Thomas Robles, B.Ed., M.Ad.Ed

trobles@faculty.ocad.ca

Objective: I focus on learning that cultivates trust and mutual respect between teacher and student.

Education: Master in Adult Education, 2008 - St. Francis Xavier University; Bachelor in Education, 1988 - University of Winnipeg.                                

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

Writing Instructor, Faculty of Continuing Education and Training, Seneca College, Toronto ON (May 2009 – present)

• Teach/Advise ESL students on academic essay writing
• Engage in discussions about the Argumentative, the Research, and the Critical Response Essays as a way to develop students’ academic writing skills
• Address specific questions on North American academic writing in an ESL context
• Develop resources to improve the understanding and teaching of academic essays

Instructor, Faculty of Continuing Education and Training, Seneca College, Toronto ON (May 2009 – present)

• Teach/Advise TESL students on teaching and understanding English grammar, using a student-centered, integrated media approach
• Engage in discussions about English grammar as a way to develop students’ teaching skills
• Address specific questions on English grammar in a TESL context
• Develop resources to improve the understanding and teaching of English grammar

Private Tutor, Toronto ON (March 2008 – present)

• Teach E.S.L. students in variety of subjects
• Create lessons that address individual needs in academic English writing, grammar, listening, and speaking
• Develop and acquire resources to improve English language skills
• Consult with students to ensure academic/linguistic needs are being met

Tutorial Writing Instructor, Faculty of Liberal Studies, Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto ON (September 2006 – April 2008 [term contract])

• Taught/Advised E.S.L. students on the academic writing process using a student-centered, integrated media approach
• Introduced writing as a way to develop students’ critical thinking and reading skills
• Addressed specific questions on academic writing in the context of the visual arts
• Developed and acquired resources to improve academic writing skills
• Consulted with course lecturer on tutorial content, teaching approaches, and administrative tasks

E.S.L. Instructor and Curriculum Developer, Crown Language Institute, Toronto, ON (September 2005 – February 2008)

• Provided one-on-one instruction on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
• Improved conversational English skills of individual students
• Developed curricula for and taught TOEFL and TOEIC preparation, General English, and Business English courses

Writing Tutor, Writing & Learning Centre, Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto, ON (September 2004 – April 2006)

• Tutored on a one-on-one basis
• Developed résumé-writing workshops
• Evaluated student placement tests and provided academic advising
• Compiled teaching resources for teachers not trained in teaching E.S.L.
• Moderated professional development sessions on learning

E.S.L. Instructor, Continuing Education Divisions of the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB (November 1997 – August 2004)

• Provided E.S.L. lessons at various levels together with TOEFL and TOEIC preparations courses to international students
• Used discussion and presentations to develop students’ listening and speaking skills
• Conducted needs assessments and evaluated progress through take-home assignments and in-class tests

Assistant English Teacher, Sumoto Senior High School, Hyogo, Japan
(August 1989 – August 1992)

• Taught English grammar and conversation to students in grades 10, 11, and 12
• Consulted with Japanese teachers of English in lesson planning and teaching
• Co-ordinated activities of the English Club
• Co-ordinated and facilitated P.D. workshops for Japanese teachers of English

ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE

Editor, Toronto, ON (November 2008 – present)

• Provide proofreading, copy editing, stylistic editing, and reference checking to a private clientele
• Services include cross-referencing, mechanics of style editing, word meaning clarification, and smoothing language

Researcher/Writer, Kids Help Phone, Toronto ON (April 2008 – July 2008 [short-term contract])

• Researched and wrote literature reviews on various topics that inform counseling of youth
• Collaborated and troubleshot with colleagues and administrators on topic selection, resource acquisition, writing format, and scheduling of document submission deadlines,
• Worked independently to acquire appropriate resources to research and review

Student Advisor, The Writing & Learning Centre, Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto ON (July – September 2007, July 2008 [short-term contracts])

• Provided first-year student advising
• Reviewed students’ writing samples and advised according to learning needs
• Promoted the services of the Writing & Learning Centre as a resource

Head Instructor, English Language Program, University of Winnipeg, Division of Continuing Education, Winnipeg, MB (May 2001 – August 2004)

• Developed/Revised staff and student handbooks
• Administered/Evaluated placement tests
• Trouble-shot program components in consultation with the Program Director
• Monitored student attendance and addressed attendance-related concerns
• Advised students on academic and non-academic issues
• Acted as liaison between students, teaching staff, and administration
• Provided administrative support to teaching staff

VOLUNTEER AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL WORK

Writing Instructor, International Student Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto ON (May 2008 – present)

• Teach/Advise E.S.L. graduate and post-graduate students on the academic writing process using a student-centered approach
• Introduce writing as a way to develop students’ critical thinking and reading skills
• Introduce academic writing styles within a variety of disciplines including psychology, physics, social work, and linguistics

Researcher/Transcriber, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Toronto ON (May – July 2007)

• Co-ordinated reference section of anthology on Asian-Canadian film makers
• Solicited information from and transcribed taped conversations of film makers
• Collaborated with project editor, co-ordinator, and copy editor within strict timelines

Community Outreach Co-ordinator, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Toronto ON (July 2005 – November 2006)

• Promoted the film festival to local high schools and universities
• Trouble-shot/considered logistics of program schedule with film festival staff and high school teachers
• Prepared lessons that develop skills in critical thinking and writing
• Organized and chaired outreach-related meetings

Exhibit Co-Founder/Co-ordinator, Kusina Collective, Adelaide-McDermott Gallery, Winnipeg MB (March 2003 – May 2004)

• Co-ordinated and participated in collective art exhibit to promote multi-media artists
• Chaired regular meetings to assign tasks involved with scheduling, gallery reservation, and the design and distribution of advertising and invitations
• Created clothing included in the exhibit

Independent Clothing Designer, Thomas Robles Couture, Winnipeg MB (January 1993 – July 2004)

• Custom-designed suits, dresses, shirts, and trousers for select clientele
• Specialized in hand-sewing and tailoring
• Created special collections for fashion shows and art exhibits

Newsletter Co-ordinator, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Alumni, Winnipeg MB (April 1995 – May 1999)

• Edited, printed, and distributed quarterly newsletter
• Solicited articles from current and former participants
• Solicited advertising to be included in newsletter from local Japanese businesses and organizations

Other Skills: Conversational Japanese, web design, clothing design, and sewing.