Daniel Swanson
Edinburgh,United Kingdom
Summary
Enthusiastic Assistant Professor in Education and TESOL with extensive research, teaching, supervision and administration experience. Meticulous and methodical in approach to all tasks, guaranteeing high quality results.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant Professor & Academic Programme Manager
Global College, Heriot Watt University
- 07.2025
- Curriculum Leadership & Instructional Design: Led the design and delivery of four English-medium foundation programmes (including academic and communicative English) for Heriot-Watt University's transnational partnership in Kazakhstan, aligning content with international standards and learner needs.
- Faculty Development & Pedagogical Support: Provided training and ongoing mentorship to a diverse team of instructors, focusing on effective EFL pedagogy, student engagement, and assessment strategies to enhance classroom practice and learner outcomes.
Learning Designer & Technologist
ECA & EFI, University of Edinburgh
02.2022 - 01.2024
- Hybrid & Interactive Teaching Expertise: Designed and delivered staff training for the University of Edinburgh's new Fusion learning environments, supporting effective integration of in-person and online teaching methods and promoting active learning in English-medium instruction.
- Curriculum & Activity Design: Worked with academic teams at the Edinburgh Futures Institute to co-develop course structures, classroom tasks, and online materials, with a focus on engagement, flexibility, and pedagogical alignment—relevant for both EFL and interdisciplinary learning contexts.
- Educational Technology Integration: Supported academic staff in adopting innovative teaching tools, including AI-based learning enhancements and LMS transitions (e.g., to Learn Ultra), ensuring accessibility and pedagogical soundness in English-medium digital environments.
Course Tutor/Coordinator
LT&D, Oxford
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Teacher Training & Assessment: Delivered input sessions and assessed teaching practice on accredited TESOL and education diploma programmes, covering key areas such as phonology, academic writing, and educational technology. Provided detailed feedback, assignment support, and ongoing progress reviews for pre- and in-service teachers.
- Digital Instructional Design: Created and managed engaging learning experiences using platforms like Moodle, Zoom, Miro, and Microsoft Teams. Oversaw LMS setup and virtual learning environment (VLE) administration to support blended and remote instruction.
- English Language Instruction: Designed and delivered a wide range of ESOL and EAP courses, including IELTS preparation and Skills for Life programmes. Responsibilities included conducting learner assessments, setting schemes of work, coordinating exams, and providing both academic and pastoral support to diverse EFL learners.
English Teacher
British Council
Jakarta
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Versatile English Language Teaching: Planned and delivered in-person and online courses in General English, Business English, Academic English, and IELTS preparation at the British Council Jakarta, including bespoke courses for external clients such as the WHO, UNDP, Indonesian Military, and leading universities.
- Learner Assessment & Reporting: Conducted diagnostic assessments, produced progress reports, and maintained clear communication with both institutional partners and individual learners to ensure high-quality outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Teacher Development & Peer Observation: Led professional development workshops on grammar and phonology, facilitated peer observation cycles, and provided constructive feedback to support teacher growth and maintain instructional standards.
English Teacher
ILSC
Sydney, Australia
02.2019 - 10.2019
- High-Quality ELT Delivery: Designed and taught a wide range of English language modules—including General English, Academic English, Pronunciation, Conversation, Listening, and Exam Preparation—to multinational cohorts, maintaining high standards of communicative and student-centred teaching.
- Student Assessment & Feedback: Conducted holistic evaluations of learner performance and produced detailed progress reports identifying individual strengths and targeted areas for development in speaking, writing, listening, and academic communication.
- Professional Development & Collaboration: Actively contributed to ongoing CPD initiatives and participated in seasonal academic projects, fostering continual improvement in teaching practice and curriculum innovation.
English Teacher
ELC
Sydney, Australia
04.2018 - 10.2019
- English for General and Academic Purposes: Delivered General English, academic pathway courses, and specialised sessions in conversation and vocabulary to diverse, multinational learner groups, supporting both fluency and academic readiness.
English Teacher
British Council
Seocho
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Standards-Based English Instruction: Planned and delivered English lessons aligned with British Council quality standards, ensuring engaging and effective learning experiences for students.
- Assessment & Stakeholder Communication: Conducted learner assessments, produced progress reports, and maintained clear communication with Korean staff and parents to support learner development and foster trust across cultural contexts.
Other Experience
TTR, Manchester City FC, ABCi
South Korea, UK, Austria
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Foundational TESOL Experience: Taught multicultural adult learners in Oxford and vocational students in Hungary while completing CertTESOL and DipTESOL qualifications, gaining practical classroom experience across diverse contexts.
- Teaching in South Korea: Spent two years in Ulsan delivering General English lessons to young learners and providing one-to-one TOEIC Speaking preparation, developing strong skills in EFL instruction and learner engagement.
- Senior Teaching Role – Summer Programme: Served as a Senior Teacher on Manchester City's English language summer school, combining language instruction with extracurricular coordination in a high-profile, youth-oriented environment.
- Course Tutor - Worked temporarily as a Trinity Course Tutor for an educational charity in Austria.
Education
MA - Education and Technology
University College London
01.2021 - 01.2023
Diploma - Education and Training
NCFE
01.2020 - 01.2021
Trinity Dip. - TESOL
Trinity College London
Trinity Cert. - TESOL
Trinity College London
BSc (Hons) - Criminology
University of Salford
01.2009 - 01.2012
Skills
- Language testing and assessment
- Pedagogical knowledge
- IELTS training
- Cognitive load management
- Project management in education
- English phonetics expertise
Personal Information
Date of birth: 09/26/90
Custom
+447752682871
Affiliations
- Music
- Football
- Languages
References
References available upon request.
Languages
English
Native
Korean
Elementary
German
Intermediate
Timeline
Learning Designer & Technologist
ECA & EFI, University of Edinburgh
02.2022 - 01.2024
MA - Education and Technology
University College London
01.2021 - 01.2023
Course Tutor/Coordinator
LT&D, Oxford
09.2020 - 01.2022
Diploma - Education and Training
NCFE
01.2020 - 01.2021
English Teacher
British Council
10.2019 - 09.2020
English Teacher
ILSC
02.2019 - 10.2019
English Teacher
ELC
04.2018 - 10.2019
English Teacher
British Council
01.2017 - 04.2018
Other Experience
TTR, Manchester City FC, ABCi
01.2013 - 12.2016
BSc (Hons) - Criminology
University of Salford
01.2009 - 01.2012
Trinity Dip. - TESOL
Trinity College London
Trinity Cert. - TESOL
Trinity College London
Assistant Professor & Academic Programme Manager
Global College, Heriot Watt University
- 07.2025
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