TAIWO AKINWALE
Columbia
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Instructor (German 1100 & 1200)
University of Missouri
Columbia
01.2024 - Current
- Design and deliver lessons, activities, and assessments aligned with departmental learning objectives.
- Lead communicative practice, grammar instruction, and structured speaking/writing support.
- Develop quizzes and exams, provide timely feedback, and support student progress through office hours.
- Collaborate with supervising faculty on grading, course coordination, and instructional materials.
German Language Instructor (Online)
Multilang Language & Study Abroad
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Prepared adult and university-level learners for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 exam using online platforms.
- Planned curriculum sequences (A2–B1 transition and exam-focused units) and created supplemental materials.
- Designed and administered mock exams, vocabulary/grammar quizzes, and speaking practice tasks.
- Coached learners on exam strategies, pacing, and performance in writing and speaking components.
German Language Instructor
Schneider Institute
Port Harcourt
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Prepared learners for B2 German examinations and supported progression through A1, A2, and B1 levels (CEFR).
- Designed proficiency-based lessons for listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- Developed assessment materials, tracked learner growth across modules, and provided targeted feedback.
German Language Instructor
Esquare Multilanguage Place
Osun State
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Taught A2-level German with emphasis on communicative competence and grammar–vocabulary development.
- Prepared learners for A2 assessments through structured practice, quizzes, and guided speaking tasks.
- Created lesson plans and supplementary materials to support steady progression and learner confidence.
German Teacher
Damico Montessori International School
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Taught German across multiple grade levels using learner-centered approaches.
- Developed curriculum materials, learning activities, and assessments aligned with proficiency goals.
French Teacher
Damico Montessori International School
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Designed lessons and assessments to support communicative language development and learner progress.
- Evaluated student work and provided feedback to strengthen speaking, reading, and writing skills.
German Interpreter
Freelance
01.2023
- Provided interpretation support for cross-cultural and professional communication.
- Ensured accuracy, appropriate register, and cultural sensitivity in oral and written mediation.
Education
Master of Arts -
University of Missouri
Columbia05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - German Language
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Nigeria01.2023
Skills
- Curriculum & lesson design (CEFR-aligned)
- Classroom management & student support
- Assessment design & mock exams
- Cross-cultural communication
- Communicative language teaching
- Event planning and conference logistics
- L2 feedback (writing & speaking)
- Public speaking and facilitation
- Online instruction and learner support
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Independent work & initiative
- Academic and professional writing
- Problem solving and planning
Certification
- Goethe-Zertifikat
- Short-Term Ministerial Training Course
Leadership Service
- President, Christian Graduate Fellowship (CGF), University of Missouri, 01/24 - Present, Provide strategic and administrative leadership for a diverse graduate student fellowship., Organize weekly meetings, prayer gatherings, and Bible studies; mentor student leaders., Plan campus-wide events (e.g., worship nights; apologetics conference) in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Faculty Representative, Graduate Student Council, University of Missouri, Represent graduate student interests in faculty–student deliberations and policy discussions., Communicate student concerns and academic needs to faculty leadership.
- Administrative Director, African Graduate and Professional Student Association, University of Missouri, Oversaw administrative operations and supported executive leadership and event planning.
- Event Administrator, CAFNR International Program Student Organization, Planned and coordinated events for international students, managed logistics with university offices.
- Active Member, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, University of Missouri, Supported programs and events, welcomed new students, participated in conferences (including Urbana 25)., Led Deeply Rooted Bible Study sessions.
- Music Director, Obafemi Awolowo University (DLCF CDL), 01/18 - 12/23, Student Leader / Volunteer
- Student Leader / Volunteer, Christian Grads Fellowship (CGF), University of Missouri, 01/24 - Present
Languages
- Yoruba
- German
- English
- Yoruba
- German
Awards
- Departmental Award for Exemplary Leadership (Undergraduate), Obafemi Awolowo University
- Award of Excellence in Teaching, 2022-2023
Conference Participation
- Ife Multilingual Annals Conference, 2022
- Central States Languages for All Conference, 2024
Research Interests
- Second language acquisition (SLA) and instructed second language learning
- L2 pedagogy, classroom discourse, and communicative language teaching
- Language assessment and classroom-based evaluation (including proficiency exam preparation)
- Technology-mediated language learning and online instruction
- Multilingualism and cross-cultural communication
- Teacher education and materials development
Timeline
Graduate Instructor (German 1100 & 1200)
University of Missouri
01.2024 - Current
German Language Instructor (Online)
Multilang Language & Study Abroad
01.2023 - 01.2024
German Language Instructor
Schneider Institute
01.2023 - 01.2024
German Language Instructor
Esquare Multilanguage Place
01.2023 - 01.2024
German Interpreter
Freelance
01.2023
French Teacher
Damico Montessori International School
01.2021 - 01.2023
German Teacher
Damico Montessori International School
01.2020 - 01.2024
Master of Arts -
University of Missouri
Bachelor of Arts - German Language
Obafemi Awolowo University