DONALD MCKAY
Vientiane
Summary
English as a Second Language professional with ample experience in teaching and in a broad range of additional professional activities. Experienced in teaching a wide variety of courses, a range of ages, proficiency levels, small and large classes, and various nationalities in seven countries. Extensive experience working with 18- to 20-year-olds in pre-university preparatory and first-year college programmes. Skilled in developing own materials as well as using a wide variety of textbooks and educational technologies. Extensive practice in diverse settings, which has enhanced the flexibility to meet the needs and expectations of students with different approaches and methods. A cooperative and collegial member of the teaching staff: awarded twice as Exemplary Faculty Member.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Heathfield International School, Vientiane, Lao PDR
08.2024 - Current
- Year 7 Teacher; Managed classroom learning through use of current teaching practices, an interactive, child-centered and supportive approach, with a focus on intensive reading for language development. Developed strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
- Years 10 and 11 IGCSE Global Perspectives Teacher; Guided students to become independent learners to analyze, evaluate and understand global issues and to collaborate and communicate as a team so they could perform successfully on the IGCSE.
English Language Instructor
United States Department of State English Language Fellows Program
08.2022 - 06.2024
- English Language Instructor assigned to the Lao Institute of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane, Lao PDR; Delivered instruction in the English for Lao Government Officials Program to professional adult students. Authored materials and tests to supplement the regular curriculum. Built positive relationships with students, colleagues and supervisors in a significant cross-cultural context.
Year 4 Homeroom Teacher
Heathfield International School, Vientiane, Lao PDR
09.2019 - 07.2022
- Year 4 Homeroom Teacher; Taught English, mathematics and science and provided a safe and positive learning environment by challenging students to think critically through interactive teaching. Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate a range of learning styles and aptitudes.
Principal of school
Oscar International School, Vientiane, Lao PDR
03.2016 - 05.2019
- Principal of school (May 2017-May 2019) Year 3 Homeroom Teacher (March 2016-April 2017); As principal of school, managed teachers' schedules and work assignments; mentored teachers, including conducting regular classroom observations; supervised school-wide assessment and reporting; guided student discipline and behavior initiatives. Worked with senior management team for long-term school goals, including curriculum development.
- As Year 3 teacher, managed learning in English, mathematics and science and created a safe and supportive learning environment.
Instructor in the Academic Bridge Programme
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
08.2011 - 06.2015
- Instructor in the Academic Bridge Programme; Provided intensive English instruction to prepare students for academic success in university, with special emphasis on academic writing and reading; successfully prepared students for the IELTS and TOEFL examinations. Created a wide range of instructional materials and assessment tools, including end-of-course examinations. Participated in departmental professional development activities and served as Chair of the Professional Development Committee. Was selected twice to receive the Exemplary Faculty Member award.
English Language Instructor
The United Nations Development Programme, Vientiane, Laos
07.2009 - 06.2011
- English Language Instructor, United Nations Volunteer; Delivered English instruction to adult employees of the United Nations so that they could perform in their jobs effectively. Developed teaching and assessment materials and administered the UN Language Proficiency Examination. Collaborated in the revising and editing of official UN documents.
English Instructor
Zayed University, the United Arab Emirates
08.2001 - 06.2009
- English Instructor, Dubai campus (July 2002-June 2009) English Instructor and Supervisor of English Programs, Abu Dhabi campus (August 2001-June 2002); As English instructor, prepared pre-university students for further academic success with a focus on academic writing and reading. Built strong relationships with students using cross-cultural skills. Served as level-leader on several occasions, coordinating and supervising groups of teachers to align on teaching and testing. Was a founding member of the Professional Development Committee.
- As Supervisor of English Programs, supervised a teaching staff of approximately 50 teachers, with responsibilities for class scheduling, teacher observation, and day-to-day management of the department. Collaborated closely with the Director of the English Language Center for the overall functioning of the English program.
Associate Peace Corps Director for Education
United States Peace Corps, Chengdu, PR China
05.1996 - 05.2001
- Associate Peace Corps Director for Education; Managed the English Education project of the United States Peace Corps in China; responsible for Peace Corps Volunteer selection and training; designed, organized and facilitated intensive training programs in English language teaching and cross-culture awareness. Supervised Peace Corps Volunteer English teachers in all aspects of their two-year assignments. Collaborated in the management and development of the Peace Corps program in China, including strategic-planning. Participated in numerous professional development activities to enhance management skills and instructional skills.
English as a Second Language Instructor
New York City Public Schools, New York, NY, USA
11.1995 - 04.1996
- English as a Second Language Instructor; Taught English as a Second Language to elementary age students for success in the mainstream school program, with an emphasis on reading and writing skills. Successfully managed learning for a diverse range of student learning styles and abilities. Administered the New York Language Assessment Battery Test to determine students' proficiency level.
English Instructor and Resource Teacher
United States Peace Corps, Mianyang, PR China
07.1993 - 06.1995
- English Instructor and Resource Teacher, Peace Corps Volunteer Mianyang Teachers College; Taught college English to young Chinese students in an environment with limited teaching and learning resources. Served as Resource Teacher to younger, less experienced local colleagues and Peace Corps Volunteers.Successfully built relationships with students and local colleagues in a unique cultural setting.
Graduate intern and English as a Second Language Instructor
Georgia State University, Atlanta GA, USA
09.1992 - 06.1993
- Graduate intern and English as a Second Language Instructor. Delivered instruction in English for academic success to students who were newcomers to the USA and were preparing for university study.
Education
Master’s Degree - Teaching English as a Second Language
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA03.1993
Professional Graduate Certificate - Education (PGCE)
University of Sunderland
07.2005
Certificate - Teaching English as a Second Language
Royal Society of Arts (RSA)
07.1983
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Georgia
Athens, GA08.1978
Timeline
Teacher
Heathfield International School, Vientiane, Lao PDR
08.2024 - Current
English Language Instructor
United States Department of State English Language Fellows Program
08.2022 - 06.2024
Year 4 Homeroom Teacher
Heathfield International School, Vientiane, Lao PDR
09.2019 - 07.2022
Principal of school
Oscar International School, Vientiane, Lao PDR
03.2016 - 05.2019
Instructor in the Academic Bridge Programme
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
08.2011 - 06.2015
English Language Instructor
The United Nations Development Programme, Vientiane, Laos
07.2009 - 06.2011
English Instructor
Zayed University, the United Arab Emirates
08.2001 - 06.2009
Associate Peace Corps Director for Education
United States Peace Corps, Chengdu, PR China
05.1996 - 05.2001
English as a Second Language Instructor
New York City Public Schools, New York, NY, USA
11.1995 - 04.1996
English Instructor and Resource Teacher
United States Peace Corps, Mianyang, PR China
07.1993 - 06.1995
Graduate intern and English as a Second Language Instructor
Georgia State University, Atlanta GA, USA
09.1992 - 06.1993
Professional Graduate Certificate - Education (PGCE)
University of Sunderland
Certificate - Teaching English as a Second Language
Royal Society of Arts (RSA)
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Georgia
Master’s Degree - Teaching English as a Second Language
Georgia State University
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