SVETLANA (LANA) SLADAKOVIC
Suzhou,China
Summary
As a dedicated Teacher of English as a Foreign Language with more than twenty years of international experience
I can offer a unique cross-cultural perspective. Expert in and designing tailored curricula, and task-based and technology-centred teaching methods to inspire independent learning, particularly in English for Academic Purposes ( EAP). Skilled in motivating and mentoring students of all learning levels. Strong knowledge of EFL/ EAP assessment strategies. My academic background includes a Master's in Applied Linguistics, a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting, and a Bachelor's in English and Literature. I am committed to empowering learners through innovative curriculum design and teaching excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
English Language Lecturer
Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU)
Suzhou
08.2022 - Current
- Delivering EAP (English for Academic Purposes) for Y1 and Y2 students using engaging and innovative teaching methods to improve student understanding.
- Designing engaging teaching materials aligned with specific purposes of Degree requirements
- Provided additional support to struggling students, promoting improved academic confidence in weekly Continuous Support sessions.
- Evaluated student progress by providing short quizzes, examinations and standardised tests, sharing constructive feedback to support their development.
- Achieved a high level of student satisfaction with my modules
- In 8 months, improved student writing scores by 25%, resulting in higher learning outcomes
English Teacher
RDFZ King's College School
Hangzhou, China
09.2021 - 07.2022
- Effectively taught English to Grades 3, 4 and 7 and IGCSE classes applying integrated learning.
- Planned engaging schemes of work for Grades 3 and 4 aligning with the integrated curriculum and meeting the needs of diverse learners
- Reported on student progress to drive attainment by actively collaborating with parents.
- Facilitated CCA (extra Curriculum Activities), resulting in increased student participation and engagement
- Created a vibrant learning atmosphere through interactive exercises and discussions.
- Applied differentiated teaching methods to meet varied student needs.
- Managed challenging behaviour with a firm and fair style.
- Designed a formative assessment that improved student reading comprehension scores by 30% in 6 months
English Teacher and Trainer/ Lead Teacher
Ministry of Education
Dubai, the U.A.E.
09.2016 - 02.2020
- Successfully taught English language skills to female Arabic learners in a secondary school, implementing a communicative approach and project-based learning
- Led a team of seven to develop accelerated learning by implementing intervention strategies to improve student performance by 20% in EMSAT scores.
- Delivered professional development workshops to Cycle 1 Teachers and achieved outstanding feedback
- Enhanced performance of Gifted and Talented students through tailored learning programmes such as EXPO 2020 literacy; one student's project was shortlisted for a reward.
- Mentored a newly qualified Teacher with success
- Won two subsequent Spelling Bee contests on a regional level.
English Instructor
King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Planned and delivered general EAP courses to undergraduate female Arabic learners
- Modelled outstanding lessons resulting in improved student engagement and assessment scores
- Provided curriculum, assessment and materials development with textbook selection and amendments in course objectives
- Created workshops on Second Language Acquisition and Task-Based Learning and Teaching, highlighting the importance of effective elicitating in teaching academic vocabulary from context.
- Prepared comprehensive feedback and revision plans for students taking IEALTS exams.
English Teacher/ Examiner/ Team Lead
Hertfordshire College of Excellence
Unaisah, Saudi Arabia
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Played a pivotal role in developing an efficient curriculum for both EFL and Business English (Employability Skills) aligning with Saudi Skills Standards
- Administered initial diagnostic tests and British Council's KET and PET exams
- Mentored A1-B1 students assisting them in successfully passing their end-of-term exams (Saudi Skills Standards).
- Facilitated group interventions for students with learning difficulties and SEN.
- Prepared for British Council and Saudi Standards inspections by planning and reviewing course content in line with academic requirements.
English as Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator
Richmond Education
London, England
09.2009 - 07.2013
- Spearheaded the development of the EAL curriculum and assessments that were tailored to the needs of EAL learners in primary schools in Richmond, ensuring that they received a high-quality language course
- Taught spelling, pronunciation and sentence structure to form the basic foundation of language.
- Engaged with students through conversational language, simplifying curriculum into relevant, understandable information.
- Liaised with School Staff in Evaluating curriculum to reach high-quality standards.
- Created a vibrant learning atmosphere through interactive exercises and discussions
- Enabled student smooth transition to the mainstream education
Teacher
Tradewind Recruitment
London, Engalnd
09.2004 - 07.2009
- Responsible for planning lessons, preparing teaching aids, grading papers and completing general administration tasks involving student attendance and progress reports in KS1 and KS2 UKNC
- Assisted and supported in functionalities of planning, implementation, assessment and school improvement processes
- Communicated with parents about students' progress and development.
- Obtained QTS.
EFL Teacher
Oxford College International
London, England
10.2004 - 06.2008
- Worked in a language school teaching and delivering the EFL curriculum
- Successfully delivered lessons to A1-B2 levels, organised test preparations and increased students' overall confidence
- Effectively promoted the business of the language school advertising and giving lesson trials, which increased the interest of students by 20% over seven months.
- Incorporated content from popular music and films to motivate and engage students.
- Delivered summer language camps with practical activities, role-plays and audio-visual content.
- Worked with refugees to build English speaking skills and transition to life in UK.
Education
Master's in Applied Linguistics -
University of Birmingham
Birmingham 04.2018 - 12.2020
Diploma in Public Service Interpreting - Translation
Institute of Chartered Linguists
01.2011 - 06.2013
Qualified Teacher Status - Education
Genral Teaching Council
England 05.2009 -
Trinity Cert. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - ESOL
St George International College
London 03.2006 - 04.2006
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - English and Literature
University of Novi Sad
SerbiaMaster of Arts - Philology
University of Novi Sad
SerbiaSkills
- Expertise in English language teaching methodologies and techniques
- Curriculum and Assessment Development
- Teacher Training
- Problem Solving & Task-based teaching
- ESL online teaching (more than 2000 hours)
- Teamwork and Results Orientation
- Proficiency in using educational technology
- Good organizational and time management skills
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Behaviour management
- Critical thinking skills
- Motivational communication
- Inspiring leader
- Proofreading and editing
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing educational trends and requirements
- Advising skills
Accomplishments
- EFL Course Leader Sep 1999 - Jun 2004
- Institute of Foreign Languages, Belgrade, Serbia
- Successfully coordinated implementation of differentiated EFL courses from elementary to secondary school grades in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Additionally, collaborated with Cambridge University Press in promoting students' participation in an essay writing competition, resulting in their increased morale and confidence
- Conducted end-of-year exams with over 65% of students who passed above average.
Certification
Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 Trainer' Eliciting Vocabulary; Assessment of/for Learning; TTT; Engaging Classroom, Educational Games; Effective Differentiation, STEAM Teaching; CLIL learning, CA teaching at UAE Ministry of Education, Sep 2016-Feb 2020
Languages
Serbian
Native
English
Fluent
Timeline
English Language Lecturer
Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU)
08.2022 - Current
English Teacher
RDFZ King's College School
09.2021 - 07.2022
Master's in Applied Linguistics -
University of Birmingham
04.2018 - 12.2020
English Teacher and Trainer/ Lead Teacher
Ministry of Education
09.2016 - 02.2020
English Instructor
King Saud University
09.2015 - 08.2016
English Teacher/ Examiner/ Team Lead
Hertfordshire College of Excellence
08.2014 - 08.2015
Diploma in Public Service Interpreting - Translation
Institute of Chartered Linguists
01.2011 - 06.2013
English as Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator
Richmond Education
09.2009 - 07.2013
Qualified Teacher Status - Education
Genral Teaching Council
05.2009 -
Trinity Cert. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - ESOL
St George International College
03.2006 - 04.2006
EFL Teacher
Oxford College International
10.2004 - 06.2008
Teacher
Tradewind Recruitment
09.2004 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - English and Literature
University of Novi Sad
Master of Arts - Philology
University of Novi Sad
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