Sofia-Dimitra Papakosta

Al Bilad Compound
Al Khobar, Eastern Province
Saudi Arabia

Mobile: +966 53 703 1276

Email: mimikapapakosta@yahoo.co.uk
Skype: mimikapapakosta

Permanent address: 15, The Rowans, London, N13 5AD, UK

Date of birth: 21.3.1971.

Profile:
Professional Approach
An experienced Durham University EFL postgraduate demonstrating high performance in
both academic studies and as an instructor in the classroom. Received Outstanding in
both Prince Mohammad University Student Evaluations and Peer Review Observations.
Passionate about student achievement and preparing young minds for further education/ life
by exploiting and furthering their potential. Enthusiastic and dedicated to student
development while understanding the needs of the Arab student. A great believer in teacher
collaboration to achieve desired results. Highly motivated to succeed having run my own
EFL School for over fifteen years with comprehensive experience in preparing students for
IELTS and student life abroad. Coordinated and taught free evening classes for
underprivileged youths and immigrants, thus demonstrating my enthusiasm and passion for
teaching and learning. Culturally adaptable having lived in Greece, the U.S.A., the U.K., and
Saudi Arabia.
Teaching Philosophy
My classroom is a technology-friendly environment that promotes academic achievement,
and respect for students, their cultures, and traditions. Expose students to various stimuli
(team projects, literature, current affairs), and adopt flexible strategies in order to
accomplish multiple objectives. Exploit a collaborative approach to stretch the capabilities
of students edging them towards becoming simultaneously team players and autonomous
learners through developing language and critical thinking skills whilst gaining important
intercultural knowledge. Effective student learning has been achieved by providing
continuous feedback on student progress through assignments, tests, presentations and oneto-one sessions.
Launched and coordinated a Guest Speaker Scheme with native English speakers presenting
on various topics (from Photography to Law) to further stimulate, encourage students to talk
and research various subjects, thus enhancing their critical thinking skills and intellectual
capacity to adapt to challenges.
Organised and coordinated award ceremonies, school parties and field trips to reward the
high-flyers and motivate the under-achievers.

Work Experience:
2013

TESOL Instructor at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University

Effectively employed technology in the learning environment through the
use of Blackboard, Smart Boards and digital technologies.
Monitored student development, whilst collaborating with other instructors,
maximizing student motivation and progress.
Kept up-to-date with personal professional development by attending
ESL and IT seminars and workshops held by PMU and KSAALT (TESOL
Saudi Arabia).

1996-2012

Owner, Director, Teacher of S. D. Papakosta English Language Centre

Experienced in developing all aspects of course curriculum to accommodate

multifarious international exam bodies.
Dealing with parents and students sharpened my creative approach to
problem solving and helped me build trusting relationships.
Excellent presentation and communication skills honed by twenty years of
experience in EFL/ ESL teaching of Cambridge Proficiency, Pearson
Proficiency and IELTS.

1994-1996

EFL Teacher at Nikolaki English Language School

Taught English grammar to adults from Beginner to First Certificate Level
(A1-B2).

1992-1994

EFL Teacher at ELS Language School

Taught Reading Comprehension Skills and TOEIC to adult students.

Education:
2011-2012

University of Durham, UK

MA in English Studies (Merit)

1988-1992

University of West Texas A&M, USA BA in English (GPA 3.25/ 2:1)

1988

Amarillo College, USA

1987-1988

Friona High School, Texas, USA (Hons and 90 and above)

1983-1987

Koboti High School, Greece (18.5/20 - A)

Foundation course (GPA 4.0/ 1:1)

Awards and Positions of Responsibility:

2011-2012

Pearson Education Ltd Award for the promotion and high success rate
(80- 90%) in the Pearson exams (B1, B2, C1, C2).

2008

Awarded the Successful Businesswoman Prize from EOMMEX (the

Greek Ministry of Industry) for owning and successfully directing my
own school for over ten years.
5,000 euro grant included.

1989-1992

Womens Pilot Club Academic Scholarship Winner.

Awarded by the Womens Pilot Club in Amarillo, TX, U.S.A. for academic
excellence and for promoting cultural awareness in the West Texas region.

1988-1989

Vice President of International Students in West Texas A&M University

Planned and coordinated international student body events as part of the
universitys International Forum.

Skills & Interests:

______

Sport: Rowing (Grey College, Durham University); Sailing; Long distance

running; Cycling.
Travelling: Learning about different cultures; meeting new people.
Art: Modern art museums and art history; Photography; [2012: Winner of
Durham Universitys The Bubble Photography Competition].
Languages: Greek (Native Speaker), English (Native Proficiency), Spanish
(Beginner). Learning Arabic.
Volunteering: Translator/ Education Officer at the Archaeological Museum of
Arta, Greece.
Taught English to underprivileged children and adult immigrants in Greece.
Launched and organized Adopt a Beach for a Day, a community litter-recycling
scheme.

References available on request

PMU Student Evaluation and PMU Peer Observation Reports available on request