Ben Melmoth

Hello,

I am Benjamin John Melmoth. I possess a progressive philosophy, employ a student-centered approach, and bring valuable experience in diverse educational avenues. After a year away teaching to work on my Masters, I am excited to begin my job search with my new valuable experience and a fresh perspective on music education. I am excited to put into practice the theories and concepts I have recently been engaging with. My teaching includes global competence, education for sustainable development, and implementing advanced behavior management skills in the music classroom.

My pedagogical approach is rooted in the International Baccalaureate framework, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, deep conceptual understanding, and addressing real-world issues of significance. I am committed to fostering natural curiosity, kindness, intrinsic motivation, and a lifelong love of learning among my students.

My unique perspective on education sets me apart, shaped by my extensive background in the music industry in the UK and Europe. With over 20 years of firsthand experience as a musician, I can seamlessly incorporate innovative and engaging musical elements into my teaching practices. The classroom management skills I have acquired as a music teacher have also proven effective in other subject areas. I play trumpet, piano, guitar, ukulele, and drums, in that order of proficiency. I believe students should be facilitated to engage with musical concepts through whatever means they choose. This contributes to maintaining intrinsic motivation and students' excitement to learn new musical skills.

Raffles American School, Bangkok, Thailand

2019-2021

• Grade 4-8 Music teacher - Developed department policy and curriculum, organized school concerts, developed a school rock band, regularly performing for parents, students, and staff, WASC accreditation team member
• Head of Languages - overseeing ELL, Thai, and Chinese departments, holding weekly team meetings, reporting to Leadership, curriculum, and policy development
• Grade 6 Homeroom - English Language Arts (Common Core standards) based around the Expeditionary Learning curriculum, online learning
• Grade 6-8 English Language Arts teacher - pioneered unique IB PYP-style learning activities during online learning
• Grade 3-8 ELL teacher - push-in/pull-out lessons, school-wide policy development, WIDA testing coordinator (AERO standards)

Beijing International Bilingual Academy, Guiyang, Guizhou, China

2018-2019

• Grade 4 & 5 PYP Homeroom Teacher - part of the founding teaching team; developed the WIDA testing program; awarded an Outstanding Teacher Award in 2018

New Sathorn International School, Bangkok, Thailand

2017-2018

• Grade 5 IB PYP Homeroom Teacher - organized PYP Exhibition; worked closely with PYP coordinator to grow the PYP program

Bangkok Christian College, Bangkok, Thailand

2016-2017

• Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher - Cambridge curriculum; taught ELA, math, science, social studies, and health

Chonradsadornumrung School, Chonburi City, Thailand

2015-2016

• Matthayom 1-5 English Teacher - taught Cambridge secondary standards and high-school IELTS; prepared students for local and national public speaking competitions; ran activities for off-site English camps

St John’s School and College, Seaford, East Sussex, UK

2012-2014

• Year 7-12 Teacher - taught diverse students with a range of autistic spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral conditions, and other learning difficulties; developed the music program; managed departmental budgets

Instrumental Music Tutor, Sussex Academy of Music, Shoreham-by-Sea, UK

2007-20114

• Taught trumpet, piano, and guitar to a variety of students aged 7-70

I am presently completing an M.Ed in Advanced Teaching Practices with the University of the People. This course has enabled me to keep up with the latest pedagogic theories whilst honing my teaching philosophy considerably more profoundly.

I have successfully completed courses in the following areas:

• Education in Context: History, Philosophy, and Sociology
• Creating Positive Classroom Environments
• Curriculum Design and Instructional Decision Making
• Learning Theory and Implications for Instruction
• Instructional Techniques for the Elementary and Middle School Classroom
• Instructional Techniques for the Secondary School Classroom
• Advanced Practices for Teaching Literature and Writing at the Secondary Level
• Living and Learning Globally
• Understanding Barriers to Learning 
• This additional qualification will allow me to provide more focused learning experiences while equipping me with a wealth of new knowledge, skills, and understanding of how to be a more effective educator.

Other relevant studies include:

Cat. 1 & 2 IB PYP Certification (2018)

PGCE in Secondary Music (QTS), Open University, UK (2012)

B.A (Hons) in Music Performance, University of Brighton, UK (2005)