What inspired you to join the Teach Away team?
I was inspired to join the Teach Away team because I wanted to help others achieve their goal of teaching abroad. I started as a Placement Coordinator, where I helped teachers who wanted to teach in China, and I now work as our Online Education Team Lead.
The Teach Away team
Describe a typical day at work for you.
As Team Lead, my day consists of many things. I may start the day by supervising teachers, while I work on scheduling and payroll. Following this, I may have training to lead with new teachers to prepare them for teaching online. After this, I might work on our recruitment strategy or conduct interviews to find even more teachers to join our team!
What is your favorite part of your job as the Online Education Team Lead?
The favorite part of my job is being surrounded by friendly, adventurous, interesting, and genuine people every day. Our teachers have traveled all over the world, and getting to interact with people who share a passion for travel and teaching everyday is something I am very thankful for. I also got to go to Shanghai, China for two weeks which was pretty sweet too!
Training in Shanghai, China
What challenges do you face in your current role and how do you overcome them?
I have many hats to wear in my current role and it can be hard organizing my day/week to ensure all deadlines and goals are met. I’m a big list guy, so working through those lists and crossing off goals as I meet them helps keep me organized.
How do your experiences of teaching and living in Australia, England, and South Korea influence your work today?
I think the biggest thing I learned living abroad is that even though we may come from different backgrounds, cultures, or languages, we are all human and we all want happiness. I approach everyone I meet in my life with this viewpoint and I find it helps make my day and life much more positive and fulfilling.
Our Online Education teachers!
What is different about online education versus classroom-based education?
Online education is unique in that you have a small little window to communicate through, which can make it harder to make that ‘human connection’. I encourage all my teachers to take the time to ask questions, share personal stories, and really work hard to establish a personal connection with their students. I view online education as a great tool to encourage cultural exchange.
Why do individuals often choose online education over classroom-based education?
I think a lot has to do with convenience. Rather than having to drive 20-30 minutes to a learning centre, students can now pop on to their laptop in their living room and be talking with someone across the world instantaneously.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me starts with recognizing you are a guest in the country you are visiting. Respect their culture, respect their laws, and take the time to really immerse yourself. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and, please, try the local food!
Playoff time in London
Why is teaching abroad such a great tool for meaningful travel?
Teaching abroad makes you question all of the mannerisms/assumptions you carry that you thought were normal. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone and allows you to grow to be a more accepting, open minded person—if you embrace that change.
What hopes do you have for the future of online education?
One of my hopes for the future of online education is that it can be used as a way to bring people together and create understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
