Thomas Galvez

Updated December 2011

Inspiring IB Diploma and High School Social Studies Students in International Schools for 12 years

Coming from the sunny shores of San Diego, California, Thomas is a 12 year international school teaching vetern. High school social studies has been at the center of his work experience, but he has also worked as a technology learning coach in a dual role capacity the last four years. Thomas brings passion, energy, creativity, and a love for learning to his classroom and he brings a forward-thinking, collaborative, thoughtful, problem-solving personality to the school environment.

Recruiting for the following positions in Asian international schools. Available August 2012:

IB Psychology
IB Geography
IB ITGS
High School Social Studies
Technology Learning Coach

http://togalearning.com

Timeline

IB Psychology Teacher and Technology Integrator

Shekou International School
Aug 1, 2010 - Current
SHENZHEN, CHINA •Taught IB Psychology, AP Psychology, and Technology Skills for the 21st Century Learner •Assisted high school teachers with integrating technology into their lessons and units and provided tech-related professional development •Facilitated the Technology School Improvement Team •Co-directed the Model United Nations program and advised the Photography Club

High School Social Studies Teacher and ICT Facilitator

International School of Beijing
Aug 1, 2004 - Jun 30, 2010
BEIJING, CHINA •Taught IB ITGS, IB Psychology, IB Environmental Systems and Society, Asian Studies, Geography, and European History •Assisted high school teachers with integrating technology into their lessons and units and provided tech-related professional development •Advised the Model United Nations program and led MUN trips overseas

Upper School Humanities Teacher

Bavarian International School
Aug 1, 2002 - Jun 30, 2004
MUNICH, GERMANY •Taught IB ToK, IB and IGCSE Geography, and Middle School Humanities •Co-leader of the Humanities Department •Directed the Model United Nations program

High School Social Studies Teacher

Bahrain Bayan School
Aug 1, 2000 - Jun 30, 2002
MANAMA, BAHRAIN •Taught IB ITGS, IB Geography, Psychology, International Relations and World History •Directed the Model United Nations program

Apple Distinguished Educator

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Dec 3, 2008
Education pioneers who are using a variety of Apple products to transform teaching and learning. Advocate using new technology to help engage students in new ways — and share their expertise with other educators and policy makers.

Started Teaching Overseas

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Aug 1, 2000

Started Working in Education

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Sep 2, 1996
Worked as a Cross-Cultural Teaching Assistant for two years at Helix High School in La Mesa, California, USA.

Earned My Teaching Credential

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Mar 15, 2000
Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Professional Clear Single-Subject Credential in Social Science with a Supplementary Authorization in Computer Concepts and Applications. State of California, USA

Published My First Blog Post

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Sep 21, 2008
http://togalearning.com

Quote

“[Thomas] makes excellent use of technology for learning to enrich the experiences in his classroom. He understands not just the effectiveness of technology in terms of a delivery tool, but also the enhanced capacity for student collaboration, communication, exploration and inquiry. He recognizes the importance of delivering IB courses that don’t just ‘cover’ the content and tick the boxes. He provides students with an opportunity to explore in depth, and facilitates a variety of assessment, and teaching and learning techniques, which transform learning. In short, he knows that good teaching and learning is even more necessary in a rigorous, content rich program like IB, and has a passion for creating stimulating and effective learning opportunities for his students using twenty first century skills.”

Philippa Curtis

MS/HS Principal, Shekou International School
“Thomas is always pushing the boundaries for teaching with technology. He has an intense curiosity in searching for new tools to enhance his students’ learning experiences. This does not mean he uses technology because it is there, but rather in appropriate and imaginative ways. Thomas has always been willing to take on a new classroom challenge. He is flexible in his teaching assignments and is interested in curriculum development and design. His students work in a classroom where they are the center of learning, develop skills in group dynamics and research from a range of online resources. Thomas is forward thinking in his pedagogy.”

Rodney Fagg

(former) HS Principal, International School of Beijing
“While at BIS, Thomas was a fine teacher who was committed to meeting the needs of his students. One of his strengths was his versatility and his ability to work with students who range in age from 11-18. His knowledge in Geography was extensive; his students earned good IGCSE and IB results. Thomas’ work with his students was excellent; his lessons were well planned and had a clear sense of purpose. In short, Thomas was a very skilled and reflective practitioner who looked for ways to develop and improve his practice.”

Tom Pado

(former) Upper School Head at Bavarian International School