Damon McDonald
Doha
Summary
An accomplished international school educator with 12 years of experience specialising in the IB DP and MYP programmes, demonstrating a unique versatility in teaching Chemistry, Biology, and Theory of Knowledge to students across grades 6–12. The pedagogical approach is rooted in engaging methodologies that actively promote innovative teaching methods that go beyond traditional subject boundaries. Integrating the latest technologies into teaching practises, from utilising virtual labs and augmented reality in classes to incorporating AI-powered inclusion tools and interactive online platforms, ensures that students are at the forefront of educational innovation. A commitment to tech-driven pedagogy not only enriches subject-matter comprehension but also prepares students for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
IB MYP and DP Chemistry, Biology and TOK Teacher
International School Of London, Qatar
01.2012 - Current
- Educational Planning and Curriculum Development: Evaluating and revising lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning up to 7 preps
- Classroom instruction, assessment and evaluation
- Student support/Homeroom advisor
- Extended Essay supervisor
- Personal Project Supervisor
- CAS advisor and extracurricular involvement: Unity XR Developer certification, Citizen Science, Zooniverse projects, Week Without Walls service trips to Kenya and Nepal
- Professional Development and Collaboration: Engage in ongoing assessment and reflection on teaching practises, adapting and improving methods as needed.
- Creator of Class Report Writer, a report writing engine for MYP and DP teachers
Laboratory Technologist
International School Of London, Qatar
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Monitoring of Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories to ensure safe, clean working environments
- Provision and collection of teaching materials and equipment
- Maintenance of equipment, glassware and chemical preparation areas
- Assistance, support, and demonstration of lab practicals
- Maintenance of consumables and updated inventories as a reflection of increased student populations
- Responsible for the development of the school safety programme and its implementation.
Sciences and Maths Tutor and CAS
International School Of Penang, Uplands
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Support students in DP Chemistry and Biology through tuition and revision
- Preparation and mentoring of students through examination periods
- Support and revision of IGCSE Mathematics
- Provided additional English-language support to non-English-speaking students
- As auxiliary staff at Uplands International School, Penang, supporting senior CAS trips to Thailand and Borneo.
IT Consultant
Training Technology Consultants
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Training NGO’s (World Health Organisation, International Labour Organisation, and World Meteorological Organisation) in application of and transitioning to Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access) for 25–30 directors, managing directors, assistants, and field support staff
- Inspected equipment, assessed functionality and optimised controls
- Identified computer hardware and network system issues, performing troubleshooting techniques for remediation
Instructor, Phlebotomy, College of Medicine
University Of Saskatchewan
01.2002 - 08.2002
- Providing both theory and practise of phlebotomy to 65 second- and third-year medical students at the University of Saskatchewan and the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon
- Lead hands-on weekly training sessions to teach medical students proper phlebotomy procedures, including safety protocols and patient interaction
Medical Laboratory Technologist - Biochemistry
Royal University Hospital
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Carry out diagnostic testing of 5000–8,000 routine and trauma specimens per day
- Drug and toxicity screens, biochemical analysis on serum, plasma, and urine, cell counts and morphologies
- Analysis of metabolites, enzymes and electrolytes
- Coagulation studies and other bleeding disorders evaluated
- Previously certified by Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
- Utilised expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and haematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Routine phlebotomy rounds
Education
XR Developer Certification With Unity - XR/VR Development
Circuit Stream
Calgary, Canada10.2021
Post Graduate - Secondary Science
PGCE Education Sunderland University
Sunderland, UK08.2011
Bachelor of Science - Molecular Chemistry
University of Saskatchewan/Open University
Saskatoon Saskatchewan2008
RT Certified Medical Laboratory Technologist -
SIAST Kelsey Campus
Saskatoon Saskatchewan1991
Skills
- Creator of Class Report Writer, a report writing engine for MYP and DP teachers
- Instruction Methodologies: Augmented/Virtual Reality: Unity XR Development: Integration of AR/VR tools for immersive learning experiences; Building virtual reality laboratories for DP students using C# and Unity platforms
- Technological Integration: Use of multi-language podcasts for greater inclusion practices
- Special Projects: Artificial Intelligence: Knowledge of AI-powered educational tools for learning and assessment; Integrating Inspirit AI projects into middle and High School classrooms
- Digital Literacy: Proficiency in navigating various operating systems, software, and online platforms
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like ISAMS, Managebac, or Canvas for course management and student engagement
- Virtual Classrooms: utilising Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for remote teaching
Timeline
IB MYP and DP Chemistry, Biology and TOK Teacher
International School Of London, Qatar
01.2012 - Current
Laboratory Technologist
International School Of London, Qatar
01.2010 - 06.2011
Sciences and Maths Tutor and CAS
International School Of Penang, Uplands
01.2004 - 01.2007
IT Consultant
Training Technology Consultants
01.2002 - 01.2004
Instructor, Phlebotomy, College of Medicine
University Of Saskatchewan
01.2002 - 08.2002
Medical Laboratory Technologist - Biochemistry
Royal University Hospital
01.2000 - 01.2002
XR Developer Certification With Unity - XR/VR Development
Circuit Stream
Post Graduate - Secondary Science
PGCE Education Sunderland University
Bachelor of Science - Molecular Chemistry
University of Saskatchewan/Open University
RT Certified Medical Laboratory Technologist -
SIAST Kelsey Campus
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