Beth Damstra
Cape Town,Western Cape
Summary
Dedicated and TEFL-qualified educator with extensive experience in fostering student-teacher relationships and facilitating critical thinking. Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, intercultural competence, and a deep understanding of English grammar to enhance learner engagement and comprehension. Proficient in managing virtual and face-to-face classrooms, developing creative lesson plans, and preparing students for IELTS/TOEFL examinations and Montessori teaching from toddlers to adults. Committed to professional development and inspiring leadership, with a focus on student safeguarding and conflict resolution. Career goal: to continue advancing innovative teaching strategies that promote academic excellence and personal growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Online English Teacher
Twenix
Albania, Tirane
10.2023 - Current
- Facilitated regular feedback sessions with students, resulting in tailored lesson plans that fit their specific learning style.
- Cultivated a love for the English language amongst non-native speakers through engaging activities and culturally relevant content.
- Led one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students, leading to marked improvement in their grades.
- Boosted students' confidence in verbal English communication through consistent practice sessions.
- Provided constructive criticism on spoken and written work, aiding the development of fluent conversational skills.
- Adapted teaching methods to suit individual students' needs, ensuring effective understanding of English language concepts.
- Regularly updated curriculum based on the latest changes in IELTS and TOEFL exams, ensuring relevance and applicability.
- Executed remote learning sessions, adapting therequired curriculum to address student needs.
- Monitored difficulties in students to provide extra coaching and assistance.
- Spoke clearly and concisely for optimised student comprehension.
- Adapted teaching styles and resources to suit student age and ability.
- Collaborated with other ESL teachers to share best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Administered assessments to evaluate students' progress and adjusted lessons accordingly for optimal outcomes.
Directress
Montessori International Tirana
Albania, Tirane
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Specialised in SENCO to promote equal learning opportunities for al nursery children.
- Managed classroom behaviour through positive reinforcement.
- Safeguarded children appropriately, escalating concerns to senior staff.
- Reported on developmental progress to quickly identify and meet additional educational needs.
- Supervised groups of children on educational excursions.
- Devised activities to improve pupils' social, emotional and cognitive development.
- Assessed pupil performance and adapted learning programmes to suit individual needs.
- Supported toilet and potty training to promote child independence.
- Used regular assessment data to influence further planning, provision and intervention.
- Established next steps to support baby, toddler and child learning programmes.
- Promoted self-control and independence of all students.
- Held meetings to update parents on progress and answer questions on child development.
- Attended staff meetings to communicate new ideas and teaching styles.
- Built solid relationships with parents to encourage further learning and development at home.
- Maintained health and safety of children during all activities.
- Collaborated with other teachers for curriculum planning and implementation.
- Prepared age-appropriate educational materials to enhance learning experience.
- Nurtured emotional well-being of every child by addressing individual needs sensitively.
- Established a safe and stimulating classroom environment, promoting positive behaviour amongst students.
- Organised classroom layout according to Montessori principles for optimal learning atmosphere.
- Interviewed and trained new teachers to fit Montessori standards and guidelines.
- Updated student progress reports on school database for easy access by parents and management.
- Built and nurtured positive learning environment to aid pupil engagement and enjoyment.
- Recorded accidents and incidents within school premises for reporting to management and carers.
Directress
Generations School Sunningdale
Cape Town, Western Cape
02.2016 - 08.2021
- Used creative teaching methods to make learning fun and engaging for children.
- Provided continuous care during daily routines, instilling good habits in children.
- Facilitated sensory experiences to support children's understanding of the world around them.
- Established a safe and stimulating classroom environment, promoting positive behaviour amongst students.
- Implemented individualised lesson plans according to specific needs of each child.
- Collaborated with other teachers for curriculum planning and implementation.
- Assisted children in self-directed learning, contributing to their independence and self-confidence.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations within the classroom setting.
- Managed class resources efficiently, ensuring availability of necessary educational materials.
- Created detailed progress reports for each student whilst maintaining open communication with parents.
- Increased student engagement with hands-on, interactive lessons.
- Nurtured emotional well-being of every child by addressing individual needs sensitively.
- Worked closely with parents to ensure consistent approach towards child's development at home and school.
- Organised classroom layout according to Montessori principles for optimal learning atmosphere.
- Encouraged self-directed learning for children to develop educationally and emotionally.
- Monitored and addressed behavioural and learning issues with parents and management.
- Reported identified emotional and developmental problems in children to parents.
- Promoted learning through play to encourage individualistic approach to children's bespoke educational needs.
- Created nurturing and stimulating classrooms for inclusivity.
- Updated student progress reports on school database for easy access by parents and management.
- Interviewed and trained new teachers to fit Montessori standards and guidelines.
- Promoted child safety measures and security by implementing necessary safeguarding practices for optimal care.
- Safeguarded children appropriately, escalating concerns to senior staff.
- Managed classroom behaviour through positive reinforcement.
- Supported children with toilet training to aid physiological development.
Education
International Diploma - Montessori Teaching
Montessori Centre South Africa
Cape Town 01.2014 - 12.2015
Advanced 160 Hour TEFL Certificate - Online Teacher
TEFL Fullcircle Online
01.2019 -
First Aider Level 3 - First Aider Level 3
BLS Medical
Cape Town /2020 - /2023
Skills
- Student-Teacher relationship building
- Critical thinking facilitation
- Teaching enthusiasm
- Conflict resolution among students
- Managing time differences effectively
- Webinar presentation
- Learner engagement
- Patience and tolerance
- Knowledge of English grammar
- Comprehension improvement strategies
- Empathetic understanding
- Constructive feedback
- Intercultural competence
- Language proficiency
- Advanced typing speed
- Experience with virtual classrooms
- Lesson planning
- Lesson plan development
- Exceptional communication
- Student engagement techniques
- Digital literacy
- IELTS/TOEFL preparation
- One-to-one tutoring
- Proofreading
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom management
- Teaching and learning strategies
- TEFL qualified
- Email etiquette
- Professional Development
- A-level English curriculum teaching
- Inspiring leader
- Critical thinking skills
- Teacher training and mentoring
- Creative class planning
- Student safeguarding
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Online English Teacher
Twenix
10.2023 - Current
Directress
Montessori International Tirana
09.2021 - 07.2023
Advanced 160 Hour TEFL Certificate - Online Teacher
TEFL Fullcircle Online
01.2019 -
Directress
Generations School Sunningdale
02.2016 - 08.2021
International Diploma - Montessori Teaching
Montessori Centre South Africa
01.2014 - 12.2015
First Aider Level 3 - First Aider Level 3
BLS Medical
/2020 - /2023
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