Matthew Ellis
Seoul
Summary
Results-driven Academic Consultant and Curriculum Developer with over two years of experience leading English language education initiatives for the Duolingo English Test (DET) and TOEFL. Designed and authored a three-volume proprietary DET textbook series—a 24-unit, 18-week program with instructor guides, PowerPoints, and asynchronous video lectures. Guided 50+ students to measurable gains—10–20 points on the DET and up to 20 points on the TOEFL within two months—through individualized coaching and strategic instruction. Managed a small instructional team to deliver multi-tiered curricula integrating classroom learning, online components, and data-driven tracking systems in Google Sheets and Excel. Developed complementary courses such as ENGL 1 (Academic Writing 101), ENGL 2 (Advanced Writing), and Debate & Presentation Skills to support transition to English-medium universities. Fluent in English and Korean, and grounded in Bloom’s Taxonomy, goal-based learning, and AI-enhanced study strategies that foster independence, analytical thinking, and long-term academic fluency.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Consultant / Team Lead
AAA UHAK Inc.
11.2023 - 11.2025
- Curriculum Leadership: Spearheaded development of proprietary Duolingo English Test (DET) and TOEFL curricula, including a three-volume DET textbook series (48 lessons) supported by instructor PowerPoints, visuals, and asynchronous video lectures.
- Team Management: Served as Team Lead for the education department, delegating tasks across content creation, video production, and instructional design. Collaborated closely with a small team to ensure consistency, innovation, and on-time delivery.
- Product Creation: Co-developed PowerPoint lecture decks, student workbooks, and digital course materials for hybrid and asynchronous programs, ensuring cohesive instructional design aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy and goal-based learning.
- Instruction & Coaching: Delivered both group and 1:1 instruction for DET and TOEFL, guiding over 50 students to measurable outcomes—10–20 point DET improvements and up to 20-point TOEFL increases within two months.
- Academic Consulting: Supported students in essay writing, Canvas navigation, and interview preparation (college and visa), fostering academic independence and self-directed learning in both English and Korean.
- Student Development: Trained students in critical reading, annotation, and academic writing to help them transition successfully to English-medium university coursework.
- Digital Education & Operations: Designed automated tracking systems in Google Sheets and Excel for attendance, progress, and performance metrics. Recorded online DET lectures, produced blog content on study strategy and academic writing, and contributed to internal evaluation and policy refinement.
- Admissions Instruction: Developed and refined college entrance and transfer essays; provided 1:1 speaking and interview preparation sessions emphasizing fluency, accuracy, and confident communication.
English Language Teacher
Chungdahm Learning Institute
05.2015 - 11.2023
- Developed and delivered engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards for students in elementary and middle school in English as a Second Language (ESL), tailoring methodology to students’ unique needs and requirements.
- Lead the development of curriculum on a wide variety of topics (including reading comprehension) to prepare students for high school and college entrance exams, as well as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- Instruct students on educational leadership to improve their overall English proficiency and independence.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies and educational technology to enhance language acquisition and retention.
- Track student progress along key benchmarks of success and individual goals, identifying opportunities for improvement through a data-driven approach.
- Employ a holistic approach, focusing on both curriculum development and classroom management to yield the highest student retention rate amongst faculty.
- Assessed student performance through regular feedback, fostering continuous improvement.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on effective instructional strategies and classroom management.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA01.2012
Skills
- Educational program design
- Critical Pedagogy
- Digital learning tools
- Learning strategy development
- Exam readiness for DET/TOEFL/TOEIC
- Formal academic composition
- Content writing and editing
- Communications
- Project coordination
Community Service & Volunteer Work
Gayang-dong Community Center, English Teacher, 2015-09, 2016-05, Assisted adult English learners explore Western themes and culture through the use of the English language, fielded questions about customs and applied new grammar and vocabulary during class discussions.
Languages
English, Korean (TOPIK 5)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Technical Proficiencies: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Windows, Google Workspace (Doc, Sheets, Slides)
- References available upon request
Timeline
Academic Consultant / Team Lead
AAA UHAK Inc.
11.2023 - 11.2025
English Language Teacher
Chungdahm Learning Institute
05.2015 - 11.2023
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English
Westfield State University