Why I want To Work In Italy

I love to travel and Italy has so many exciting places to visit. There is so much rich culture, language, art, and music. I have many interests and I am open to new and varied experiences. Italian people are warm and friendly, and introduce me to their culture with open arms.

Americans, on the whole, have a bad reputation in the rest of the world. I like to think of myself as an American ambassador. I'd like to do my part to change the American image.

American English is quickly becoming the world language. This is especially true in business and in university. British English is already widely taught in Italy. Even though British English and American English have many similarities, they have many differences, as well. Italian students need to master both to succeed in today's world. 

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is simple. If learning isn't enjoyable, what's the point? I have a very eclectic style of teaching based on my student needs and levels. I use methology, of course, which students use to become competent in all of the four language skills. I present them with materials and activities that are at a slightly higher level than their current competence, challenging them, but not high enough to prevent success. The students take an active role in their learning process with opportunities to reflect on their experiences, draw conclusions, and apply them in real communicative tasks. I motivate my students with praise and encouragement. I give them the tools they need to learn; guidance, counseling, support, demonstration, instruction, examples, feedback, and information.

Education

2005
CTEFL
Via Lingua
Florence, Italy
I completed a 4 week intensive EFL course in February and was awarded the CTEFL. I was tested on grammar and phonetics, and was observed teaching for 10 hours.

1996
Master Classes
Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris
Paris, France
I spent part of the summer studying in Paris, refining my own skills and observing some of the finest teaching I've ever seen.

1984
BA in Liberal Arts
University of Arts and Science of Oklahoma
Chickasha, Oklahoma, USA
Being a liberal arts major, I have a well rounded education with many interests and talents.

Teaching Experience

2005-2006
EFL Teacher, Joy Academy
Yongin-Shi, South Korea
I currently teach reading, writing, grammar, and speaking to students age 6-18. I also have two adult conversation classes, one beginning and one intermediate. I am training the other teachers in EFL teaching and developing the school curriculum.

2005
ESL Teacher, ELS Language Centres
Dubai, UAE
I had a 3 month contract in Dubai, where I taught reading and writing, as well as structure and speaking. I also prepared students for the TOEFL exams. My students were mostly adults, though I had a summer children's class. The students were culturally diversified. They were Arabic, Iranian, Morroccan, Palestinian, Russian, and Korean, making my time in Dubai a rewarding experience. I was offered a longer contract, which I considered carefully. In the end, it was the heat index which prompted me to refuse the offer.

1976-2005
Private Tutor, Holman Studio
Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, Iowa, Florence
I was a private tutor of ESL, piano and vocal production. I taught Business English and Conversational English, as well as grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I taught one-on-one and small groups with ages ranging from 4 to 67.

1994-1996
Teacher, Indianola School System
Indianola, Iowa, USA
As a teacher in the local school system where I lived, I taught all subjects including math, history, geography and English to grades 1-8.

1989-1996
Piano Instructor and Choir Director
Salzbury School of Music
Simpson College, Iowa, USA

References

Andrea Breon, Senior Foreign Teacher
Joy Academy
Building 501, Dae Myong Zest
2015-1, Jukjun-Dong, Yongin-Shi
Kyunggi-Do, Korea
Telephone: 031.898.1904/5
Email: andreabreon@gmail.com

Matthew Laubengayer, Managing Director
ELS Language Centers
P.O. Box 62056
Dubai, UAE
Telephone: 0097.04.294.0740
Email: dbxels@emirates.net.ae

Frederick Birkhimer, Course Trainer
Via Lingua, Americana Instituto
Via Brunelleschi, 1
50123 Firenze, Italy
Telephone: 39.005.283.161
Email: istame@tin.it

Dr. Maurice X. LeGault, Mentor
6035 US Highway 45 N
Vienna, IL 62995, USA
Telephone: 1.970.749.2219
Email: mbleg@shawneelink.com