Hi, I’m
Maria Wiid
Principal, Teacher, Curriculum Development
Kidds Beach,EC
Summary
Experienced professional seeking a challenging role in [specific industry or field]. Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement. Excited to leverage skills to drive results and make a meaningful impact. Committed to professional development and eager to excel in new challenges.
Overview
41
years of professional experience
5
Certifications
2
Language
Work History
Beyond Borders
Founder, Director- Sole Proprietor
03.2005 - Current
Job overview
- Facilitated environmental education camps for children in Taipei, Taiwan.
- Integrated experiential learning into school curriculum.
- Coordinated local and international camps for children with an emphasis on environmental education.
- Established and managed a sole proprietorship.
- Aligned program scope with strategic business objectives to ensure continuous alignment.
- Directed budgetary planning and execution.
- Coordinated reference verification processes to ensure candidate credibility.
- Directed activities of graphic and web designers alongside support staff.
- Drafted clear guidelines for employee conduct and responsibilities.
- Ensured consistent task performance by revising procedures manual.
- Produced variety of business materials, including: letters, reports, proposals and forms.
- Managed all aspects of travel arrangements, ensuring seamless integration of itinerary, flights, lodging, meals, and activities.
- Designed and executed instructional activities offering students opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Organized field trip activities focused on Nature Conservation, Water Conservation, and Ocean Animals.
- Responsible for other duties that include overseeing kids during meals, off site trips, camp activities, planning for cabin activities etc.
- Planned and organized a range of individual and group activities and projects which included Pet Awareness Day, ‘Mini Beast Hunt’, and Exploring Nature, led by student volunteers.
- Evaluated and documented student progress for leadership potential.
- Made arrangement for release of information to press, liaison office and volunteers who were interested.
- Worked closely with the South African Liaison Office to promote eco-tourism and Environmental Education programs abroad.
- Created awareness of South Africa as a tourist destination, focusing on education programs abroad by hosting a Cultural Evening.
- Wrote creative copy for brochures, flyers and other direct mail projects.
- Researched and conceived newsletter articles.
- Managed all phases of direct mail projects; monitored production teams; recruited and guided vendors; oversaw print operations and coordinated mailing process.
- Facilitated planning and participation in promotional events and exhibitions.
- Gained expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, and Internet functions.
- Website: www.beyondoborders.com
Al Arqam Academy for Girls
Teacher
01.2010 - 07.2013
Job overview
- Delivered comprehensive instruction across subjects based on the British National primary curriculum for years 4 and 6.
- Led year 6 team to achieve educational goals.
- Taking responsibility for the progress of a class of primary age pupils;
- Configured classroom setup and resources to cultivate a supportive learning environment.
- Created and implemented lesson plans addressing the full spectrum of student needs.
- Facilitated positive pupil development through preparation and marking.
- Ensured compliance with assessment and documentation standards for pupil development.
- Delivered progress updates to parents during scheduled meetings.
- Supported colleagues in delivering specialized curriculum content.
- Working with others to plan and coordinate work
- Maintained attractive, stimulating classroom environment.
- Kept current with curriculum structure changes and developments.
- Taking part in school events and activities which may take place at weekends or in the evening; such as parent/teacher meetings, sports day as team captain, and Fun Fair.
- Teaching support to SEN students
- Implemented Eco Club as part of Extra Mural Activities
- Maintained current knowledge of educational practices through study and participation in courses, workshops, and meetings.
- Enhanced writing skills through participation in Qatar Reads program.
- Analyzed impact of ICT on teaching and learning processes.
- Tracked and noted achievements to optimize educational outcomes.
- Implemented tailored instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Share Fun English School
Teacher, Head Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator
02.2009 - 07.2010
Job overview
- Conducted lessons for Grade One and Grade Three and monitored academic performance.
- Introduced diverse subjects including Environmental Education, Science, Social Studies, and Geography.
- Facilitated cross-disciplinary activities to boost students' English proficiency.
- Designed interactive learning activities to deepen students' understanding.
- Facilitated Grade 3 students in designing and editing school newspaper.
- Chosen effective instructional techniques to meet specific class needs.
- Designed and delivered lesson plans tailored to curriculum requirements.
- Identifying children's individual and collective learning needs and planning, preparing and delivering instruction that caters for the full ability range within the class.
- Introduced Speech and Drama and Leadership into the school curriculum.
- Created literacy hubs to assist students experiencing learning obstacles.
- Implementing learning centers to challenge advanced learners.
- Structured learning resources and classroom environment at elementary level to promote positive learning.
- Engaged in site-based management decisions on teaching methods, curriculum design, budget, personnel, and textbooks.
- Directed operations of 4 Elementary Teachers and 5 classroom assistants.
- Contributed to onboarding and development of new teaching staff.
- Launched initiatives to encourage sustainable living through recycling and meat-free Mondays.
- Implemented four projects aimed at raising funds as part of a community outreach effort over the past year.
- Developed engaging classroom newsletters distributed across eight elementary classes.
- Managed the arrangement and development of the school's web page content.
Kaleidoscape Education and Language Center
Founder, Manager and Teacher, Curriculum Development
01.2003 - 12.2008
Job overview
- Taught all aspects of the English language, including Art, Literature, Character Building and Environmental Education to Grade 1 to Grade 5 students.
- Taught Cambridge Classes for Young Learners English (YLE).
- Taught classes to prepare students for ILTEA tests.
- Prepared students for The General English Proficiency Tests (GEPT).
- Taught adult classes on part time basis.
- Taught students with special educational needs such as ADD and ADHD.
- Taught students with special educational needs such as Asperger’s Syndrome.
- Tutored a student with special educational needs such as cerebral palsy.
- Successfully implemented Character Education as a subject and made it more meaningful through hands on activities through community involvement.
- Managed Fund Raising projects aiming at raising money for local animal shelters and orphanages.
- Successfully implemented Environmental Education through hands on activities such as field trips, interviews, guest speakers from PETA and EAST thus making the content more meaningful.
- Successfully implemented a Leadership Class, Creative Writing Class and Speech and Drama Class into the school curriculum.
- Further implemented Environmental Education through story telling events called “Tale Twisters”.
- Participated in local international school events such as The Christmas Bazaar at the Taipei American School and the Food Fair at the Taipei British School.
- Designed and implemented curriculums for Kindergarten, Elementary and Junior High students, following the Developmental appropriate practice. Implemented extra curricular activities such as guitar lessons, cooking lessons, Spanish, French and Japanese.
- Selected, purchased curriculum materials to capture students' interest and maximize individual learning.
- Market research on curriculum materials and the functioning of other schools and their curricula.
- Acted as consultant to other schools on curriculum ideas and implementation.
- Implemented subjects such as Speech and Drama for advanced students from local international schools; Taipei British School and Taipei American School.
- Involved in site-based management, including decisions regarding teaching methods, curriculum design, budget, personnel and textbooks.
- Interpreted and implemented personnel and school policies.
- Wrote Employer/Employee contracts.
- Designed and wrote Parent's Handbook, Teacher's Guide and Operation Manual.
- Designed school uniform, school logo, brochures, flyers, Monthly Newsletters and PowerPoint presentations.
- Worked with Chinese Managers in the management of English and Chinese Teachers and maintained close relationships with teachers and co-manager.
J Kids Kindergarten / Joie Elementary School
Teacher / Manager / Head Teacher
02.2001 - 12.2002
Job overview
- Taught students between ages 5 and 13 years old. Subjects included English as a Whole Language, Integrated Studies, Art and Literature.
- Designed and implemented curriculum for Kindergarten students’ ages 3 - 8 years old and followed the Thematic Approach, focusing on learning through play.
- Worked with Chinese managers and assistants in the management of English and Chinese teachers.
- Maintained close relationships with teachers and Chinese assistants.
- Planned and scheduled special events such as Christmas Shows, Graduation Shows and field trips.
- Effectively trained and supervised seven teachers, three Assistant Managers and four Chinese Assistants.
- Led daily meetings with Chinese staff concerning the general functioning of the school.
- Kept close relations and open communication with parents.
- Market researched curriculum materials and the functioning of other Kindergartens in the area.
Little Kings American School
Manager, Teacher, Curriculum Development
09.1999 - 01.2001
Job overview
- Designed and implemented curriculum materials for Kindergarten students aged 3 - 8 years old, following the Thematic Approach, focusing on learning through play.
- Taught students between ages 3 and 8 years old. Subjects included: English as a Whole Language, Integrated Studies, Art and Literature.
- Worked with Chinese Managers in the management of English and Chinese Teachers.
- Maintained close relationships with teachers and managers.
- Planned, scheduled and implemented special events such as field trips, Christmas Shows and Graduation Shows.
- Effectively trained and supervised 4 teachers.
- Viewed and discussed teacher's lesson plans.
- Led weekly teacher meetings.
- Responsible for agendas and minutes.
- Interpreted and implemented Personnel Policies.
- Wrote Employer/Employee contracts.
- Designed and wrote Parent's Handbook, Teacher's Guide and Operations Manual.
Jump Start Kindergarten / Head Start Elementary School
Teacher, Head Teacher
03.1997 - 08.1999
Job overview
- Appointed as teacher in February 1997 and promoted to Head Teacher in July 1997, Curriculum Development, Taichung
- Taught 3 - 6 year old students.
- Trained, motivated and supervised 7 English Teachers from different nationalities.
- Designed and implemented Curriculum for 30 levels, including Kindergarten, Elementary and Advance levels.
- Prepared lesson plans, monthly and mid term tests and activities.
- Coordinated field trips.
- Undertook careful research in the field of education and implementation of English as a whole language in Taiwan.
- I taught a Part Time class of Junior High students on the subject of Creative Writing.
Sagewood Education Center
Teacher
05.1995 - 12.1996
Job overview
- After traveling abroad for two months (Egypt, Israel, Turkey and Greek Isles), I continued my career in the field of Education.
- My duties included: Preparing lesson plans, examinations and activities for a class of 35 first graders.
- Subjects included English, Integrated Studies, Math, Art and Design and Technology.
- I initiated an Entrepreneurial Club.
- I further organized Sports Days, Fundraising Projects, an Arts-Festival, and Cyberfair '96.
- I organized a Technology display at the Science and Math Carnival, African Arts Museum.
Self Employed and Travel
Area Manager, Sales Representative
01.1990 - 05.1995
Job overview
- I wanted a career change and decided to test my skills and knowledge in the private sector. The managerial experience I achieved would later assist me with the managerial positions in the Education sector, as well as opening my own school in Taiwan and becoming the Sole Proprietor for Beyond Borders: Environmental Education Camps for Children.
Unika Primary School
Primary Teacher
01.1987 - 12.1989
Job overview
- Taught Grade One and Grade Two students.
- Subjects included English, Integrated Studies, Math, Art and Physical Education.
- On the sports field I coached and refereed tennis, netball and athletics.
- I coached 8 year olds for the annual concert.
- I coached several Eisteddfod items where the children achieved several silver certificates for different coral verse groups.
Bredell Primary School
Primary Teacher
01.1985 - 12.1986
Job overview
- Taught students 5 and 6 years of age.
- Subjects included English, Integrated Studies, Math, Art and Physical Education.
- Initiated, managed and trained a Drum Majorette Team and took part in several competitions.
- Further duties included organizing Sports Days.
Education
NKP (Normaal College Pretoria)
H.E.D Junior Primary - Diploma
University Overview
Evaluation of Qualifications Transcript
Skills
Coordinate work flow
Update and chase delegated tasks to ensure progress to deadlines
Take initiative in manager's absence
Keep projects on schedule
Maintain procedures manual to ensure consistent performance of routines
Handle all inquiries within my capacity
Do phone surveys/inquiries as needed Appointments/Meetings
Maintain calendar: ascertain which events to schedule and where
Prepare agendas in time
Arrange event facilities
Prepare action minutes Travel
Arrange travel through internal or outside agents
Arrange travel cash in advance
Prepare itinerary, trip file and supplies
Prepare expense reports
Complete expense reports after trip Supervision
As required, recruit, hire, train and supervise part-time or full-time, paid, or unpaid/volunteers, teachers, administrative staff Advanced Level
Study and review school/company procedures
Recommend action to improve operating procedures
Present comparisons on costs, risks, and benefits
Develop and test new procedures
Prepare and control budgets
Certification
Design and Technology - ORT-Tech, 1994
References
Kaleidoscape Education Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Kaleidoscape Education Center Parent's Letter, Genesis International School for Adults, Taipei, Taiwan, East West Publishing Company, Taipei, Taiwan, Little Kings Language School, Taipei, Taiwan, Jump Start Language School, Taichung, Taiwan, Jump Start Language School, Taipei, Taiwan, Head Start English School, Taipei, Taiwan, Sagewood Education Center, South Africa
Interests
Cycling, Camping, Hiking, Jogging, Reading (Literature, Poetry, History, Self-Enrichment), Meditation, Photography, Painting, Aromatherapy, Candle Making, Yoga and Modern Dance., Travel: Countries Traveled to: Africa: (Zimbabwe, Comoros, Swaziland, Lesotho and Egypt), Europe: (England (London), France, Spain), Middle East : ( Israel, Turkey, Rhodes Islands and Oman, Far East: Thailand, Philippines, Bali, Hong Kong and Cambodia.
Affiliations
- Members of: PETA.
- Environmental Education Implementation:
- Http://www.petaasiapacific.com/feature_activate_activist.asp
- Kids for Saving Earth
- Care2
- WWF
- Defenders of Wildlife
- NWF
- EcoClub
- Ecoteer
Publications
- Mari Wiid (Translated into Chinese), Phonics Fun, Periodical, 2007
- Mari Wiid, Sight Words, Periodical, 2003
- Mari Wiid, Spelling, Periodical, 2003
- Mari Wiid, Teaching in Taiwan: Both Challenging and Rewarding, Periodical, 2004
- Mari Wiid, Integrating Language Arts in the Classroom, Periodical, 2004
- Mari Wiid, Phonics and Sight words, Periodical, 2003
- Kaleidoscape Monthly Newsletter
- Mari Wiid, Ecology for Children, 2008
- Mari Wiid, Summer Program - Environmental Education, 2006
- School Readiness Program 2002
- Mari Wiid, Summer Program for Kindergarten, 2003
- Mari Wiid, Grammar - A Teacher's Guide, 2008
- Mari Wiid, Literature Lesson Plans and Activities for Teachers, 2008
- Mari Wiid, Monthly Newsletter on Environmental Education issues.
Private Sector – Further Experience
- ICS (Imperial Cold Storage) Area Manager
- Hewlett Packard: Administrative Work, Part Time
- Score a Lot: Area Manager
- Dixon Soule Associates: Assisted with municipal elections in Bophuthatswana
Articles Published
- Mari Wiid, Sight Words, Periodical, 2003
- Mari Wiid, Spelling, Periodical, 2003
- Mari Wiid, Teaching in Taiwan: Both Challenging and Rewarding, Periodical, 2004
- Mari Wiid, Integrating Language Arts in the Classroom, Periodical, 2004
- Mari Wiid, Phonics and Sight words, Periodical, 2003
Writing Activities
Editor for Taipei Times (local state owned newspaper in Taiwan): Children's Page (Part Time)
Accomplishments
School Management
Curriculum Development
Recruitment
Environmental Education
Education Consultant
Whole school development
Timeline
Teacher
Al Arqam Academy for Girls
01.2010 - 07.2013
Teacher, Head Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator
Share Fun English School
02.2009 - 07.2010
Founder, Director- Sole Proprietor
Beyond Borders
03.2005 - Current
Founder, Manager and Teacher, Curriculum Development
Kaleidoscape Education and Language Center
01.2003 - 12.2008
Teacher / Manager / Head Teacher
J Kids Kindergarten / Joie Elementary School
02.2001 - 12.2002
Manager, Teacher, Curriculum Development
Little Kings American School
09.1999 - 01.2001
Teacher, Head Teacher
Jump Start Kindergarten / Head Start Elementary School
03.1997 - 08.1999
Teacher
Sagewood Education Center
05.1995 - 12.1996
Area Manager, Sales Representative
Self Employed and Travel
01.1990 - 05.1995
Primary Teacher
Unika Primary School
01.1987 - 12.1989
Primary Teacher
Bredell Primary School
01.1985 - 12.1986
NKP (Normaal College Pretoria)
H.E.D Junior Primary - Diploma
12 1984