George Nearing
About Me
Introduction:
My name is George Nearing, and I compose this letter with great enthusiasm at the prospect of becoming your next English instructor.
The pandemic struck as I was in the course of changing jobs. This led to teaching virtually an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State at Qufu Normal University in Qufu, China. Challenging and rewarding barely begins to describe this experience. The Fall 2021 semester required me to create weekly speaking lesson plans for Chinese university students from scratch to be conducted over VooV Meeting sessions. The school altered course this semester and had me manipulate a Chinese-published reading text for the same classroom environment. This program has blessed me with incredible students who have more than proved their dedication to learning as we have dealt with technology issues and lockdowns throughout our time together.
I completed two years of EFL instruction at an international school for South Korean students living in China after having taught for 15 years in the Republic of Korea. I brought a varied background to Korea and have learned much during my time there as a high school teacher and then as a professor of English. My experience has proven extremely eye-opening and has provided me with a career I have loved. Moving to China in 2017 only expanded my joy for teaching as it presented me with yet another slice of variety with the rewards and challenges that accompanied it.
My time abroad has provided me with advantages in many situations. The independence that inherently comes with working in education, especially when abroad and surrounded by folks from different cultures speaking different languages, demands I find creative solutions to numerous issues throughout my career. A successful educator must be detail-oriented and possess a masterful understanding of time management, both of which are qualities which will prove useful if you select me to be your next instructor.
I believe that along with my qualifications and experience, I have the interest and enthusiasm you want as part of your team. I have a background which has provided me with the tools necessary to instruct and encourage students of all cultural backgrounds and nationalities in the pursuit of their ESL, EFL, and EOP goals. After reviewing my resume, I hope that I am the type of competent and competitive candidate you are looking for.
Education
i-to-i
Supporting Learners to Prepare for an English Language Examination (60 hour)
September 2021
i-to-i
GA Level 5 Certificate in TEFL (180 hour)
September 2021
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Business Administration
May 1998
Shenandoah University
Masters of Science, Education: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
December 2010
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Communication Arts (Journalism)
May 2001
Experiences
English Language Fellow
U.S. Department of State, Kailali Multiple Campus, Far Western University
September 2022 to July 2023
Taught Academic Writing, English Language Teaching and English for Mass Communication courses.
Created and led KMC's American English Conversation Club for bachelors and masters students to improve their conversational English skills.
Presented at workshops for NELTA (Nepal English Language Teachers' Association), HSYWE (Himalayan Society for Youth and Women Empowerment), and the American Corner in Dhangadhi.
English Language Fellow (Virtual)
U.S. Department of State, Qufu Normal University
August 2021 to June 2022
Designed and virtually delivered an English speaking and reading courses to pre-service teachers and university students of other majors.
Substitute Teacher
Weatherford Public Schools
August 2021 to May 2022
Covered classes for absent teachers at the Weatherford High School and Middle School.
English Teacher
Shenyang Korean International School
February 2018 to February 2020
Compiled and maintained daily records and grades in order to assess student performance and to suggest areas in need of improvement.
Developed testing materials and activities to evaluate and monitor student progress.
Associate Professor (부교수)
Kangnam University
February 2003 to February 2017
Provided English language instruction to Korean and non-Korean university freshmen with the goals of improving their general English speaking abilities and preparing them to take the TOEIC test. Planned and conducted classroom instruction of EFL conversation, listening, reading and writing. Compiled and maintained daily records and grades in order to assess student performance and to suggest areas in need of improvement. Developed testing materials and activities to evaluate and monitor student progress. Tutored students requiring extra assistance during office hours.
Exam Proctor
The College Board
February 2002 to August 2003
Administered the SAT Reasoning Test. Distributed and collected exams. Monitored test takers to ensure the integrity of the exam.
English Instructor
Daewon Foreign Language High School
February 2002 to August 2003
Taught English conversation to students possessing a mixed range of ability levels ranging from introductory to native. Produced weekly lesson plans and materials. Assisted in the creation of written and listening midterm and final examinations.