Open to opportunities

Darian So

@darianso

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I teach English as a second language, blending curriculum and writing expertise.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for an ESL teaching role where I can design curriculum and teach writing with confidence—aligned to IELTS/IGCSE/IB—while supporting diverse learners through thoughtful, student-centered instruction and collaboration.

I teach English Second Language courses to learners across a wide range of ages and English proficiency levels, bringing both curriculum structure and writing-focused instruction. I’m trained in multiple writing styles, including professional and technical, creative nonfiction, and journalistic writing.

Most recently, I served as an Adjunct English Second Language Teacher, designing classroom assignments, conducting student evaluations, and developing curriculum—while also supporting student advising and completing professional development workshops and courses. Previously, I led vocational ESL instruction for refugee and immigrant communities, delivering hybrid instruction and managing attendance reporting to the county.

I’ve also held leadership and teaching roles internationally, including Head of Years 1 and 2 and Head English Teacher, as well as English Second Language Teacher positions aligned with Cambridge International guidelines and IELTS preparation. I bring experience with International Baccalaureate curriculum, IELTS, IGCSE, K-12, and TPRS.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Adjunct ESL Teacher

Current

Grossmont/Cuyamaca Community College District

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Teach English as a Second Language courses for students with varied proficiency levels and support district instructional priorities. Design assignments, conduct evaluations, develop curriculum, assist with student advising, and complete professional development.

ESL Instruction Curriculum Design Lesson planning Student Assessment Student Advising Professional Development

Vocational ESL Instructor

International Rescue Committee

Nov 2023 - Jun 2024 (7 months)

Taught vocational ESL classes (standard ESL, Transportation, and Family Child Care) for refugee and immigrant learners using instruction aligned to students’ L1 backgrounds. Planned lessons, delivered hybrid instruction, reported attendance, operated a driving simulator, and scheduled internal and external workshops and presentations.

ESL Instruction Lesson planning Attendance Reporting Vocational Language Training Driving Simulator Operation Workshop Coordination

Head of Years 1 and 2

Victoria (China) Education Group

Feb 2022 - Jul 2023 (1 year 5 months)

Served as Homeroom English teacher for Pre-Nursery (ages 2–3) before advancing to Year 2 Homeroom English and Head of Years for Lower Primary. Led lower primary English programming with 20 teaching hours per week and a class size of 15 students.

Homeroom Teaching Early Childhood Education English Language Instruction Year Level Leadership Classroom Management Curriculum Planning Lower Primary Coordination

English Second Language Teacher

Cambridge International Experimental School

Jul 2021 - Feb 2022 (7 months)

Planned and delivered ESL instruction for students ages 14–18, including writing and speaking tasks aligned to Cambridge International guidelines. Taught reading, writing, listening, and speaking to prepare for IELTS testing with 20 teaching hours per week and class size of 35 students.

ESL Instruction Writing Instruction Speaking Activities IELTS Preparation Lesson planning