Jonathan Gann
Bangor
Summary
Seasoned educator with over 23 years of experience in international education, specializing in ESL instruction for diverse age groups, including adult and teenage learners. Eager to contribute to a boarding school community by serving as: teacher, international recruiter, academic advisor, housing parent and collaborating with colleagues on campus events and activities.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Director | Summer ESL Program
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
06.2025 - Current
- Directed the comprehensive delivery of a high-impact summer ESL program, overseeing curriculum standards and instructional quality for a diverse international student body.
- Managed weekly language assessments for arriving and departing students, utilizing placement data to optimize classroom levels and generating proficiency reports to document student progress.
- Conducted formal evaluations of teaching staff, providing pedagogical mentorship and professional development feedback to ensure adherence to communicative language teaching excellence.
- Served as the primary liaison to negotiate the use of university facilities, securing premium classrooms and lecture halls; collaborated closely with the UCLA Housing Department to resolve student residential issues and ensure high welfare standards.
ESL Coordinator and Housing Parent
John Bapst Memorial High School
Bangor
08.2023 - Current
- Directed comprehensive pastoral care and academic support for East and Southeast Asian boarding students (China, Vietnam, South Korea), ensuring a stable "home-away-from-home" environment.
- Achieved measurable gains in student English proficiency by spearheading immersive, language-rich residential programs tailored for cultural integration and academic success.
- Cultivated an inclusive, empathetic residential community, successfully bridging significant cultural gaps through targeted communication strategies and engaging programming.
- Spearheaded tailored support systems that enhanced student well-being and academic performance, fostering a supportive atmosphere critical for international student success.
- Leveraged specialized TESOL expertise to provide impromptu language coaching and study support, directly contributing to improved confidence and academic results.
- Key Strengths : Hard Skills: TESOL Certification, Pastoral Care, Academic Support, Curriculum Development, Cross-Cultural Communication.
- Soft Skills: Empathy, Adaptability, Mentorship, Conflict Resolution, Inclusive Programming.
- Regional Expertise: East & Southeast Asian Cultural Nuances, International Student Guidance.
ESL Teacher and Housing Parent
Stafford House
Boston
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Delivered a high-impact, immersive English language and cultural experience for a diverse international student body. Balanced academic instruction with "in loco parentis" residential oversight and experiential learning through guided excursions across Boston’s historical and recreational landmarks.
- Developed and delivered interactive, theme-based ESL lesson plans for multi-level classes of [Number] students from around the world, focusing on communicative fluency and "real-world" vocabulary.
- Conducted initial placement testing and weekly progress assessments, providing detailed academic feedback to help students meet individual language goals.
- Integrated classroom theory with practical application by preparing students for off-site cultural interactions through role-playing and vocabulary drills.
- Managed the daily welfare and safety for students in a residential dormitory setting, fostering a supportive "home-away-from-home" environment.
- Mediated intercultural disputes and provided emotional support to students navigating homesickness or cultural adjustment.
- Uphold strict safeguarding protocols, supervised meal times, and managed evening check-ins to ensure 100% compliance with camp safety standards.
- Led educational tours to major Boston landmarks, both cultural and recreational.
ESL INSTRUCTOR
Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Taught English as a Second Language for adults, deploying both one-on-one and group teaching modalities.
- Implemented differentiated instructional strategies to support students from a variety of educational backgrounds and readiness levels.
- Evaluated language proficiency and made recommendations for student placement in appropriate courses.
Program Manager
MIR Corporation
Seattle
01.2015 - 12.2020
- Spearheaded international logistics and group travel for high-priority expeditions to UNESCO World Heritage sites across Central and Eastern Asia, prioritizing cultural preservation and safety.
DIRECTOR OF INTENSIVE ESL PROGRAM
English Language Institute, Sam Houston State University
Huntsville
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Spearheaded the comprehensive restructuring of the Intensive ESL program from the ground up, modernizing the curriculum to align with current English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and improving student learning outcomes.
- Directed all aspects of staff lifecycle management, including recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating instructional staff; served as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO) to ensure 100% SEVIS compliance and meticulous visa maintenance for the international student body.
- Orchestrated international recruitment missions and delivered high-impact presentations worldwide, driving a [Percentage]% increase in program enrollment and expanding the university's global footprint.
ESL INSTRUCTOR
ELS Language Center
Houston
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Masterfully taught the four core modules (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) with a specific focus on high-scoring strategies, such as complex syntax for IELTS Writing Task 2 and integrated speaking tasks for the TOEFL.
- Managed an intensive 12-level academic track, progressing students through critical proficiency benchmarks every four weeks to ensure readiness for university-level coursework.
- Conducted weekly full-length practice examinations and analyzed performance data to provide individualized "gap-closing" feedback, identifying specific weaknesses in grammar, vocabulary, or time management.
- Guided students through the linguistic demands of U.S. higher education, including academic research techniques, citation standards, and seminar-style discussion skills.
ESL INSTRUCTOR
Brazil United States Institute
Rio De Janeiro
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Taught in academic English program for teenagers, resulting in measurable improvements across reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills essential for university-level study.
- Prepared students for international entrance exams (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge), achieving a high pass rate through rigorous assessment and individualized feedback.
- Developed and implemented an inquiry-based curriculum that integrated critical thinking and research methodologies, bridging the gap between secondary education and higher education standards.
- Cultivated a dynamic, inclusive classroom environment using multimedia resources and interactive simulations to increase student engagement by approximately.
- Mentored students on cultural adaptation and academic success strategies, providing guidance on the expectations and rigors of international university settings.
ESL INSTRUCTOR
COPCAM
Lisbon
01.2001 - 12.2003
- Designed and implemented specialized Business English curricula for Fortune 500 clientele including Phillips Electronics and Dannon Yogurt, enhancing international communication strategies.
- Instructed English language programs for all levels within Portuguese military academies, specifically preparing personnel for participation in NATO exercises and international collaboration.
- Managed diverse educational portfolios across multiple language schools and corporate offices, demonstrating high adaptability to varied institutional cultures and learner needs.
Education
Master's - TESOL
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ, USABachelor of Arts - International Studies
School for International Training
Brattleboro, VT, USASkills
- Google Suite
- Canvas
- MS Office
- Zoom
- Electronic Gradebook Management
- PowerSchool
- Schoology
- Differentiated Instruction
- Integrated Language Skills
- Student Assessment & Placement
- TOEFL instruction
- English language assessment
- Student Advising
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Team Management
- SEVIS DSO Experience
- Collaborative Leadership
- Housing parent
- International Recruiting
- TESOL Certification
- Pastoral Care
- Academic Support
- Curriculum Development
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Mentorship
- Conflict Resolution
- Extensive experience with
- International Student Guidance
Skills And Expertise
advanced, advanced, intermediate, Google Suite, Canvas, MS Office, Zoom, Electronic Gradebook Management, PowerSchool, Schoology, Differentiated Instruction, Integrated Language Skills, Student Assessment & Placement, TOEFL instruction, English language assessment Development, Student Advising, Cross-Cultural Communication, Team Management, SEVIS DSO Experience, Collaborative Leadership, Housing parent, International Recruiting worldwide primarily in Latin America, Middle East, Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, India). Lived in 7 countries since childhood.
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Portuguese
Professional
French
Professional
Timeline
Academic Director | Summer ESL Program
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
06.2025 - Current
ESL Coordinator and Housing Parent
John Bapst Memorial High School
08.2023 - Current
ESL Teacher and Housing Parent
Stafford House
06.2023 - 08.2024
ESL INSTRUCTOR
Oklahoma City Community College
01.2020 - 12.2022
Program Manager
MIR Corporation
01.2015 - 12.2020
DIRECTOR OF INTENSIVE ESL PROGRAM
English Language Institute, Sam Houston State University
01.2012 - 12.2014
ESL INSTRUCTOR
ELS Language Center
01.2009 - 12.2012
ESL INSTRUCTOR
Brazil United States Institute
01.2004 - 12.2009
ESL INSTRUCTOR
COPCAM
01.2001 - 12.2003
Master's - TESOL
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
School for International Training