David ****

Personal statement

Dear Hiring Manager,

Subject: Application for Full/Part-Time Lecturer Role in Computing, Esports, or Gaming (2025)

I am excited to apply for a Full/part-time Lecturer position in Computing, Esports, or Gaming. With extensive experience in teaching and curriculum development, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your institution.

Currently, I am a Researcher at London South Bank University, conducting research since 2023 while pursuing my Professional Doctorate in Education. Previously, I served as a Computing Lecturer at Arden University. I am now seeking a teaching or lecturing role within Further Education (FE) or at the university level, particularly in BTEC Computing, Esports, and Gaming, or as a lecturer for Foundation Year BSc/BA courses in these disciplines. My long-term goal is to transition into a full-time, permanent academic position.

Key Highlights of My Experience
Curriculum Development & Teaching Excellence: Experienced in delivering industry-aligned curricula, including Cambridge IGCSE & A-Level Computer Science, IB Computer Science, and UK Key Stage curricula, with a focus on esports-integrated education.
Global Teaching Experience: Having taught in China, Vietnam, Japan, and the UK, I bring a diverse, inclusive, and globally informed approach to teaching.
Leadership & Educational Innovation: Contributed to Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) curriculum development and supported Japan’s GIGA School Program to enhance technological literacy.
I am particularly passionate about integrating gaming and esports into education, ensuring students develop technical expertise alongside critical industry skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. My EdD research focuses on addressing systemic exclusion in STEM education, reinforcing my commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your department’s vision for Computing, Esports, and Gaming education. Please feel free to contact me at Teacherdavidbp@gmail.com to arrange a conversation.

Best regards,
David Poku
Email: Teacherdavidbp@gmail.com
Website: https://davidpoku.co.uk/index.htm

Mr. David Poku
ICT & Computer Science Teacher
Email: Teacherdavidbp@gmail.com | Nationality: British
Websites: http://davidpoku.co.uk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Experienced Computer Science educator passionate about fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. Committed to equipping learners with the essential technical and analytical abilities needed to thrive in the 21st century. Skilled in designing engaging, interactive lesson plans, maintaining a well-organized and safe lab environment, and guiding students through specialized projects. I specialize in bridging the gap between theory and practice, helping students apply computational concepts to real-world scenarios while emphasizing digital literacy and responsible internet use.

KEY SKILLS
Instructing, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Learning Strategies, Active Learning, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Writing, Time Management, Programming, Monitoring, Technology Design, Coordination, Troubleshooting, Judgment, and Decision Making.

EDUCATIONAL & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
M.Ed/EdD Education
London South Bank University (Part-time)
Oct 2022 – Ongoing
Teacher Preparation Certificate Program
Teacher Certification, Moreland University
Jan 2022 – Nov 2022
MA Postgraduate Education (Technology Enhanced Learning)
Leeds University
Sep 2017 – Jun 2019
BSc (Hons) Web Design & Development (Computer Science)
University of Hull
Sep 2010 – Jun 2014
TEFL Certification
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate, Bridge
Oct 2009 – Dec 2009
 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PhD/EdD Researcher Student

London South Bank Univerity
Feb 2023 – Present

Literature Review & Analysis – Regularly reading academic papers, books, and journals to stay updated on relevant research.
Data Collection & Experimentation – Conducting surveys, experiments, or simulations based on the research topic.
Documentation & Note-taking – Keeping detailed records of findings, methodologies, and progress.
Meetings with Supervisor – Discussing progress, receiving feedback, and setting new research goals.
Writing & Drafting – Preparing research papers, reports, and thesis chapters.
Collaboration & Networking – Engaging with fellow researchers, attending conferences, and participating in academic discussions.
Coding & Analysis (if applicable) – Running statistical analyses, programming, or working with software tools for data interpretation.
Administrative Tasks – Managing research grants, submitting ethical review applications, and organizing research materials.
Teaching & Mentoring – Assisting in tutorials, supervising junior students, or grading assignments.
Self-Development – Attending workshops, courses, or training sessions to enhance research skills.Spearheading advanced programming labs using Raspberry Pi and Python, guiding students through complex project development and real-world applications.
Delivering comprehensive courses on AI fundamentals, focusing on prompt engineering, ethical considerations, and emerging AI technologies, positioning students at the forefront of industry trends.
Leading the redesign of academic content, creating high-impact teacher training manuals, and incorporating cutting-edge learning resources that improve student outcomes.
Innovating course curricula by embedding new technologies such as AI, AR, and VR to enhance the learning experience, increase student engagement, and ensure the relevance of instruction to the future of technology.
Computer Teacher (Part-time)
International Stem Academy
2023 – Present

Providing hands-on instruction across a variety of computing disciplines, including AR, VR, AI, and IT security, equipping students with skills highly sought after in today’s tech-driven job market.
Leading module development and creating authentic assessments aligned with real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.
Consistently reviewing and updating learning materials to ensure alignment with technological advancements and employer expectations.
 

Computing Lecturer
Arden University
2022 – 2023

Delivered undergraduate computing courses across key areas such as programming, data analysis, and cloud infrastructure, ensuring a high level of academic rigor and student engagement.
Led the development of innovative assessments tailored to employer requirements, driving the employability and industry relevance of student skills.
Collaborated on program development and refresh initiatives, ensuring that course offerings remained aligned with the rapidly evolving technology landscape and industry trends.
Cambridge A Level Computing Teacher / IB Computing Support Teacher (Part-time)
Online Cambridge School / International Well-Rounded School
Sep 2022 – 2023

Developed and delivered high-impact lessons aligned with the Cambridge and IB curriculums, ensuring excellence in student academic achievement and skills development.
Led staff training sessions, focusing on professional development, safeguarding practices, and improving the quality of educational delivery across the department.
Maintained meticulous student progress records, enabling data-driven insights to enhance student performance and engagement.
Lead Educator (Part-time)
DP-EDTECH/iPod
2019 – 2022

Led the instruction of key-stage computing and science courses using innovative educational tools such as Scratch, Python, AI, and Web Programming, fostering critical thinking and creativity among students.
Pioneered the integration of new teaching technologies, developing innovative pedagogical strategies that significantly enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes.
Collaborated with stakeholders to design, develop, and implement forward-thinking curriculums that reflect the latest developments in the field of technology education.
 

Cambridge ICT/Computer Science Teacher IGCSE
International Vinschool
Sep 2019 – Oct 2022

Delivered the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus to primary, middle, and high school students, helping students achieve academic excellence through differentiated teaching techniques.
Developed and taught specialized modules in multimedia, databases, programming, and networks, ensuring that students acquired a robust understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of computing.
Championed the use of interactive learning tools, creating a dynamic and engaging classroom environment that encouraged student participation and achievement.
STEM Teacher
Shanghai HD Bilingual School / Athena Academy
2016 – 2018

Delivered STEM-oriented instruction through Project-Based Learning (PBL), developing students’ abilities to approach real-world problems with creativity and critical thinking.
Promoted a collaborative classroom environment, maintaining discipline and encouraging positive student behavior to maximize learning outcomes.
Enhanced learning through technology integration, implementing a variety of digital tools and resources to enrich the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
2016-2016 Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology

One term

Computing Lecturer language

Curriculum Developer/Trainer
Kings Education
2015 – 2016

Designed and implemented a holistic curriculum that met the needs of diverse learners, aligning with international standards and best practices in education.
Developed and integrated online learning platforms to complement in-class instruction, facilitating a blended learning approach that improved student engagement and retention.
Provided training and support to teachers, ensuring consistent and high-quality delivery of the curriculum across the institution.

Teaching Statement – Mr. David Poku
As an experienced and certified STEM educator with over a decade of teaching across primary, secondary, and higher education, I have gained deep insight into the unique learning processes and developmental needs of students at every stage. My teaching philosophy is rooted in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—essential skills for success in both academic and professional settings.

In my courses, I guide students in evaluating evidence, developing logical arguments, and effectively communicating their ideas in both written and verbal formats. I emphasize the importance of applying core principles to novel, real-world contexts, encouraging innovation and adaptability. For graduate students, I focus on equipping them with specialized expertise and industry-relevant skills that drive their professional growth.

Core Pillars of My Teaching Approach
Emphasis on Technological Research – I encourage students to stay engaged with emerging advancements in computing, AI, esports, and gaming, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their fields.
Development of Communication & Writing Skills – Clear and persuasive communication is vital in every profession. I help students refine their writing, enabling them to articulate complex ideas effectively.
Fostering a Passion for Scientific Inquiry – I inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery, motivating students to explore new technologies and innovative problem-solving approaches.
My passion for technology profoundly influences my teaching methodology. I actively integrate emerging technologies—such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, robotics, web development, AI, and multimedia—into my lessons, providing hands-on experiences that bridge theory and practice. These tools not only enhance engagement but also equip students with the digital literacy and technical skills essential for thriving in an evolving technological landscape.

By merging cutting-edge technology with strong pedagogical strategies, I create an interactive and dynamic learning environment where students develop confidence, creativity, and a future-ready mindset. My extensive experience across different educational levels allows me to tailor my approach to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring that each student is empowered to excel and adapt to the demands of an increasingly digital world.