Thomas Samuel Dindyal
321 8988770
Medellin
thomasdindyal@gmail.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I have been working as an English teacher in Medellin, Colombia, with Heart for Change, in conjunction with the Ministerio de Educacion, as part of a programme aiming to improve bilingualism in public schools. I am currently conducting private classes with adults and other private students.. I am keen to pursue teaching ESL (English as a Second Language), and believe my growing passion for teaching as well as my continuing growth as a teacher, makes me an ideal candidate for the job. Since completing a two week intensive UNICA training, I have gone on to complete another ESL course, conducted by National Geographic. My ESL training has allowed me to utilise various techniques to improve the learning environment I operate in, and the quality of education I am able to provide to my students.

PROFILE
I have recently graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in History and Political Science (BA), for which I received a 2:1 classification. I moved to Colombia in January 2015 to teach English in public schools, as part of the Ministry of Education’s bilingualism programme. Achieving academically has always been a priority for me, and since graduating from University, helping others achieve not only academically, but in a more general sense, has also become a priority for me. I am a person that is able to adapt easily, and work unfazed, in new environments, and am someone who not only wants to achieve personally, but wants to help others in the same way. I believe that I am friendly, polite and approachable as well as having a good sense of humour and would be an ideal candidate for the job.

I believe that these are some of my strongest characteristics:

Leadership Personal Dynamic Smart
Authority Figure in Class Natural communicator Energy and drive
creative

Team player Smart appearance Highly Motivated innovative
Planning & organizing
Articulate Range of Techniques Resourceful

Decisive Oral Communication Able to adapt to students’ differing abilities Quick Thinker

QUALIFCATIONS

University Of Birmingham 2011-2014

BA History and Political Science - 2-1 Grade

Highgate School 2009-2011
A-level History - A Grade
A- Level Politics - A Grade
A – Level Philosophy - A Grade
UNICA - ESL training
National Geographic- ESL training

WORK HISTORY

Trinity Law Chambers (2013)
During the summer of 2013 I was afforded the opportunity to complete work experience in Trinity Law Chambers in Trinidad and Tobago. I had various responsibilities here including researching laws, helping to formulate legal arguments, helping to decipher problems with clients witness statements and testimonies and attending court with my superiors. This placement afforded me the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. I was able to adapt and work effectively in a foreign country and was also able to continue to work to a high standard in a specialised area of expertise.

Travelodge (2014)

Before coming to Colombia, I spent several months working in a hotel, here I had a range of responsibilities, such as dealing with issues customers may have, and being in charge of the hotel when other staff members were not present. The responsibilities this job entailed, I believe can be transferred to the classroom, with effective classroom management and problem solving, being a key tenant of my teaching philosophy. While this job has no direct link to teaching, the social and management skills I learnt here, have been invaluable to my teaching career.

Heart For Change (2015)

I am currently working for Heart For Change in conjunction with the Ministerio de Educacion, as part of a programme aiming to improve bilingualism in public schools. I have taught in two schools in Colombia, firstly in Tunja, Boyaca at Sylvinho Rodrigues School and now in Medellin at Antonio Jose Bernal. With Spanish not being my primary language, communication skills are essential to the success of my job, and this is a skill that I have developed strongly since starting working with Heart For Change. I am also responsible for helping to educate students about other cultures. Another of my roles here is to help teachers improve their English, meaning that I am adept at working with various age groups and communicating with a wide range of people. Working with Heart For Change, has allowed me to develop my communication and adaptation skills, and it has also helped me to begin to learn a new language, something that I am intent on doing. Teaching English began as a way for me to see different parts of the world, while financially supporting myself, however after my experiences in Colombia, I have discovered a passion for teaching, and would like to pursue this passion further.

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS AND OTHER INTERESTS

• One of my primary interests outside of work is sport, particularly football. Sport has allowed me to develop a sense of competitiveness with fun, two aspects I try to bring into the classroom, as I believe it makes students better learners.
• I have a keen interest in giving back to the community, and have been part of efforts to raise thousands of pounds for local charities in the United Kingdom, through the organization of events and fundraising. Showing that I am determined to succeed at what I set my mind to.
• I am also interested in social media and technology, and in regards to how social media and technology can help with learning a new language. Whether that be using Duolingo on your phone for 20 minutes a day, or listening to a song in the language you are trying to learn. Our ability to immerse ourselves in the language we are trying to learn is available to all, and I believe it should be embraced in teaching.

REFERENCES

1. Carlos Mauricio Saldarriaga Velez, celular: 3122 839 498
2. Carrie Pitzer
3. Luz Elena Castañeda celular: +57 300 8049216