Photography
MELANIE NGAI
Photographer and English Tutor
Hong Kong,Hong Kong
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic English educator with 4 years of teaching experience and Trinity CertTESOL certification, specializing in engaging, student-centered lessons that build confidence and language skills. Also an accomplished professional photographer serving clients in portfolio shoots, yoga, sports, concert, and event spaces. This dual expertise allows for the creation of uniquely dynamic learning materials and a broad, real-world perspective.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
2
2
Post Secondary Degrees
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Photographer and English Tutor
Melanie Ngai Photography and Tutoring Services
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island
07.2020 - Current
- Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
- Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
- Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
- Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.
- Improved students' written and verbal English skills through personalized learning programs.
- Developed personalized tutoring sessions based on student needs, leading to improved academic performance.
- Established rapport with students, fostering open communication and creating a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Strengthened students'' understanding of grammar rules by providing targeted instruction during individual or group sessions.
English NET Teacher
Reader Ship Literacy School
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island
12.2024 - 02.2025
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
1st Grade Teacher Assistant
Richmond School District (No. 38)
Richmond, BC
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Designed creative bulletin boards showcasing student work, celebrating their achievements, and motivating continued effort towards success.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly adjusting lesson plans when needed due to unexpected schedule changes or student needs.
- Organized engaging field trips that connected curriculum concepts to real-world experiences for students.
- Contributed significantly to improved classroom organization by maintaining clean spaces and proper storage of resources for easy access during lessons.
- Played an integral role in the successful implementation of school-wide initiatives such as literacy programs and positive behavior support systems.
- Supervised lunchtime duties effectively, promoting positive social interactions among students during meal times.
Elementary School Teacher's Assistant
Burnaby School District (No. 41)
Burnaby, BC
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing various teaching methods and strategies tailored to individual learning styles.
- Supported the development of social skills in students through cooperative learning activities and peer interactions.
- Ensured student safety during school hours by supervising recess, lunchtime, and dismissal procedures.
- Increased parent involvement in their children''s education through regular communication, conferences, and volunteer opportunities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within elementary education settings.
Student Teacher
Coquitlam School District (No. 43)
Coquitlam, BC
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Student teacher work during my Simon Fraser University PDP experience, teaching Socials 11, Comparative Cultures 12, and Physical Geography 12 at a District 43 school (Coquitlam) as part of my mini teaching experience prior to certification practicum.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioural and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement.
Student Teacher
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
Sambhota, India
09.2021 - 11.2021
- Working as a student teacher during my Simon Fraser University PDP experience, that took place virtually due to COVID-19 – teaching social studies.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement through virtual learning
Education Programmes Intern
Africa Centre Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Working at the Africa Centre Hong Kong, as an education programmes worker, where I am involved in coordination and admin activities at the Africa Centre's educational programmes such as the African Literature Book Club, school programmes and cultural sharing, be involved in content creation and curation in the educational programmes and also liaise and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders and other ad hoc tasks
- Working on a collaboration project with two other organizations on researching ‘The experience of African descent children in the Hong Kong Government schools’ on their experience and what the center is able to do to provide help.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts during events
Research and Writing Assistant
Stop Trafficking of People – STOP
HK, Hong Kong
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Worked with other volunteers on updating information for their new website that will be launched within the summer by researching, writing and publishing articles in English on human trafficking for STOP - Stop Trafficking of People, an initiative under the Branches of Hope NGO that works to end human trafficking.
- Researched and wrote original content for case studies, emails and newsletters.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Academic Tutor
Be The Change
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
07.2020 - 11.2020
- Tutoring subject: Liberal Studies and English
- Helped students prepare for tests and exams by providing guidance, motivation and encouragement.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence and build important learning skills.
- Taught students remotely using online video chat platform and other delivery channels.
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Subtle TVB Traits
Global and Online
07.2020 - Current
- Serve as the primary liaison with Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), managing relationships with both the Hong Kong marketing team (TVBI) and the North American division.
- Develop and execute targeted social media content campaigns across Facebook and Instagram, increasing brand visibility and fostering a dedicated online community.
- Analyze social conversations and engagement data to inform content strategy, identifying key opportunities for audience growth and interaction.
- Manage all day-to-day community interactions, building positive relationships through consistent and authentic engagement.
- Improved team collaboration with introduction of effective project management tools.
Photographer
Kiangsu Chekiang College International Section (KCCIS)
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
09.2010 - 05.2016
- Used both video and still shot cameras to capture school events, daily school life, external competitive sporting events, etc
- Recorded video footage as well as photographs for the school's annual talent show
- Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
- Edited, toned, captioned and uploaded photographs for publication.
- Archived photographs on computers and servers.
Camp Counsellor
YMCA
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
05.2013 - 02.2016
- Taught campers various skills, including how to cook, make arts and crafts, ice skate, etc
- Ensured activities and field trips ran smoothly and in accordance with YMCA rules and regulations.
- Developed age-appropriate arts and crafts activities to encourage campers' artistic skills development and creative expression.
- Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
- Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill and developmental levels.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Withdrew
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC 09.2021 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Arts - History And Sociology
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC 09.2016 - 06.2021
Trinity CertTESOL (Level 5 RQF) - Teaching English
English For Asia
Hong Kong 09.2024 - 09.2024
Skills
Natural leaderPeople-orientedOrganizedResponsible and accountableSkilled in PhotographyReliabilityAbility to teach and mentorTask delegation
Lesson Planning
Individualized support
Student-centered learning
Relationship building and management
Adaptable to students learning
Motivating students
Interests
Volunteering
Cooking
Football (Soccer)
Certification
TESOL Certified
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Chinese (Cantonese)
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
English NET Teacher
Reader Ship Literacy School
12.2024 - 02.2025
TESOL Certified
09-2024
Trinity CertTESOL (Level 5 RQF) - Teaching English
English For Asia
09.2024 - 09.2024
1st Grade Teacher Assistant
Richmond School District (No. 38)
09.2023 - 06.2024
Elementary School Teacher's Assistant
Burnaby School District (No. 41)
09.2022 - 03.2023
Student Teacher
Coquitlam School District (No. 43)
01.2022 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Education - Withdrew
Simon Fraser University
09.2021 - 01.2024
Student Teacher
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
09.2021 - 11.2021
Education Programmes Intern
Africa Centre Hong Kong
05.2021 - 08.2021
Photographer and English Tutor
Melanie Ngai Photography and Tutoring Services
07.2020 - Current
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Subtle TVB Traits
07.2020 - Current
Academic Tutor
Be The Change
07.2020 - 11.2020
Research and Writing Assistant
Stop Trafficking of People – STOP
05.2020 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - History And Sociology
Thompson Rivers University
09.2016 - 06.2021
Camp Counsellor
YMCA
05.2013 - 02.2016
Photographer
Kiangsu Chekiang College International Section (KCCIS)
09.2010 - 05.2016