MAIRI ISLA MACDONALD
Aberdeenshire
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with over seventeen years of education sector experience, including data entry and administrative support. Skilled in multitasking and adapting to busy office environments while utilising MS Office applications. Strong communicator with advanced writing and interpersonal abilities, focused on achieving high standards and positive results.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sessional DPS- ESOL Mentor/Trainer
Standguide Group
Aberdeen
10.2026 - Current
- Coordinates and delivers employability and ESOL workshops for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus customers, supporting CV development, confidence-building, job readiness and workplace English skills. Manages customer communications, attendance tracking, database updates and administrative tasks using Microsoft Office and Maytas database system. Liaises with internal and external stakeholders, coordinates workshop logistics, and delivers services to customers face to face, works independently and collaboratively to deliver high standards.
Secondary School Business Teacher
Ministry of Education
Sharjah & Ras Al Khaimah
12.2016 - 07.2026
- Combined teaching with administrative and organisational duties, including producing detailed reports, coordinating learning programmes and workshops, and maintaining effective relationships with colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders. Analysed performance data to support continuous improvement, managed large groups and competing priorities in a busy environment, and provided accurate, timely information to support organisational objectives.
English Language Teacher
The British Institute Bali
Bali
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Coordinated programme planning and administration, supporting professional development and client-facing activities through promotional events. Maintained strong relationships with clients across multiple sectors and delivered targeted training while managing competing priorities.
English Language Professional / Mentor
Brighton Education Group
Kelantan & Melaka States
10.2011 - 10.2015
- Coordinated client visits, meetings and organisational events, and scheduled and conducted professional development meetings with clients. Prepared and developed learning resources and programme materials, while maintaining stakeholder relationships in support of team objectives. Collected and analysed data to report to management on ways to improve systems, and mentored colleagues while contributing to organisational KPIs — exceeding client KPIs by 20%.
Classroom Teacher / ESL Support
Jakarta International Multicultural School
Jakarta
08.2010 - 07.2011
- Facilitated educational instruction and managed administrative and organisational responsibilities.
B2B Marketing
Communicad Media & TV Advertising
Jakarta
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Generated new international client leads, arranged meetings and supported management, maintained client database.
English Language Teacher
EF English First
Jakarta
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Prepared reports, maintained stakeholder communication and supported promotional activities.
Travel & Sales Advisor
STA Travel
Glasgow
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Managed customer enquiries, bookings, databases, payments, itineraries and after-sales support. Supported sales targets and promotional events.
Temporary HR Assistant / Administrator
Hays Recruitment Agency
Glasgow
03.2007 - 03.2008
- Provided office and administrative support to HR departments, assisting in the recruitment cycle and communications while handling sensitive information with discretion. Managed telephone, email and general enquiries. Maintained database management and generated reports to support HR operations. Handled orders to replenish resources, oversaw supplier billing and filled receipts.
HR Assistant
Bank of Ireland
Dublin
11.2006 - 02.2007
- Provided HR and administrative support to head office. Supported database management and HR call-centre activities.
Administration Assistant / Sales Representative
Office Angels / Westpac Bank
Sydney
10.2005 - 06.2006
- Provided temporary administrative support in reception and corporate offices.
- Worked in sales of financial products in call centre office, maintaining client database and fulfilling customer orders.
Supervisor
CPL Ltd / Stavka / Underworld
Glasgow
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Supervised daily operations, supported staff training and development and contributed to the successful opening of a new branch. Replenished stock and oversaw financial transactions and banking.
Education
MA - Applied Linguistics & TESOL
Anglia Ruskin University
United Kingdom01-2020
PGCE - International
University of Nottingham
United Kingdom01-2013
BA - Negotiated Learning (Business Management)
Glasgow Caledonian University
United Kingdom01-2005
Skills
- Administration & Office Support – 17 years' experience supporting busy educational organisations in the UK and internationally
- Stakeholder Communication – Daily communication with management, education departments, parents, students and external stakeholders
- Scheduling & Coordination – Coordinating educational programmes, curriculum schedules, Microsoft Teams and face-to-face meetings
- Customer Service – Building professional relationships and providing responsive support to internal and external stakeholders
- Database Management & IT – Maintaining sensitive records, updating databases, tracking progress and preparing reports Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Curriculum & Attention to Detail – 17 years' experience editing and developing curricula, grading examinations and preparing sensitive documentation
www.linkedin.com/in/mairiisla
Certification
- COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills - SCQF 8, Grounded Learning, Aberdeen UK
- Professional Diploma in Life Coaching & Counselling Skills - Distinction, Learn Direct UK
- IMPH Certified Vibrational Sound Therapy Practitioner, Illuminations, Dubai UAE
- IMPH Certified Reiki Practitioner, Illuminations, Dubai UAE
- London Trinity CertTESOL - IALF Bali Indonesia
- CPD Safeguarding Adults & Children - NESCOL Aberdeen UK
Languages
English
First Language
English (Native) | Indonesian (A2)
Beginner
A1
Arabic
Beginner
A1
Accomplishments
- 'Distinguished Foregin Teacher' Award: Sharjah UAE.
Volunteering
- Young Refugee Befriending Project, Glasgow— Action for Children, Glasgow, 2008, 2008
- Volunteer English Tutor — Glasgow ESOL Forum, Glasgow, 2008, 2008
Timeline
Sessional DPS- ESOL Mentor/Trainer
Standguide Group
10.2026 - Current
Secondary School Business Teacher
Ministry of Education
12.2016 - 07.2026
English Language Teacher
The British Institute Bali
01.2016 - 10.2016
English Language Professional / Mentor
Brighton Education Group
10.2011 - 10.2015
Classroom Teacher / ESL Support
Jakarta International Multicultural School
08.2010 - 07.2011
B2B Marketing
Communicad Media & TV Advertising
01.2009 - 01.2010
English Language Teacher
EF English First
01.2009 - 01.2010
Travel & Sales Advisor
STA Travel
01.2008 - 01.2009
Temporary HR Assistant / Administrator
Hays Recruitment Agency
03.2007 - 03.2008
HR Assistant
Bank of Ireland
11.2006 - 02.2007
Administration Assistant / Sales Representative
Office Angels / Westpac Bank
10.2005 - 06.2006
Supervisor
CPL Ltd / Stavka / Underworld
01.2001 - 01.2005
MA - Applied Linguistics & TESOL
Anglia Ruskin University
PGCE - International
University of Nottingham
BA - Negotiated Learning (Business Management)
Glasgow Caledonian University