Joan McDermott
Director of Academic Affairs
New Ross
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in academic research and curriculum development at GoMappED. Proven track record in advancing evidence-based practices and mentoring diverse teams. Skilled in cross-cultural communication and proficient in multiple languages, I excel in delivering impactful educational outcomes and fostering collaboration in international settings.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Academic Research
GoMappED
Dublin
01.2025 - Current
- Lead academic research strategy and initiatives to advance evidence-based educational practices.
- Oversee research teams and collaborations, ensuring rigorous methodology and impactful outcomes.
- Develop and disseminate research findings to inform curriculum innovation and organizational growth.
CEO / Instructional Designer, Teacher & Researcher
English for Success
New Ross
12.2022 - Current
- Design and deliver instruction incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
- Conduct academic research and provide lessons in English, Irish, French, Chinese, and history (including Irish state exams).
- Prepare students for IELTS, TOEFL, and OET exams; specialize in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
- Offer academic editing and full educational consultancy for families relocating to Ireland.
- Led international online teaching team.
- Researched and implemented up-to-date pedagogical methods for online education, focusing on Chinese students’ needs.
- Developed curriculum for K-12, IELTS, and General English.
- Taught IELTS and General English online.
Director of Academic Affairs
GoMappED
Dublin
08.2019 - 11.2022
- Taught IELTS preparation and English for Academic Purposes to high school students.
- Delivered teacher training workshops.
- Promoted University of Limerick programs at SDUT.
- Enrolled and mentored prospective students for study in Ireland.
- Taught IELTS and provided academic mentoring.
- Assisted in managing the international office and oversaw foreign language teaching teams.
- Taught EAP and presentation skills to postgraduate students.
International Programs Manager & IELTS Teacher
University of Limerick at Shandong University of Technology
Zibo
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Assisted in managing the international office and oversaw foreign language teaching teams.
- Taught EAP and presentation skills to postgraduate students.
- Taught IELTS and provided academic mentoring to students going abroad to study.
Assistant Deputy Director & Head of Foreign Teachers
Shandong University of Technology
Zibo
09.2013 - 03.2018
- Oversaw international team of English as a Foreign Language teachers.
- Taught general oral English to postgraduate and undergraduate students.
Foreign Expert
Shandong University of Technology
Zibo
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Taught general oral English to undergraduate students in the School of Business.
Commercial Sound Recordings Officer
Irish Traditional Music Archive
Dublin
12.1998 - 08.2012
- Managed commercial and field sound recordings.
- Provided research, editorial, and lecturing support in English and Irish.
Education
Master of Arts - Leadership in Education
University of Roehampton
London01.2019
CELT - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Centre for English Studies
Dublin01.2017
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL Courses Ireland
Dublin01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Languages
Trinity College
Dublin01.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Teacher Training
Carysfort College
Blackrock, Co. DublinSkills
- Academic research and editing
- Presentation skills
- Leadership
- Language proficiency: French, Irish, Mandarin
- Microsoft Office suite
- Life coaching
- Curriculum development
- Mentoring
- Team leadership
- Cross-cultural communication
- Networking
- Public speaking
- Verbal and written communication
- Collaboration
Awards
- Shandong Ambassador of Friendship Award, 2017, Shandong Provincial Government
- Zibo Friendship Award, 2015, Zibo Municipal Government
- Excellence in Teaching Award, 2013
- Special Prize for Excellent Thesis on Teaching English as a Foreign Language, 2014, Shandong Provincial Education Department
- Lifetime Achievement Award, 2009, Tommy Makem Committee, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Publications & Lectures
Books & Articles
- The Moment and the Day (2014) - Interviewer for Ann Lane's book of historical photograph
- The Companion to Irish Traditional Music, Volume 2 (2011) - Author and contributor of articles
- 120 Irish Traditional Tunes – Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, and Slow Airs (2010) - editor/proofreader
- The Irish Music Manuscripts of Edward Bunting (1773-1843): An Introduction and Catalogue (2000) - Editorial assistant and proofreader
- Tunes of the Munster Pipers Vol 2 (2013) - Editorial assistant and proofreader
- The Journal of Music of Ireland (2012) - Compilation of discography for publication on a bi-monthly basis for paper and online publication from 2004 - 2012
- Irish Folk Music Studies – Éigse Cheol Tíre Vols 5-6 (2001) - Compilation of discography for publication
- Prelude 2: Junior Certificate Music Book (1998) - Book by May Costello and published by Folens printed the article Saol on Aingil that I originally wrote for Comhar magazine was republished in May Costello's textbook for the Junior Certificate music examination
- Comhar (April 1997) - Author of Irish language article Saol on Aingil about touring with The Fallen Angels
Timeline
Director of Academic Research
GoMappED
01.2025 - Current
CEO / Instructional Designer, Teacher & Researcher
English for Success
12.2022 - Current
Director of Academic Affairs
GoMappED
08.2019 - 11.2022
International Programs Manager & IELTS Teacher
University of Limerick at Shandong University of Technology
09.2017 - 06.2018
Assistant Deputy Director & Head of Foreign Teachers
Shandong University of Technology
09.2013 - 03.2018
Foreign Expert
Shandong University of Technology
09.2012 - 06.2013
Commercial Sound Recordings Officer
Irish Traditional Music Archive
12.1998 - 08.2012
Master of Arts - Leadership in Education
University of Roehampton
CELT - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Centre for English Studies
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TEFL Courses Ireland
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Languages
Trinity College
Bachelor of Arts - Teacher Training
Carysfort College
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