Open to opportunities

James Smith

@jamessmith4

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Passionate software engineer with expertise in education and development.

Australia

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and encourages continuous learning.

I am a dedicated software engineer and educator with a Master of Teaching specializing in Mathematics and Computer Education, as well as dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Computer Science. My academic journey has been marked by a high-distinction average, showcasing my commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of both technical and educational principles.

As the sole developer of the remote job board Himalayas, I successfully built a platform that emphasizes responsive design and user experience. My role involved not only front-end development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but also back-end programming with Ruby on Rails and PostgreSQL. I thrive in collaborative environments, effectively communicating with team members to iterate on designs and implement feedback. My experience as a Live Chat Support agent and Head Teacher at Code Camp has further honed my ability to empower students and foster a growth mindset through constructive feedback and personalized learning.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Software Engineer / Co-Founder

Current

Himalayas

May 2020 - Present (5 years 2 months)

Developed the remote job board Himalayas from the ground up, collaborating with a designer and product manager. Programmed the back-end using Ruby on Rails/PostgreSQL, developing REST APIs, search, and employer interfaces.

HTML CSS JavaScript TailwindCSS Ruby on Rails PostgreSQL REST APIs Git GitHub

Current

Live Chat Support

Current

Code Camp

Jul 2021 - Present (4 years)

Provide 1-on-1 programming feedback, troubleshooting, and encouragement to students aged 5-15. Help students learn how to troubleshoot for themselves by asking clarifying questions and suggesting actions.

Programming Troubleshooting Mentoring Problem Solving Communication Feedback

Head Teacher

Code Camp

Jan 2019 - Jul 2021 (2 years 6 months)

Delivered coding instruction to thirty students with diversity in prior knowledge, age, and background. Formatively assessed students regularly and adjusted instruction and personalised feedback.

Coding Instruction Assessments Feedback Lesson planning Classroom Management

Research Assistant

University of New South Wales

Jul 2016 - Jul 2017 (1 year)

Collaborated on, designed, and implemented three studies with three separate lead researchers for the School of Psychology. Programmed experiments, integrated feedback, and recruited participants.

Research Collaboration Experimental Design Programming Virtual Reality Data Collection

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of New England

Master of Teaching (Secondary), Mathematics and Computer Education

Grade: 87 WAM

Activities and societies: Teacher Placement (4 + 6 weeks)

Completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary) specialising in Mathematics and Computer Education. Developed resources, lesson plans, and assessments, and implemented differentiated teaching programs (online + in-person). Delivered constructive feedback for students in Years 7 to 12 during teacher placements.

University of New South Wales

Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Computer Science

Grade: 92 WAM

Activities and societies: Dean’s Rural Engineering Scholarship; The Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Award; The Psychology Staff Prize; The Faculty of Science Dean’s Award

Completed a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Computer Science with a high-distinction average. Recognized with the Dean’s Rural Engineering Scholarship, the Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Award, the Psychology Staff Prize, and the Faculty of Science Dean’s Award for outstanding academic performance.