Matthew Thistle

A devoted and diligent ESL/EFL Teacher with comprehensive experience in preparing and providing innovative and creative lessons, aimed at assisting students with achieving their full potential.

Demonstrated consistent success in using various teaching aids, and motivational strategies to teach English with a unique focus on engaging Saudi students in active learning. Adept at preparing and delivering daily, effective, and compelling lessons in line with core principles and curriculum goals. Skilled in conducting diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, while providing appropriate feedback and maintaining students' progress and professional development records. Articulate communicator with exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills; proficient in maintaining up-to-date subject knowledge. Equipped with a diverse portfolio of fourteen years of Saudi experience and cultural knowledge. Well-versed in developing a deep rapport with a diverse group of students.

King Abdul Aziz Int. School | Madinah, KSA

IB Chemistry/Physics/English Teacher

Taught Yr. 11 DP program in accordance with authored unit plans. Conducted and scored final examinations while

performing lab experiments. Instructed grade 6 English Language & Literature classes and Yr. 11 Modern History.

Aramco | (Jeddah/Yanbu/Ras Tanura), KSA 2013 – 2021

Advanced ITC Teacher

Performed regular audited scoring to enhance confidence, resilience, and self-esteem amongst learners. Consistently improved English competencies of students through effective LCA coaching. Served as proctor during examinations. Conducted remedial classes to reteach core skills and lessons. Summer school linchpin for Aramco aspiring high schoolers.

Key Highlights:

♦  Received excellent feedback from students and management for achieving higher success rates.

♦  Taught ESL to Aramco apprentices through a unique iPad Learner-Centered Approach (LCA) pedagogy.

♦  Heavily utilized various digital tools, including Zoom + iPad, Saba Cloud, and Blackboard to facilitate online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Matthew Thistle

English Language Institute, King Abdul Aziz University | Jeddah, KSA 2011 – 2013

EFL Teacher

Improvedbasiclanguageskillsoflistening,speaking,reading,andwritingofallstudents. Leverageddifferentstyles of teaching methods depending on content. Designed compelling lesson plans to engage students in active learning.

Key Highlights:

♦  Recognized as a top-performing teacher amongst 250+ colleagues in one of the most professionally run ESL departments in the KSA.

♦  Achieved outstanding criteria in overall assessments in rigorous 1st and 2nd-year observations for the preparatory year program.

B.Sc. (Hons) in Organic Chemistry, 1989

University of Adelaide, South Australia

B.Sc. in Inorganic & Organic Chemistry, 1988

University of Adelaide, South Australia
➢ Minors: Biochemistry, Math, Physics, Statistics, & Computer Science

Professional Training

TESOL Certificate IV | Adelaide TAFE Centre of Languages, 2003
Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certification | Coursera, 2020
Diploma of Applied Data Science | Columbia University & Emeritus Institute of Management, 2019 In-house Arabic Tuition (Advanced) | King Abdul Aziz University
Arabic Certificate-Level 6 | Cultural Exchange Centre, Jeddah

Technical Proficiencies and Interests

Python, JS | Data Science | Simple Deep Learning Models | Computer Vision | Final Cut Pro | Final Draft | MS Word | Excel | Web Front End | Back End | web3 | Haskell

Languages
English (Native), French (Fluent), Arabic (Strong Intermediate)