Zahra Emami
Coquitlam
Summary
Certified ESL Instructor and experienced Academic Coordinator with a strong background in teaching, curriculum development, and team leadership. Proven success delivering CELPIP, IELTS, PSW, and Cambridge exam preparation courses to diverse learners across Canada and internationally. Skilled in managing academic programs, training instructors, coordinating schedules, and overseeing daily office operations. Adept at developing engaging, culturally responsive lessons for adult learners, both in-person and online, that improve fluency, confidence, and exam performance. Known for building strong professional relationships, leading high-performing teams, and driving continuous program improvement. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and committed to delivering educational excellence through innovation, organization, and collaboration.
Professional educator skilled in language instruction and curriculum development. Proven ability to enhance student learning through interactive and engaging teaching methods. Strong focus on collaborative team efforts and adapting to changing needs to ensure effective outcomes. Adept in classroom management, cultural sensitivity, and fostering supportive learning environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ESL Instructor
LCI Language School
06.2022 - Current
- Deliver engaging ESL instruction across all core skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
- Teach Pathway courses for students preparing for college entry.
- Instruct interactive English electives such as Learning English through Movies, Music & Idioms, and Job Preparation (Resume & Interview Skills).
- Taught online courses for professional development, including customized training for adult learners from various industries.
- Applied diverse teaching approaches (kinesthetic, visual, auditory) to enhance engagement and comprehension.
- Improved grammar and conversational abilities using role-plays, real-life simulations, and guided practice.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with course objectives and tracked student attendance and performance regularly.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse language proficiency levels.
- Facilitated immersive classroom activities to enhance student speaking and listening skills.
ESL Instructor, PSW & CELPIP Educator
DEA Canadian College
03.2022 - 09.2022
- Taught advanced-level ESL classes to adult learners, both in-person and online.
- Delivered CELPIP preparation courses, focusing on test-taking strategies for all four components.
- Instructed the Personal Support Worker (PSW) course, integrating communication skills, caregiving principles, and workplace professionalism.
- Developed tailored lesson plans and digital resources to support learner engagement and outcomes.
- Conducted individual tutoring and academic guidance for students requiring additional support.
- Designed and organized supplementary learning materials for ESL, CELPIP, and PSW students.
Office Manager & HR Coordinator
Quipu GmbH
02.2020 - 04.2022
- Managed daily administrative tasks including correspondence, scheduling, and inventory.
- Coordinated travel arrangements such as hotel bookings, flights, and car rentals.
- Prepared financial documents, budgets, and maintained accurate accounting records.
- Supervised office relocation projects, system conversions, and transitions efficiently.
- Handled HR responsibilities, including staff evaluations, onboarding, and performance management.
- Developed and presented reports on company sustainability initiatives and achievements.
Academic Coordinator & IELTS/Cambridge Instructor
Bridford English School
03.2018 - 03.2021
- Managed academic operations including curriculum planning, scheduling, and educational support.
- Taught IELTS preparation courses and trained students for all four exam components.
- Coordinated IELTS testing and all Cambridge International Exams, including FCE.
- Developed and maintained exam preparation materials aligned with official standards.
- Trained and mentored teachers to effectively deliver IELTS and Cambridge programs.
- Led faculty development workshops focused on pedagogy and exam-focused teaching methods.
- Supported recruitment and onboarding of instructors; monitored teaching quality.
ESL Teacher (High School)
Stanford Institute
03.2019 - 08.2020
- Planned and taught ESL lessons to high school students.
- Delivered individual instruction to improve grammar and conversational skills.
- Created engaging class projects, organized educational field trips, and guest speaker sessions.
- Evaluated student progress regularly and tracked attendance.
- Used interactive activities, including role-plays, to enhance student fluency.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance language acquisition and retention.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design curriculum materials aligned with educational standards.
- Organized cultural exchange events, enhancing students' understanding of language context and usage.
High School English Teacher
USA Academy
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Conducted tutoring sessions to enhance grammar and reading skills.
- Guided students in essay writing for college preparation.
- Facilitated parent-teacher meetings to discuss student progress.
- Encouraged reading habits by recommending interest-based books.
- Prepared students for standardized tests through targeted lessons.
Education
Business Management
Simon Fraser University (SFU) In Progress
Burnaby, BC09-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic and Digital Design
Nima Higher Education Institute
08.2009
Associate of Arts - Graphic and Digital Design
Centre of Higher Education
02.2006
Skills
- Instructional design expertise
- Certified ESL Instructor
- CELPIP & IELTS Exam Preparation
- Cambridge Exam Instruction (FCE, etc)
- Curriculum Development & Lesson Planning
- Creative Learning Strategies
- Academic Assessment & Student Progress Monitoring
- Online and In-Person Teaching
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Pathway Program Instruction
- Career Preparation (Resume Writing & Interview Coaching)
- Administrative & Office Management
- Office Management & Administration
- Schedule & Calendar Coordination
- Appointment Scheduling
- Expense Reporting & Budget Support
- Banking Operations
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Human Resources & Leadership
- Recruitment & Onboarding
- Team Leadership & Staff Training
- Performance Evaluation
- Team Building & Staff Coordination
- Client Services & Communication
- Handling Customer Complaints
- Relationship Building
- Time Management
- Professional Correspondence
- Oral communication
- Teaching strategies
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 30 staff members.
- Developed international and domestic ESL and TEFL curriculum for more than 300 students.
- Earned a contract to work in Canada and Ecuador, teaching ESL to students of all ages.
Languages
Farsi – Native proficiency
Spanish – Professional working proficiency
French – Limited working proficiency
Certification
- CELPIP Instructor Training: Level 2
- CELPIP, Canada | January 2025
- CELPIP Instructor Training: Level 1
- CELPIP, Canada | December 2024
- TESOL Certification
- Canada | June 2022
Timeline
ESL Instructor
LCI Language School
06.2022 - Current
ESL Instructor, PSW & CELPIP Educator
DEA Canadian College
03.2022 - 09.2022
Office Manager & HR Coordinator
Quipu GmbH
02.2020 - 04.2022
High School English Teacher
USA Academy
08.2019 - 02.2020
ESL Teacher (High School)
Stanford Institute
03.2019 - 08.2020
Academic Coordinator & IELTS/Cambridge Instructor
Bridford English School
03.2018 - 03.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic and Digital Design
Nima Higher Education Institute
Associate of Arts - Graphic and Digital Design
Centre of Higher Education
Business Management
Simon Fraser University (SFU) In Progress
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