Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Accomplishments
Timeline
Melinda Ostrander

Melinda Ostrander

International Teacher
Koh Samui, Thailand
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
Nelson Mandela

Summary

Adaptable and qualified international educator with over five years of demonstrated success in managing multilingual classrooms, preparing students for standardized exams, and providing both group and individualized instruction. Experienced with Cambridge International KS2 curriculum, and eager to learn new curriculums and practices to increase student learning.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages

English Curriculum Coordinator

Panyadee British International School of Samui
2020-09 - Current
  • Supports KS2 teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning and standardized test preparation.
  • Evaluates and revises lesson plans and course content to facilitate and moderate classroom discussions and student centered learning.
  • Works cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach Cambridge International learning objectives in reading and writing.

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

Panyadee British International School of Samui
2017-08 - Current
  • Reviews Cambridge International curriculum and devises alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase multilingual student understanding.
  • Evaluates and revises lesson plans and course content to facilitate and moderate classroom discussions and student centered learning.
  • Enhances student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments.
  • Encourages creative thinking and motivates students by addressing individual strengths and weaknesses based on Progression and Primary Checkpoint examinations.
  • Assists struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Coordinates with administrators about matching assessments with curriculum.

Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher

Oonrak Koh Samui Bilingual and International School
2016-12 - 2017-07
  • Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
  • Assessed comprehensive student growth including academic, social and personal skills.
  • Cultivated language skills through use of traditional poems, nursery rhymes and riddles to help students develop comprehension, vocabulary and love of language.
  • Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.

Work History

International PGCE - International Education

Nottingham University
2019-10 - 2020-10

TEFL Certification (170 Hours) - Teaching English As A Second Language (ESL)

International TEFL Academy
2016-06 - 2016-09

Master of Applied Science - Leadership

Grand Canyon University
2015-02 - 2017-02

GPA: 3.8

Bachelor of Arts Dual Degree - World Religion And Psychology

University Of Arizona
2007-08 - 2011-06

GPA: 3.4

Education

Skills

Student-centered learning

Standardized Test Prep (Cambridge/SAT)

Differentiated Instruction

Technology Integration

Experience with SEN students

Group learning mechanics

Classroom management

Inquiry-based learning

Teaching British learning objectives in a multilingual environment

Teacher collaboration

Year-end processes

World Mental Health Day Coordinator

Student records management

IEP support

Field trips

Exam proctoring

Languages

Thai- fluent

Spanish- learning

Italian- intermediate

Interests

Languages

Cultural Education

Professional Development

Creative Writing

Curriculum Development

Accomplishments

  • Received commendation from Panyadee British International School's headmaster for successfully adapting learning objectives to an online learning environment during the onset of COVID-19.
  • Organized scores of over 80 students into online database for parents' immediate access.
  • Led class to an average 57% increase in math and reading standardized test scores during the 2018-2019 school year.
  • Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
  • Volunteered as temporary student guidance counselor to help resolve student personal issues.
English Curriculum Coordinator - Panyadee British International School of Samui
2020-09 - Current
Nottingham University - International PGCE, International Education
2019-10 - 2020-10
Year 6 Homeroom Teacher - Panyadee British International School of Samui
2017-08 - Current
Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher - Oonrak Koh Samui Bilingual and International School
2016-12 - 2017-07
International TEFL Academy - TEFL Certification (170 Hours), Teaching English As A Second Language (ESL)
2016-06 - 2016-09
Grand Canyon University - Master of Applied Science, Leadership
2015-02 - 2017-02
University Of Arizona - Bachelor of Arts Dual Degree, World Religion And Psychology
2007-08 - 2011-06

Timeline

Melinda OstranderInternational Teacher