Teaching & Training

I am an experienced Trainer of over 15 years and I have worked as a Teacher of German for seven. 

Qualification:
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS), 2007/8, City & Guilds
George Salter Academy   West Bromwich, United Kingdom
George Salter Academy in West Bromwich, Sandwell, is a mixed comprehensive school for 11 to 16 year olds.
Web & VLE Developer   January 2013 to today
  • Taught the use of several software programmes (Dreamweaver, Swish) to web team members
  • Trained members of the web team in the use of video camera equipment and video editing software
  • Wrote general web development guidelines and How-to guides for the web team
  • Advised academic and support staff on Search Engine Optimisation ans accessibility issues
  • Tranined classes of students in the use of the Virtual Learning Environment WebCT/Blackboard
University of Birmingham   Birmingham, United Kingdom
With the re-organisation of the University of Birmingham into Colleges in August 2008, I became the Web Manager for the College of Social Sciences having previously worked as Web & Marketing Coordinator for the School of Education.
College Web Manager   April 2004 to July 2011
  • Taught the use of several software programmes (Dreamweaver, Swish) to web team members
  • Trained members of the web team in the use of video camera equipment and video editing software
  • Wrote general web development guidelines and How-to guides for the web team
  • Advised academic and support staff on Search Engine Optimisation ans accessibility issues
  • Tranined classes of students in the use of the Virtual Learning Environment WebCT/Blackboard
Berlitz Language Centre   Birmingham, United Kingdom
The Berlitz  Language Centre in Birmingham was taken over as a franchise by the "UK Languagecentres Ltd."  in April 2000. Since then, the company grew steadily, adding the Berlitz Centre in Edinburgh (2001) to the franchise and opening Centres in Bristol (2002) and Oxford (2003).
Senior Teacher, German / IT Manager   April 2000 to January 2004
  • Taught executives from beginner to advanced levels.
  • Experienced in teaching General German and German for Business Purposes.
  • Conducted lessons for small group and individual classes.
I was initially employed as a part-time Teacher of German, but as a result of my success with corporate clients I was promoted to Senior Teacher for German in June 2001. I used mainly the Berlitz communicative method but I developed and used supplemental material. I taught a variety of corporate clients (Orange, Corus, Ernst & Young, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Flint Ink, Brühl, Müller etc)- groups and individuals- ranging from business to school administrators. I also taught adult evening classes in general German.
London School of Modern Languages   Prague, Czech Republic
The "London School of Modern Languages" was the first private language institution founded after the collapse of communism in the Czech Republic, it subsequently became one of the largest private language schools in Prague.
German Instructor- Senior Teacher (since September 1998)   September 1996 to June 1999
  • Taught beginners to advanced levels
  • Experienced in teaching General German and German for Business Purposes.
  • Conducted lessons for large group and individual classes.
  • Taught executives from the Czech National Bank and administration staff of companies.

I was initially employed as a general Teacher of German, but as a result of my success with corporate clients I was promoted to Senior Teacher for German in September 1998. I then had the responsibility for devising a range of courses from elementary to advanced level for a department of four teachers, supervising the work of junior teachers in my department, and overseeing the preparation of students for the Goethe Institut's "Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache (ZDAF) und "Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP)" examinations.

I used a range of teaching methodologies appropriate to the needs and abilities of the students. I also developed and used a wide range of supplemental material, as well as making effective use of television, video and film. I taught a variety of corporate clients (Czech National Bank, KPMG, IPS, EPM)- groups and individuals- ranging from business to school administrators. I also taught adult evening classes in general German.

I helped devise and write new courses, contributed to teacher development sessions, attended management meetings. 
Service Civil International   Leverkusen, Germany
The "Service Civil International" is a volunteer organisation which organises international youth work camps in Europe and overseas. The project assignments range from social, ecological work to restoration of public buildings and assistance to documentation centres of former concentration camps.
International Youth Campleader Instructor   April 1995 to May 1997
Trained other campleaders from various national backgrounds in 
  • planning and leading any given project  
  • becoming aware of national and cultural differences 
  • managing the budget and logistical requirements
  • organising social events and free-time activity 
  • instigating public relation campaigns
 
International Youth Camp Leader (21 projects)   June 1994 to September 2008
  • Promoted the establishment of "corporate identity" of multi-national groups using various techniques of intercultural learning and training.
  • Counselled and assisted youth with projects such as reconstruction work, gardening, video-editing and preparing outside exhibitions.
  • Developed and executed youth social events.
Since 1995 I was not only responsible for the running of international youth camps but I have also organised and held training courses for camp leaders for the "Service Civil International". These training courses included general seminars lasting one week for both German and international participants as well as weekend seminars for camp leaders at memorial sites of former concentration camps. The aim of the seminars is not only to enable the participants to plan and organise their own projects but to raise the awareness of aspects concerning  conflict resolution, leadership styles, national stereotypes, emotional stress etc. using a variety of techniques (vocal or "silent" discussion, role games, stop theatre etc.) with special emphasis on creating a "corporal identity".  
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz   Münster, Germany
After the collapse of communism several states in Eastern Europe allowed their ethnic Germans to leave for Germany. Especially in the immediate years after many ethnic Germans took up the opportunity and came to Germany. Even though their knowledge of the German language was satisfying,  many returnees lacked the necessary information about the political system and recent political developments in Germany in order to fully participate in German society.
Lecturer in Politics   June to September 1992
Teaching ethnic Germans from Poland and CIS:
  • The political system of Germany
  • An overview of the main political parties in Germany
I devised and delivered concise courses using a wide range of materials to inform the audience about the contemporary political situation in Germany.  
Lowfield School   York, England
The "Lowfield School" in York was amongst the first schools to opt out and become grant maintained. To support their pupils in their language skills the "Lowfield Schhool" employed foreign language assistants on a regular basis.
Foreign Language Assistant   September 1991 to June 1992
  • Taught classes and small groups
  • Experienced in teaching children aged 11 to 17
  • Tutored students preparing for GCSE
I was involved in all aspects of teaching and assisted in general classroom tasks.