Within you will find a
detailed history of my education, experience, and qualifications as an EFL/ESL teacher,
teacher of teachers, and program developer. I bring to an employer not only seasoned
ESL/EFL skills, but extensive experience in media, computers, promotion, and
cross-cultural awareness.
I suggest that you go first
to my CV. If you are still interested, explore the full site. If you want to
see an associated record or document, click on the underlined item.
I am a native English speaker
born, educated, and citizen of the USA.
My goal is to be
a better teacher.
Like many Americans, I have
had a number of professional lives (journalist, media producer, and adventure travel
operator). These pursuits enabled me to touch many cultures, learning to
accept diversity of world view and ways of coexistence with them.
In the 1980's, seeking
regeneration, I returned to the University for an advanced degree. It was there that
I discovered teaching. Nothing I had ever done provided the satisfaction found in
the development of intellect —in
others and thereby in myself. Particularly, I enjoy the challenge of teaching across
cultures, as this exchange is one that has fascinated and engaged my energies since
childhood.
This love has led to a life
spent far from my own Anglo-American tradition. Most recently it has taken me to
ten years of teaching and program development, first in Japan, then Korea, a
brief stint in Hong Kong, several years in Saudi Arabia, and
then in the Balkans—providing the
cross-cultural data for a dissertation in the process of completion. Most
recently I have been in my hometown, Berkeley, CA, where I strive to improve
my skills, preparing foreign students for American university programs.
In addition, when not teaching,
I consult for businesses and non-profit organizations on cross-cultural issues,
developing training programs, and leading seminars. Also, I am
exploring the educational potential of the Internet by running TaleTwist,
a web publishing firm.
I keep
extremely fit by training in Triathlon type events: swimming, cycling, running,
weight lifting, which
offer ample preparation for my holiday activities of skiing, mountaineering, and deep sea
diving. I emphasize this because good health, along with mental growth,
is my "bottom line".
My teaching
I have been asked many times,
"what is your strategy for teaching?" It is quite simple; first, I must
understand where I am—in both the culture of
the students and of the employing institution. Then, within these cultural parameters, I
strive to engage the students through cooperative activity and problem solving. It is my
belief that If a skill has relevance, it will be learned.
I would
appreciate hearing from you, not only about employment opportunities, but
comments/criticisms about the site and its materials:
send mail to: pyaple@pacbell.net
