Teacher of English as a Second Language to Adults

Professionally, I am a Teacher of English as a Second Language to Adults. I am committed and enthusiastic about helping people grow and improve their knowledge and skills in second language acquisition. I enjoy seeing learners reach their targets in education, enhance their employability and develop their overall confidence in communication.

Personally, I like spending time with my family, playing the guitar and singing, coding (web-development), doing voice-over and learning something new about some religions and cults. Besides that, I am keen on thought-provoking cinema, fine art, realistic (non-photoshopped) photography, honest and heart-warming music and, most especially, words... original and truthful quotes (see blog).

Professional summary

Maxim Achkasov (phon. /ˈmæksɪm ˈʌʧkæsəf/) is a bilingual non-native teacher of English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL* instructor) to Adults. He has two degrees (B.A., M.A.) from the University of Manchester. He has also earned the Certificate of Educational Studies in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages and is currently doing a Diploma in TESOL course with INTESOL W. Ltd (UK). He obtained the Diploma in the Methods of Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language, from Moscow M.V. Lomonosov State University (Russia). Besides that, he successfully passed three modules of the Teacher Knowledge Test and Business English Certificate: Higher (Cambridge ESOL Examinations). He has also completed the course of International Business English Training (Cert IBET) from Trinity College London (UK). In 2012, he received a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Counseling from the PTC Institute, Moscow. He is also a founder and moderator of one of the most popular websites among language schools in Ukraine, www.english4real.com. He is an author of various video classes for both ESL and RFL learners. He is also a teacher-trainer at INTESOL Ukraine and a member of TESL Canada & TESL Ontario.

Accomplishments

Throughout teaching career:

- delivered more than 14k hours of one-to-one and group classes;
- recorded and posted on YouTube more than 200 video lessons;
- created more than 1,2k original vocabulary tests for A2-C1 levels;
- received more than 100 positive reviews from clients;
- grew a FB to more than 10k and a YouTube channel to more than 7k of subscribers;
- developed an educational website with study materials that are used by more than 4k people on average every day for free;
- set up and effectively maintained Learning Management System (LMS), Schoology, for Language school academic purposes;
- developed and effective ‘attendance-and-payment’ report system for the Language school managerial purposes in Excel.

Work experience

Language Skills Instructor - YMCA
September 2023 - Now
Designs, implements and instructs English as a Second Language classes in a LINC/ESL program based on the PBLA (Portfolio Based Language Assessment) guidelines
Teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL instructor) to Adults - Language courses English4real - Kyiv, Ukraine
From April 2007 to June 2023
Planned, prepared and delivered lessons to students both online and in-person (including flex/hybrid classes); prepared classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, and handouts; prepared and set tests, examination papers, and exercises; marked and provided feedback on oral and written works; taught groups and one-to-one; did administration work - enrolling students, keeping attendance records, awarding certificates on completion of courses.
Business English teacher - Nikitova LLC - Kyiv, Ukraine
From August 2006 to April 2007
Planned, prepared and delivered lessons to students; prepared classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, and handouts; prepared and set tests, examination papers, and exercises; marked and provided feedback on oral and written works; taught groups and one-to-one.
Educational research analyst - Euro-Asian Accrediting Association (EAAA) - Odessa, Ukraine
From June 2005 to May 2006
Planned, prepared and conducted surveys; designed questionnaires; collected, categorized and analyzed data; took interviews; designed charts, graphs and tables; delivered final reports on "The Effectiveness of Theological Education in Ukraine", which was later published as a book.
Teacher of Systematic Theology, Apologetics, Ancient Hebrew - Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS) - Kyiv, Ukraine
From September 2002 to August 2005
Planned, prepared and delivered lessons to students; prepared classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, and handouts; prepared and set tests, examination papers, and exercises; marked and provided feedback on oral and written works; taught large and small groups.
English Second Language Teacher (internship) - Regents English Language Centre - Cheshire, UK
March 2002 to June 2002
Prepared and delivered lessons; marked and provided feedback on oral and written works; taught small groups.

Degrees

Master of Arts (M.A.) - The University of Manchester
From 03 June 2001 to 17 June 2005
The degree in the study of Pentecostal and Charismatic issues taught at Regents Theological College (Diploma issued - 28 October 2005; Awarded - 12 November 2005).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A. with honors) - The University of Manchester
From 01 September 1998 to 06 June 2001
The degree with Honours in Applied Theology being placed in the Second Class Division Two taught at Regents Theological College (Diploma issued - 27 June 2001; Awarded - 17 November 2001).

Certificate & Diploma programs

Diploma, Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor In progress
From September 2023 to June 2024
300-hour TESL Diploma program at Canadian College of Educators in Mississauga, ON (Theoretical Issues – 20 hours; Linguistics – 40 hours; Language Structure and Skills – 40 hours; TESL Methodology – 65 hours; Assessment – 20 hours; Teaching Skills – 65 hours; Practicum – 50 hours)
LearnIT2teach Certificates - Stages PS2, 1, 2, 3 Completed
From September 2023 to now
- Pre-Stage 2 - 2.5-hour professional development to prepare to deploy and to customize the LINC courseware (September 2023, Trainer: Jen Artan, LearnIT2teach, New Language Solutions);
- Stage 1 Introduction - 2.5-hour professional development workshop introducing computer-assisted language learning and blended learning (September 2023, Trainer: Jen Artan, LearnIT2teach, New Language Solutions);
- Stage 2 - 15-hour professional training prepares settlement language instructors working in a blended learning or fully online context to provide a range of online learning opportunities using LINC courseware (October 2023, Trainer: Jen Artan, LearnIT2teach, New Language Solutions);
- Stage 3 - 30-hour professional training facilitate the LINC courseware while developing more insight into online/blended learning, best practices in settlement language training and Moodle course editing and course management (January 2024, Trainer: Jen Artan, LearnIT2teach, New Language Solutions);
pdf
Pre-Stage 2
206kb
pdf
Stage 1
208kb
pdf
Stage 2
213kb
pdf
Stage 3
554kb
ACE TESOL Certificate Program Completed
From May to August 2023
120-hour ACE TESOL Certificate Program at Learning Languages Institute in London, ON (100 hours of classroom instruction and a 20-hour practicum).
Accessing the Business Job Market Completed
From June to July 2023
40-hour online Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT) course by Fanshawe College in London, ON.
Portfolio-based language assessment (PBLA) Certificate Completed
May 2023
20-hour online course of Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors (self-directed certificate course) from the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB).
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Certificate Completed
May 2023
10-hour online CLB Bootcamp certificate course from the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB).
Responsive Web Design Completed
From April 2021 to August 2021
300-hour course in Responsive Web Design by freeCodeCamp.org.
Becoming a Confident Trainer (ConfTrnr) Completed
From October 2016 to November 2016
Four-week course by Karen Turnbull and Petya Green with Open2Study, Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Early Childhood Education (EChldEdu) Completed
From September 2016 to October 2016
Four-week course by Caitlin O’Connell and Helen Lawrence Gowrie Victoria courses and instructors with Open2Study, Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Grammar for Teachers: Language Awareness Completed
September 2016
Short-term (16 hours) course by Cambridge English Teacher: Cambridge English Language Assessment (UK).
Education in a Changing World Completed
From November 2015 to December 2015
Four-week course by Open2Study from Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Teaching Adult Learners Completed
From September 2015 to November 2015
Four-week course by Open2Study from Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Counseling Completed
From September 2011 to March 2012
Institute of Positive Technologies and Consulting (IPTC), Moscow
Primary English Teacher Training Online (Primary ETTO) Completed
From November 2010 to February 2011
Course by British Council, Ukraine.
pdf
Primary ETTO
200kb
International Business English Training (Cert IBET) Completed
From October 2010 to April 2011
50-hour course by BESIG, Trinity College London, English UK and The Consultants-E (UK).
pdf
Cert IBET
340kb
Diploma in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language (TRFL) Completed
From June 2008 to December 2008
Moscow M.V. Lomonosov State University (Russia).
pdf
TRFL Diploma
0.4mb
INTESOL Certificate Completed
From July 2001 to January 2005
120-hour course by INTESOL WORLDWIDE LTD (UK).

Test scores

CELPIP test - 10
February 2024
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP); Listening: 10, Reading: 9, Writing: 11, Speaking: 11, Average: 10; Pathways Educational Services - Kitchener, Kitchener ON.
ILSAT test - 94
August 2023
Interpreter Language Skills Assessment Tool (ILSAT) test developed by the Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration and delivered by Across Cultures in London, ON.
pdf
ILSAT report
807kb
pdf
ILSAT
879kb
CILISAT test - 91.6 / 93.5
July 2023
Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tool (CILISAT) test by the Cultural Interpretation Services for Our Communities (CISOC) in London, ON.
pdf
CILISAT
1.57mb
CLBPT Assessment - CLB8
May 2023
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) Assessment Report - CLB8 (Listening - CLB8, Reading - CLB8, Writing - CLB8, Speaking - CLB8, max. score is 8 for each category) by London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (London CCLC).
pdf
CLBPT
92kb
EnglishScore - CEFR C1 599/600
July 2022
EnglishScore - CEFR C1 599/600 (Grammar 599, Vocabulary 597, Listening 599, Reading 599) by British Council.
pdf
EnglishScore
1.8mb
Duolingo English Test - CEFR C1 140/160
July 2022
Duolingo English Test - CEFR C1 140/160 (Literacy: read and write - 145; Comprehension: read and listen - 150; Conversation: listen and speak - 135; Production: write and speak - 120) by Duolingo.
EF SET - 82/100 C2 Proficient
September 2020
EF SET - 82/100 C2 Proficient (Listening Section - 80/100 C2 Proficient, Reading Section - 83/100 C2 Proficient) by EF Education First.
IELTS - 7.5
November 2011
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Listening 7.0, Reading 7.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 8.0, Overall Band Score 7.5; University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
pdf
IELTS
1.2mb
BEC Higher - C1
May 2009
Business English Certificate: Higher, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
TKT - Modules 1, 2, 3
June 2008
Teaching Knowledge Tests (TKT): University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
Module 1 - Language and background to language learning and teaching (Band 4);
Module 2 - Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching (Band 3);
Module 3 - Managing the teaching and learning process (Band 3).

Other studies

To see other certificates and diplomas, please, proceed to the education page.
Proceed

Professional skills

In terms of ESL teacher skills, Maxim Achkasov, has:

- strong personal and interpersonal skills;
- excellent listening and speaking communication skills;
- good writing skills;
- good time-management and organizational skills;
- knowledge of various teaching techniques and methodologies;
- good problem-solving skills;
- a wide range of experiences in the field of English as a Second Language.

He is also:

- highly motivated and reliable, patient and open-minded;
- good at establishing rapport, building and maintaining constructive relationship with students;
- able to facilitate interesting and engaging group discussions;
- able to make learners feel comfortable and focused in the classroom;
- able to determine effective ways to teach students with different learning styles and needs;
- good at public speaking;
- disciplined and works well in a collaborative environment with other teachers and administration;
- computer literate with some IT knowledge and experience (i.e. html, css, js); therefore, able to incorporate new educational technological solutions into the classroom environment;
- able to keep clear records;
- strategic thinker committed to progress of ESL learners;
- comfortable with electronic communication and social media;
- able to comply with institutional policies and procedures.

Projects

INTESOL Ukraine Franchise
From April 2022 to present
ESL teacher trainer and INTESOL Ukraine Franchise director.
Websites for Learners of Foreign Languages
From April 2007 to present
Moderation and supporting websites:
• www.english4real.com - for ESL learners;
• www.englishworksheets.net - for ESL learners;
• www.russian4real.com - for RSL learners.

Membership

TESL Canada & TESL Ontario
From April 2023 to April 2024

Testimonials

Students
Duman A. Lawyer
"Trust me it is a pleasure to work with Maxim! In my experience of learning the language I have met many teachers, including the native one. Though the most effective approach turned out to be that of Maxim – the approach to his students, the study materials and diversity. Attention to details, needs of the learners, preparation and delivering the classes in a friendly atmosphere are a hallmark of maksym. Maxim helped me in my preparation to enter the master’s degree. Maxim’s knowledge and experience of taking international language exams and interviews was a big advantage for in the preparation process. Different variations of questions and answers, appropriate and timely points, details, strategies, tests and a thorough analysis of the results became the key to my successful admission. In this there is a significant contribution from Maxim; that is what I am grateful to him for. I am sure that Maxim’s business will thrive and there will be more and more students!"
Read other testimonials
* ESL vs EFL - ESL is the traditional label used for English studied in an English-speaking country (e.g. UK, Australia, USA). EFL refers to those learning English as a foreign language within their own, typically non-English-speaking country.

Goals: As a teacher of adult ESL learners my goals are to provide students with a safe and engaging learning environment, to equip them with real-world language skills (i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking), and to help them achieve both academic and professional excellence and intercultural competence to their highest potential.

Vision: To be a resourceful and professional ESL teacher who is able to effectively prepare learners for work or study.

Dialogue: A not-intensive but disciplined, relaxed and yet thoughtful study, led through an engaged dialogue with thoughtful and regular feedback is a sure way to significant and solid progress in learning a foreign language.