Alison van Tonder
@alisonvantonder
Experienced editor and instructional designer with a passion for education.
What I'm looking for
With over 24 years of experience as an independent contractor, I specialize in editing, content writing, and instructional design. My commitment to excellence has earned me a reputation as a 'Top Rated Plus' consultant on Upwork, where I maintain a 100% job success rate. I have successfully collaborated with clients across various sectors, including education and corporate training, consistently delivering high-quality work that meets their needs.
As a published author of the '10 Stars English Workbook,' I have equipped thousands of learners with essential English skills. My work extends to developing engaging e-learning modules and instructional materials that enhance learning experiences. I am passionate about using innovative approaches, such as AI prompt engineering, to improve educational content and outcomes.
My achievements include being ranked in the top 3% of performers on Upwork and receiving numerous five-star ratings from clients. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to fostering positive relationships with clients and colleagues alike. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to a forward-thinking organization.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Editor
Mindrift
Apr 2025 - Present (3 months)
Onboarded as Editor and AI-Prompt Writing & Engineering, focusing on English, Afrikaans, Education, K-12, Tertiary, Adult professionals, and STEM fields. Responsible for data collection, generative AI model training and fine-tuning, response rating, evaluation, and editing to refine outputs and enhance model performance.
Magazine Content Writer
Upwork
Sep 2020 - Present (4 years 10 months)
Contributed to a magazine in Australia, achieving a 5-star rating for articles with specific keyword density. Delivered professional and well-detailed articles within desired timeframes.
Publication Contributor
Scripture Union South Africa
Feb 2008 - Present (17 years 5 months)
Contributed copy for 15 years, reaching a readership of 15,000 across Southern Africa. Maintained a long-term publishing relationship with consistent content delivery.
Articles Writer
Self Employed
Feb 2008 - Present (17 years 5 months)
Authored various articles, maintaining a consistent output over many years. Demonstrated strong writing skills and adaptability across different topics.
Reports Editor
e-WD
Sep 2022 - Present (2 years 10 months)
Annually edited reports for an accredited training provider, contracted by UN Women, overseeing training in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Ensured accuracy and clarity in all documentation.
Copywriter
Click on Me
Jun 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)
Provided 24-hour turnaround copywriting services for over 10 business clients in Nelson Mandela Bay. Delivered high-quality copy efficiently to meet client needs.
SAQA and CAPS Qualifications Developer
Scripture Union South Africa
Feb 2004 - Feb 2004 (0 months)
Developed educational content for Scripture Union South Africa. Contributed to their mission through instructional design.
SAQA and CAPS Qualifications Developer
Hospitality Professionals
Jan 2005 - Dec 2006 (1 year 11 months)
Developed National Certificate in Management (SAQA ID 23654) and National Diploma in Event Co-ordination (SAQA ID 20613). Enhanced professional qualifications in hospitality.
SAQA and CAPS Qualifications Developer
PVG for Pick 'n Pay
Jun 2007 - Jun 2007 (0 months)
Developed PNP’s Dem Chef training program, contributing to culinary education. Ensured the program met industry standards and training objectives.
SAQA and CAPS Qualifications Developer
IDC and Tourism Grading Council
Sep 2007 - Sep 2007 (0 months)
Developed functional mobility training for Metrorail, South Africa. Focused on practical skills and operational efficiency within the transport sector.
SAQA and CAPS Qualifications Developer
Ukuvuka Campaign
Mar 2008 - Mar 2008 (0 months)
Developed accredited THETA fundamentals qualifications for crafters and entrepreneurs. Contributed to vocational training and skill development.
Published English Workbook Author
Pearson
Jan 2009 - Jun 2009 (5 months)
Authored the '10 Stars English Workbook,' which has equipped thousands of school learners in English. Contributed significantly to educational resources.
Voiceover Artist
Upwork
Jul 2021 - Jun 2022 (11 months)
Achieved 100% success in recordings for a radio pet show broadcast across the UK. Demonstrated strong voiceover skills and reliability in delivering audio content.
Speech Writing
Upwork
Jun 2019 - Jul 2022 (3 years 1 month)
Wrote a well-researched and articulated executive speech on global leadership for a former member of parliament. Achieved a 5-star rating for meticulous writing and early delivery.
SAQA and CAPS Qualifications Developer
I&J
Jun 2005 - Dec 2006 (1 year 6 months)
Developed GETC, NCMO, and First Aid programmes, as well as Management SAQA ID 23654 - Events co-ordination SAQA ID 20613. Contributed to diverse training initiatives.
Product User Guide for Patent
Self Employed
Feb 2022 - May 2022 (3 months)
Developed a final draft prototype of an easy-to-read user guide for a new product entering the global market. Ensured clarity and user-friendliness for the product's audience.
Edit of Proposal to Tender
Upwork
Jul 2022 - Jul 2022 (0 months)
Edited a proposal to tender, which included web and social metrics and digital optimization for a government department. Achieved a 5-star rating by fulfilling criteria with additional research and web metrics analysis.
E-learning Modules Developer
GGSA
Nov 2022 - Feb 2023 (3 months)
Generated 24-hour turnaround online e-learning content, matching company style guides for an upgraded LMS portal. Developed engaging and effective learning modules.
English Tutoring
Upwork
Mar 2023 - Mar 2023 (0 months)
Coached a school learner, providing assistance with interpreting and drafting English assignments according to rubric and assessment criteria. Focused on improving academic performance.
Web Content and Design
MedNet
Aug 2022 - Aug 2023 (1 year)
Provided web content and design services, earning a 5-star rating for professionalism and quality. Contributed to the company's online presence and value proposition.
Postgraduate Interviews and Features
Nelson Mandela University
Oct 2022 - Aug 2023 (10 months)
Conducted postgraduate interviews and features, publishing PhD alumni stories on top media platforms. Highlighted academic achievements and research impact.
eLearning Developer
Upwork
May 2023 - Sep 2023 (4 months)
Developed original e-learning content aligned to ACARA standards with Explicit Instruction Pedagogy. Created engaging and effective educational materials.
Content Editor
You are Forever
Sep 2023 - Nov 2023 (2 months)
Edited final drafts of content, ensuring consistency in tone and brand for their online platform. Focused on maintaining brand voice across various blog posts.
Radio Broadcaster
Self Employed
Dec 2021 - Dec 2023 (2 years)
Conducted peak-time broadcasting on major radio stations for a citywide environmental campaign. Generated relevant keywords, increasing site traffic via collaborative partnerships to over 50,000 followers.
ADHD Life Coach
Upwork
Mar 2024 - May 2024 (2 months)
Assisted an adult professional with ADHD in project time management, enabling consistent achievement of goals and daily activities. Provided coaching and support for organizational skills.
Project Coordination and Digital Design
MedNet
May 2023 - Jul 2024 (1 year 2 months)
Coordinated projects and designed digital assets, including A4 digital flyers and a rebranding of MedNet’s provider portal to accommodate multiple insurance companies. Ensured designs met company style guides and included a PowerPoint pitch deck.
Instructional Designer
LearningMate
Feb 2025 - May 2025 (3 months)
Upgraded and refreshed Chegg's online eLearning modules on Python and AI programming, focusing on making content concise and increasing visual appeal. Created diverse blocks and infographics using Rise 360 templates.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Cornerstone Institute
Diploma in Theology, Theology
Completed a comprehensive Diploma in Theology, focusing on educational principles and practices. This program provided a strong foundation in theological studies with a major in Education.
Inlingua Language Training Centre
Certificate in TEFL/TESOL, English Language Teaching
Obtained a Certificate in TEFL/TESOL from Inlingua Language Training Centre. This certification equipped me with the necessary skills and methodologies for teaching English as a foreign or second language.
Wittebome High School
Senior Certificate (Matriculation), General Studies
Achieved a Senior Certificate (Matriculation) from Wittebome High School. This qualification signifies the completion of secondary education.
National Geographic
Online Course, Education
Completed an online course on Storytelling for Impact in Your Classroom through National Geographic. This course focused on enhancing educational delivery through effective storytelling techniques.
MAI, LittWorld
Conference Attendance, Publishing
Participated in the 7-day International Publishing Conference, LittWorld, organized by MAI in Brazil. This conference provided insights into global publishing trends and practices.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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