tahn

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.