Leif Arnold
Phnom Penh
Summary
Culturally responsive English educator with over 10 years of experience across Southeast Asia, dedicated to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Expertise in creative instructional techniques—leveraging storytelling, movement, and technology to empower diverse learners and enhance global awareness. Committed to maximizing student potential through a variety of instructional strategies and effective classroom management practices. Proven success as a skilled lecturer and discussion facilitator, consistently meeting and exceeding district standards while prioritizing student achievement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Primary English Teacher
Toutes à l'école
02.2023 - Current
- Designed interactive lessons using games, songs, and visual aids.
- Promoted empathy, teamwork, and respect in a multicultural NGO setting.
- Collaborated with families and staff to support holistic student growth.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
Secondary History & Geography Teacher
Cambridge International School
04.2022 - 02.2023
- Brought historical events to life through storytelling and role-play.
- Used real-world issues and virtual field trips to deepen geographic understanding.
- Created engaging, inquiry-based activities aligned with global curricula.
- Maintained record of student academic progress for development of report cards and monitoring of academic progress over time.
ESL & IELTS Instructor
Ocean Edu
04.2020 - 02.2022
- Delivered structured language programs with measurable outcomes.
- Adapted teaching strategies to suit varied learning styles.
- Provided personalized feedback and academic coaching.
- Proctored IELTS testing to maintain secure testing locations and honest test results.
- Conducted student progress reviews and provided individual feedback for each student on strengths and weaknesses.
Primary ESL Teacher
Aplus English Center
09.2017 - 07.2020
- Led interdisciplinary projects and expressive language activities.
- Partnered with parents to track progress and support learning.
- Developed and taught ESL curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities.
- Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
Callan Method Instructor
Planet English
04.2017 - 08.2017
- Facilitated rapid response speaking drills for fluency and confidence.
- Emphasized grammatical accuracy and immediate correction.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.
ELTS & ESL Teacher
EG Academy
12.2014 - 03.2017
- Developed tech-integrated lessons and interactive curriculum.
- Monitored progress and tailored support for exam readiness.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Attended workshops to learn about student motivation and engaging learning activities.
- Modified curriculum plans with colleagues to meet changing student needs.
- Supported students holistically to achieve academic success.
- Used positive reinforcement and provided clear feedback to help students succeed.
Education
BA - English Language & Literature
Pampanga State Agricultural University
PhilippinesSkills
- Leadership and team collaboration
- Language proficiency and cultural sensitivity
- Effective integration of performing arts in teaching
- Adaptive instructional techniques
- Pedagogical approaches
- Student engagement strategies
- Personalized teaching methods
- Educational assistance
- Student information organization
Certification
- TESOL (120 hrs) – TesolCoachMaster.
- CELTO (60 hrs) – TesolCoachMaster.
- CEFR Training – British Council.
- Creative Resources for Primary Learners – British Council.
- Teaching English to Refugees & Displaced Learners – British Council.
Timeline
Primary English Teacher
Toutes à l'école
02.2023 - Current
Secondary History & Geography Teacher
Cambridge International School
04.2022 - 02.2023
ESL & IELTS Instructor
Ocean Edu
04.2020 - 02.2022
Primary ESL Teacher
Aplus English Center
09.2017 - 07.2020
Callan Method Instructor
Planet English
04.2017 - 08.2017
ELTS & ESL Teacher
EG Academy
12.2014 - 03.2017
BA - English Language & Literature
Pampanga State Agricultural University
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ENRICHMENT
- Empathy & Language Development in NGO Settings – Toutes à l'école, Cambodia, Focused on trauma-informed teaching, emotional literacy, and community collaboration in multicultural classrooms. (October 2024)
- Southeast Asia Educators Symposium – “Creative Pedagogy for Diverse Learners”, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Explored inclusive teaching strategies, movement-based learning, and cross-cultural classroom management. (March 2023)
- British Council – CEFR & Creative Resources for Primary Learners, Applied CEFR-aligned strategies and creative tools to enhance engagement and assessment in primary ESL classrooms. (May 2022)
- Cambridge CELT-P (Primary) – Certification in teaching English with modules on classroom management, phonics, and communicative instruction. (June 2022)
- Global Literacy & Inquiry Symposium – “Teaching Through Stories”, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Focused on narrative-based instruction, student voice, and integrating global themes into ESL lessons. (November 2021)
- Callan Method Fluency Training – Planet English, Vietnam, Focused on rapid-response speaking drills and grammatical accuracy for ESL learners. (August 2017)
- ANAK TV Awards Educator Series – Media Literacy & Child-Friendly Programming , Annual workshops promoting responsible media use, child protection, and values-based storytelling in education. (July 2010 – December 2015)
- Safety, First Aid & Firefighting Training – Magsaysay Maritime Training Center, Tanza Cavite & Taft Avenue, Manila Certified in emergency response, fire safety, and basic life support. (June 2004)
- National Geographic Learning Lab – “Visual Storytelling for Educators”, Manila Outreach Program Used photography, maps, and student-led inquiry to teach environmental and cultural topics. (August 2002)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
English Teaching Assistant NASA English Education.
Ngoc Lac, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. Mar–Apr 2022
- Delivered creative lessons in remote, under-resourced areas using local culture and simple materials.
- Integrated music, role-play, and games to boost engagement and comprehension.
- Promoted peer learning and parental involvement to support student development.
Personal Marketing Assistant PMA Desk.
Angeles City, Philippines. Jun–Aug 2008
- Supported B2C and B2B marketing strategy development with tailored messaging.
- Analyzed audience behavior to refine campaign tone and timing.
- Crafted story-driven content to enhance brand connection and loyalty.
- Collaborated with leads to align creative output with strategic goals.