Welcome to my personal website
Craig S.J. Conlon
You can explore my CV, which highlights my career, education, and skills. Please feel free to contact me for any educational opportunities or inquiries.
English Language and Literature
Teacher
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IB DP
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AP
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IGCSE
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COMMON CORE
Personal Profile
MY BACKGROUND
Where Am I Now?​
With over 14 years of teaching experience, I currently work at the International School Frankfurt, Germany, teaching courses like AP Seminar, IB English Language and Literature HL, IB Literature HL/SL, IGCSE English, and Music Production. After earning my PGCE and Master’s in Education, I applied my expertise in curriculum development to enhance teaching practices, particularly in creating effective learning frameworks. Previously, I served as Head of English Curriculum at Kang Chiao International School in Taiwan, co-leading a department of 38 teachers. My focus is on delivering high-quality instruction across multiple curricula while continuing to innovate within the international school system.
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Extracurricular Contributions
At the International School Frankfurt, I completed IGCSE and IB Language and Literature training and currently serve as the U14 and Varsity football coach, competing in international tournaments across Germany. During my time at Kang Chiao, I developed a new English curriculum aligned with NWEA MAP and California Common Core Standards as part of my Master’s thesis.
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Current Teaching & Experience
I created the AP Seminar programme at the International School Frankfurt and developed the IB Language and Literature and IB Literature HL/SL curricula. I also teach IGCSE First Language and Literature to Grades 9-10 and Music Production to Grades 5-9.
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Early Career
I began teaching in South Korea, where I spent eight years in private and elementary schools before moving to Taiwan. There, I taught Grades 7-12 and became Head Teacher for a 38-person English department, gaining invaluable experience in team management, curriculum oversight, and leadership.
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Final Thoughts
Over the past 14 years, I have gained extensive expertise in IB, AP, IGCSE, and Common Core curricula, continually striving to deliver high-quality education and foster a positive learning environment. With considerable in-class experience teaching IB Language and Literature, IB Literature, IGCSE Literature, and IGCSE First Language, I hope to fine-tune and expand my expertise in the near future through Category 2 training for IB Language and Literature and IB Literature, as well as additional training for IGCSE Literature and IGCSE First Language. These opportunities will allow me to deepen my understanding of the latest developments in these curricula, ensuring that I continue to innovate and provide impactful instruction. I look forward to discussing my experience and future aspirations further.
Education
QUALIFICATIONS
2019 - 2022
The University of Sunderland | England
Master’s in Education (Merit)
2019 - 2020
The University of Sunderland | England
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
2006 - 2010
The University of Derby | England
Bachelor of Arts (Music Technology)
Experience
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Aug 2023 - present
International School Frankfurt | Germany
High School English Teacher (IB DP, AP, IGCSE)
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Designed, implemented and taught the curriculum for IB DP Language A Language & Literature HL & Language A Literature SL/HL
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Designed, implemented and taught the curricula for IGCSE First Language and Literature
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Designed and implemented the curriculum for AP Seminar
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CAS supervisor and homeroom teacher for Grades 11 and 12
Music Production Teacher
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Designed, implemented and taught music production for grades 5 to 9
Aug 2018 - 2023
Kang Chiao International School | Taiwan
Head of English Department – Curriculum
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Coordinate with WASC and Co-Curricular Coordinator, English Management Head Teacher, and Associate Head Teachers to prepare for the rollout of new textbooks
AP Seminar (Grade 12)
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Co-designed, implemented and taught the inaugural AP Seminar classes at KCIS
Grade 7 - 9 English Literature and Language Arts
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Designed, implemented and taught a curriculum that followed the latest WASC and California Common Core Standards
Associate Head of English Department
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Conducted observation of teachers, checked lesson plans, gradebook checks and coordinated with the English lead team
2016 - 2018
David’s English | Taiwan
EFL Teacher
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Taught high school students, enhancing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
2013 -2016
Wangji Elementary School | Korea
EFL Teacher
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Developed communication skills for elementary students in English as a foreign language.
Skills & Attributes
PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES
Communication
Organization
Google Platforms
Atlas Rubicon
Music First Classroom
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SoundTrap
ManageBac
Curriculum Development
Method & Extracurricular
Method
I am a teacher dedicated to creating a trusting, dynamic, and enjoyable atmosphere for students. Trust is a critical element of my teaching philosophy and is one of the foundations for academic success. Building trusting relationships has allowed me to enhance my students' curiosity, accountability and integrity. I have learnt that having trusting relationships with students and teachers leads to higher levels of accomplishment.
Extracurricular
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U14s Football Coach
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Varsity Football Coach
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Touch Rugby Coach
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TED-Ed Programme
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Music Production