Michael G. Hines

I am an American with a diverse professional background.  I grew up in Virginia but had lived in Los Angeles for many years.  Regardless, most of my adult life was spent in Washington, DC which I consider my home town.

I moved to Thailand in 2003 to begin a new career as an educator.   I enjoy teaching immensely.   Though challenging, the rewards of teaching make up for what some consider a tough career.

My hobbies are web design and technology.  I am fascinated by the productive possibilities of technology.  Additionally, I am an avid reader.  I find it difficult to end the day without a good book to read.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & EDUCATION MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL

Emphasis in Sales, Marketing, Training, Relationship Building & General Management

Versatile professional, well qualified for leadership positions where business savvy, international experience, problem-solving, sales, and business development strengths will be of value. Proven ability to produce and succeed in fast-paced and challenging start-up, turnaround, and growth environments. Highly motivated, confident, energetic, and results-focused. Excellent cross-functional qualifications, to include:

• Sales & Marketing
• General Management
• Strategic Partnerships/Ventures
• Cross-Cultural Communications

• Team Building and Leadership
• P&L Management / Budgeting
• Administrative Management
• Policies & Procedures Design

• Educational Program Development
• Academic/Curriculum Development
• Teaching & Training
• Staff Recruitment/Development

"Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."  Oscar Wilde

“Rewards and punishment is the lowest form of education.”  Chuang Tzu

Life is an ongoing lesson with opportunities and choices to continually develop.  I provide opportunities to students through a positive learning environment that is intellectually inclusive.  My classroom provides elements that work together to provide a place for students to grow, both emotionally and intellectually.  In addition, I help them learn to harness their interests and inherent curiosity for personal growth.  Providing students with a positive learning environment and the personal skills for self-improvement will ensure students develop into life-long learners.

The learning environment is an essential part of learning as a whole because it influences student development. As such, my learning environment is designed to motivate my students and ensure that it is inclusive and engaging. Additionally, the environment must provide a safe and positive space for learning. It is also inherent in me to recognize that my early educational experience involved secular perennialism and essentialism as guiding educational philosophies which are not as relevant today.  As such, I ensure my teaching is guided by a more modern progressivism philosophy to ensure the students are well-served as individuals.  I focus on each student as an individual with specific learning styles and needs.  Also, I welcome students to express their opinions and take an active role in their learning. The best learning takes place when students feel a connection to what they are learning and how it applies to their lives and the world around them.  The learning environment must be a motivating and stimulating environment that allows for all to participate and grow.

Education is a key agent of socialization in a young person’s life. Providing positive socialization will ensure students develop personal habits that will contribute to their growth.  I should be a positive role model for students in all aspects of life.  As such, I endeavor to provide a positive personal role model for students both inside and outside the classroom.  In addition, I believe this goes beyond the norms for the teacher such as academic integrity, exhibiting healthy choices, and honorable actions to follow my words.  I provide positive examples of personal choices that can have a lasting impact on personal life-long development. For example, I encourage students to read because it is my belief that reading is one of the single greatest personal tools for promoting intellectual development and curiosity. As such, I share with the students my interest in reading by talking about books I loved in my youth and enjoy today.  Also, I learn what a student’s interests are so I can provide ideas and suggestions for reading they may find personally enjoyable. Teachers should always provide positive examples for students to emulate while respecting individuality.

Learning is a lifelong process with continuing opportunities for growth and learning.  As an educator, it is my responsibility to ensure students are provided the occasion to explore and grow intellectually and emotionally.  In addition, they should be provided with the tools to ensure self-guided improvement outside the classroom.  Fostering their growth and personal skills will provide me with the satisfaction that I have helped to prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter throughout the lives.

If you have any questions or would simply like to ask for advice or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.