has inspired me to pursue a career in education. The chance to give students a life skill as tangible as bilingualism going forward as well as play a significant role in their formative years in the education system is something that I regard as rewarding on both a professional and personal level, and consequently is a position that I would enjoy applying my studious work ethic to.