Iryna Garkusha

Experienced teacher and teacher trainer with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Teacher Training and Development, Management, Secondary Education, Teaching Reading, Lesson Planning, and Educational Technology. Strong education professional with a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Harkivs'kij Deržavnij Pedagogicnij Universitet im. G.S. Skovorodu, DipTESOL from Trinity London College and iPGCE from Sheffield University. 

Work experience:  
Sep 2023-current date Guanghua Cambridge International School (high school division) in Shanghai, China
IELTS Academic Writing and Speaking teacher
Responsibilities: 
• Teach ESL Academic Writing and Speaking classes in line with A-level school curriculum 
• Prepare students for external English exams, such as IELTS
• Conduct IELTS Speaking and Writing mock tests and give comprehensive feedback on learners’ performance 
• Provide individual support to students with special needs, especially when it comes to English test preparation 
• Foster students’ awareness of optimal language learning strategies based on the latest research and years of teaching experience 
• Supervise an extra-curricular club when required 
• Guide and support learners in developing self-discipline, integrity and determination to succeed 
• Facilitate an engaging classroom environment conducive to practicing inductive learning and activating target language to the maximum 
March 2019- August 2022 the Brititsh Council in Shanghai, China
Language assessment consultant (IELTS examiner)
Responsibilities: 
• Conduct speaking interviews as part of an IELTS exam in various Chinese cities 
• Do marking of written scripts 
• Do second marking of listening tests 
• Participate in certification training sessions and additional professional seminars
• Test and deliver additional IELTS products such as Speak Up  
Feb 2015- Jan 2019 international educational company English First in China (2 adult centers in Hangzhou  and  2 in Shanghai)
Feb 2018- Jan 2019 
Center education manager 
Responsibilities: 
• Conduct regular teacher training sessions
• Execute teaching quality assessment in the center via regular lesson observations and feedback sessions 
• Do  talent assessment in the academic team and foster teachers' growth by delegating  extracurricular projects and running teacher-led training 
• Coordinate lesson scheduling 
• Collect feedback from the students and make improvements in the center educational services 
• Provide comprehensive assistance to new teachers, including onboarding procedures and extensive training for those with limited teaching experience 
• Do administrative tasks related to center operations, updating teacher portfolios and documents 
• Conduct performance assessment sessions and assist teachers with goal setting and putting together action plans for goal achievement 
• Coordinate joint activities and projects with other teams 
• Participate in regional meetings and provide input regarding long-term center goals and objectives that align with the company's vision 
Feb 2015-Jan 2018
Senior Teacher 
Responsibilities: 
• Teach conversational English at all levels of language proficiency 
• Teach business English seminars
• Organize extracurricular language activities for students
• Organize methodological seminars for EFL teachers
• Assist with conducting  forums for the company teachers
• Participate in center moderations in the eastern region
• Coach teachers and assist them with their professional development
• Do class observations and deliver feedback to teachers
• Do teacher performance reviews
• Conduct emergency lesson rescheduling
• Assist with the center induction for new teachers
• Fulfill educational manager’s duties in case of his/her absence
• Facilitate cross-department communication  
Feb 2014- Feb 2015  international language training center “Language Link China”, Beijing
EFL Teacher
Responsibilities: 
• Teach conversational English at all levels
• Teach in groups and give private lessons
• Do business English classes 
• Work with adults and children of various ages
• Hold developmental sessions for the ESL teachers
• Organize extracurricular language activities
• Prepare students for international language tests
• Select and adapt materials for adult courses
Sept 2007- Sept 2013  private language school “Lingvo Studio” in Kharkiv, Ukraine
EFL Teacher
Responsibilities: 
• Teach conversational English at all levels
• Teach in groups and conduct private lessons to adults and children of various ages
• Teach business English 
• Organize training for EFL teachers
• Organize additional language activities
• Prepare students for international language tests
Oct 2010-Sept 2013 IT outsourcing company “Intetics”  in Kharkiv, Ukraine
EFL Teacher
Responsibilities: 
• Teach general and business English in groups and one-on-one
• Run placement and progress tests for the company staff
Sept 2008-May 2010  private language school “Runov School”  in   Kharkiv, Ukraine
EFL Teacher
Responsibilities: 
• Teach conversational English at all levels
• Teach grammar courses by the system of  the scientist -psycholinguist Denis Runov. 
• Teach in groups and give private lessons
• Teach business English 
June-August 2006   girl scout camp “Smallville”, Pennsylvania, the USA
Camp Counselor
Responsibilities: 
• Look after children in the camp
• Teach children different skills, such as arts and crafts, dancing, making a fire etc.
• Organize entertaining activities
• Provide guidance and support to the children 
 

Education            
Sep 2003- May 2008  Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Skovoroda Kharkiv national pedagogical university,  Kharkiv, Ukraine
Oct 2013 EDI Cert TESOL from A to Z Teacher Training Centre in Manchester, the UK
Aug 2018 Diploma TESOL from Trinity London College
May 2020 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management from London School of planning and management
May 2023 International Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Sheffield University