Teaching Experience: 8 years
Courses: Business English, Conversational English, IELTS preparation
Education: CELTA, BA in Media and Journalism
My name is Tim Byrnes, from Sydney, Australia, currently located in the Russian city of Volgograd. I have a passion for Russian history, which is why I am in Volgograd. To me, it is ‘Stalingrad’, not because of political or nationalistic reasons but more for the resilience and character displayed during those dark days of 1942-1943. This character is what I admire and enjoy about being in Russia.
I have had an interest in Russian history since childhood and have been coming to this wonderful country since 1998. My interests include creative arts, Russian modern history, psychology, and football. I was lucky enough to see Australia play Denmark in Samara during the FIFA World Cup.
I have also been lucky enough to embed myself in the Russian lifestyles of Moscow, St Petersburg, Surgut, Rostov on Don, and the rebellious and adventurous regions of the North Caucuses republics. It was in these places I worked as a newspaper and television journalist for Skynews and Euronews. Moreover, I spent the last 18 months working as an English teacher in Saint Petersburg.
I possess a Diploma of Media and Journalism and have more than 10 years experience working in newspapers and television, in Australia and the Russian Federation. I also have a Cambridge English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) certificate, which I gained in Australia back in 2002. I have extensive experience teaching business, academic, exam, conversation and general English to ALL AGES and LEVELS, including young learners, university students, and business people. I have been recruited to work in colleges in Australia lecturing in media and effective communication practices.
Recently, I have been involved in teaching corporate clients the art of communicating effectively, both for business and migration purposes. This includes the IELTS and FCE exam preparation. I use active communicative practice as part of my lessons and enjoy setting up real-time situation dialogues, for example traveling abroad, business meetings and trial IELTS speaking tests. I also aim to build good and positive learning environments with my students, by creating a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience.
I bring, to every lesson, energy, and enthusiasm and I remain fully focused on my student’s individual needs, with a 100% aim on their success. With young learners I bring creativity and enthusiasm, building their self-confidence and skills. I endeavor to make learning English fun and enjoyable for all my students.
I look forward to working with you very soon, and to making your success, my success.