English Teacher
Resume:
MUHAMMAD MANSOUR SHEHAB
**** ******** **, **, ********** DC, DC 20015 • C: +1-917-***-**** • **************@*****.***
OBJECTIVE
Seeking to leverage my first-hand experience as a multicultural lecturer and mentor in several universities worldwide in an academic position within the field of English language, global media, international relations and playwriting in Saudi academic ecosystem.
Extracting real-life lessons from my rich experience spanning over the past 15 years as both a lecturer and a foreign correspondent in almost 20 countries including, the U.S., the U.K., China, India, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, and Jordan to train and inspire Arab students to identify their talents and develop skills including, team building, strategy building, time management, negotiation skills, conflict resolution, community service, time management, critical thinking, goal setting, etc.
Distilling my exposure to various cultures and reporting from frontlines of conflict zones into learning process to teach unreported seismic episodes in modern history.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dynamic life coach and multicultural lecturer with demonstrated capabilities in training and lecturing life skills, linguistics, media, playwrighting and international relations. Committed to quality education, creative and critical-thinking philosophy.
Taught graduate students at Charles University in Prague a course on education and media.
Gave presentations at Mumbai university about geopolitics in the Arab region.
Trained international students at the Fund for American Studies life skills and lessons extracted from Arab uprisings.
Attended worldwide seminars and conferences about education, media, Middle Eastern affairs, social media in Mumbai, London, Doha, Vienna, Berlin, Paris, Prague, London, and Washington D.C.
Reported intriguing articles from Egypt, Libya, Qatar, Syria, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the U.S., the UK, Germany, China, Afghanistan for international publications such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London, The Guardian, Czech-based Respekt, Japanese Sankei Shimbun, Egypt Independent, Daily News Egypt, and Cairo Times.
Prominent columnist for think tanks in Washington D.C., London, Cairo, Shanghai, and Beijing, including New York-based Foreign Affairs, London-based Middle East Eye, The Jamestown Foundation's Terrorism Monitor, Militant Leadership Monitor, the Washington Institute for Near East Policies, Z&M consulting firm and Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.
Contributed papers about high education for London-based al-Fanar media and Washington-based U.S.
News & World Report.
A bilingual and results-oriented educator with an experience of working well under pressure both individually and as part of a team. Exceptional presentation, interpersonal and communication skills. First-hand experience in teaching children from a diverse range of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Dedicated to creating an enjoyable, inviting and dynamic learning environment, utilizing traditional and technology-based innovative methods to motivate students to learn English language and understand English linguistics, culture, literature, and history.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts: English Linguistics, majored in Simultaneous Interpretation
Al Azhar University - Cairo Governorate, Egypt 2002
Studied extensively all types of translation and interpretation over a five-year program. Studies Islamic Shariaa and Islamic terminology and translation.
Translated the Orientalism by Edward Said as a dissertation.
"Consecutive Interpretation" Academic Achievement Award.
Led the Student Union for Languages and Translation college for five years.
Certificate of Achievement : Community Interpretation and Refugee Studies
The American University in Cairo - Cairo, Egypt 2005
Recipient of Community Interpretation Scholarship
Studied interpretation to culture-specific concepts and fostered my knowledge of refugee issues. Coursework includes: Speech and Communication, Sociology and Psychology
Leaders for Democracy Fellowship: Civil Society and Leadership
Syracuse - Syracuse, NY 2014
Awarded a scholarship to study leadership and political science at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Thesis: “US foreign policy in the Middle East in the aftermath of US invasion in Iraq.
Returned back to the program in 2015 as a lecturer to an elite of academics, journalists, and activists from across the Arab world.
WORK HISTORY
University Lecturer
Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland - College Park, MD 01/2015 - 05/2017
Delivered lectures to post-graduate and international students and used advanced teaching techniques to inspire and motivate them for higher level qualifications and then employment.
Taught a wide range of subjects about journalism, history, and geopolitics in the Arab world.
Fostered students' commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to broader themes and current events.
Organized open evenings, seminars, roundtable discussions to demonstrate the college's commitment to high-quality education and training.
Implemented and monitored programmes and assessments.
Prepared learning material for courses and devised relevant practical activities.
Led well-received panel discussions on media in the Arab world.
Presented at several conferences worldwide and think-tank seminars in the United States, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, and India.
Developed and delivered engaging lectures to undergraduate and graduate students.
Wrote course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Guided students in using technology to support educational research.
Monitored students' academic progress and referred students who were struggling to campus resources.
Simultaneous & Consecutive Interpreter (English-Arabic)
The World Bank - Washington, DC 04/2016 - 04/2017
Undertook consecutive interpretation and translation for Arab delegations and hearings. Translated and interpreted business and oil-specific terminology
Columnist
Foreign Affairs, Middle East Eye, Z&M Consulting, WINEP - Washington D.C., New York, London, Shanghai
Managed research projects. 03/2015 - Current Pitched and wrote op-eds and analytical pieces about global affairs.
led and analyzed in seminars and roundtables unfolding events in the MENA region.
Wrote intriguing policy papers about U.S. and Russian policies and strategies in conflict zones in Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, etc.
Guest Lecturer, journalism and linguistics
The Fund For American Studies - Washington, DC 04/2014 - 04/2017
Served as a tutor and mentor to international undergraduate students.
Utilized my background in journalism and supervised projects related to journalistic writing in English. Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on different learning need to ensure all students are learning at full potential.
Spearheaded after-school journalism initiatives to improve students grades.
Collaborated with teachers and department heads to meet quarterly and yearly educational goals.
Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on the entire group.
Managed several internet-based language programs.
Education writer
US News & World Report LP, AL-Fanar Media - New York, London, NY 02/2012 - 02/2015
Reported on higher education in the Arab world.
Interviewed key stakeholders in the educational community in the MENA region.
Produced features on a wide range of issues related to the educational system and higher education.
Correspondent
The Washington Post, The Times, The Wall Street Journal - Washington, DC 02/2008 - 02/2014
Wrote, edited and produced stories for multiple platforms, including Internet and digital channels. Researched and wrote seven pieces per week for the Washington Post, The Times, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal, Egypt Independent, among others.
Evaluated and followed up on news leads and news tips to develop story ideas.
Covered geopolitical issues in post-Arab Uprisings hotspots in Egypt, Libya, and Syria for the foreign press. Also, covered cultural and immigration issues from Beirut, Berlin, Doha, Amman, Washington DC, New York, London for Cairo-based Egypt Independent and Al-Masry Al-Youm
Followed through on beat sources, contacts and leads to gather information for stories.
Organized material, determined area of emphasis, and wrote stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards.
Arranged and conducted interviews with individuals knowledgeable about each story's subject matter. Monitored Arab media and prepared round-ups
Investigative Journalist
Sankei Shimbun (Tokyo) Respekt (Prague) Egypt Independent, - Cairo, Egypt 05/2008 - 05/2014
Led an investigative team to produce dozens of lengthy reports and papers on a multitude of issues in Egypt and the wider Arab region, including government corruption and societal conflict, and roots of radicalism. Provided analytical insights and background information. Coordinated interviews and translated reports about local media.
Guest Lecturer
Charles University in Prague - Prague, Hlavní město Praha 05/2011 - 04/2012
Fostered students' commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to broader themes and current events.
Lectured wide range of topics including Al-Azhar educational philosophy and system, media and MENA geopolitics.
Wrote course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Coached students on public speaking and presentation skills.
Lecturer
Mumbai University (MU) - Mumbai, MH 02/2012 - 05/2012
Developed and delivered engaging lectures to undergraduate and graduate students about Egyptian affairs.
Director/Producer/Writer/Editor
Ontv & Ontvlive - Cairo, Egypt 06/2007 - 04/2010
Oversaw all phases of video production for O Box Office - A weekly show about international cinema and celebrities - from pre- to post-production.
Created shot lists, booked talent and locations and prepared the location and set for shooting.
Produced entertainment and lifestyle news reports and music videos.
Researched, developed and pitched stories that reflected the unique sensibilities of the ONTV network. Managed casting and selected shot locations.
Operated a smaller camera for behind-the-scenes shoots.
Offered feedback on the quality of segments and coached other staff members on how to improve segments.
Boosted O Box Office ratings by 40% by through a targeted social media marketing campaign. Led daily production meetings and weekly production calls.
Supervised 5-member staff, including offering feedback and enforcing deadlines.
English Language Teacher
St. Andrew's United Church - Cairo, Egypt 06/2006 - 05/2009
Educated refugee students in the basics of English grammar and conversational speaking. Coordinated communication between students and school administration to create an effective and culturally-sensitive learning environment.
Emphasized critical thinking through small group activities.
Created monthly academic status reports based on in-depth student evaluations.
Collaborated with teachers and department heads to meet quarterly and yearly educational goals. Designed seasonal programs emphasizing vocabulary, pronunciation and reading comprehension. Assisted department head in establishing daily schedules, curriculum and ESL activities.
Assigned lessons and corrected homework.
Improved instruction methods by using a variety of assessment tools and strategies.
Attended workshops to learn about student motivation and engaging learning activities.
Home Based English Tutorial Private - Mansoura City, Dakahilya
10/2000 - 04/2007 Educated dozens of students from all grades in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the basics of English
grammar and conversational speaking.
Taught students aged between 4 and 10 years old who have no access to quality education in underprivileged areas.
Emphasized critical thinking through small group activities.
Developed and taught Cambridge curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities, utilizing latest educational techniques to transform the educational process into fun and entertaining.
Designed seasonal programs emphasizing vocabulary, pronunciation and reading comprehension. Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on the entire group.
Worked with an average of ten students per class.
PRO BONO WORK
Refugee Times. (September 2016-present, Online, Berlin and London) Creating, coordinating, advocating and developing an online publication for, about and by Arab journalists who live in exile and cannot return back their homes.
The Catholic University. (2014-2015, Washington, DC). Volunteered as an interpreter for Arab asylum seekers.
St. Andrew's United Church of Cairo (2005-2007, Cairo, Egypt) volunteered as an English teacher for Sudanese refugee children. Designed and applied English lessons based on fun, art, and songs.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
The Fund for American Studies and the Liberty Fund, March 2015, Washington, DC, USA “Liberty and Reasonability in the Media,”
Leaders for Democracy Fellowship, April 2015, New York, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. Gave presentations and lecturing about freedom of the press in the Arab region.
Merrill School of Journalism, University of Maryland. January 2015, February 2016, Maryland, USA, Guest Speaker for Dana Priest's courses.
Al-Hewar Center, February 11, 2015. VA, USA, “Egypt: Four Years after the Collapse of the Mubarak Regime
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, October 2014, Washington, DC, USA “Egyptian Media in Peril,”
The Fund for American Studies, July 2014-July 2017, Washington, DC “Mansour's reporting experience in war-torn countries"
The University of Mumbai, April 2013, India "In the aftermath of the Arab Uprisings"
Charles University, January-February 2012- Prague, the Czech Republic "Facebook generation and education in Al-Azhar"
FELLOWSHIPS
Capacity-building workshop. (Berlin, Germany) German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). August 15-20, 2016, Turkey and Egypt in 2025: Foreseeing Challenges and Opportunities. Capacity Building Workshop: Scenario Planning and Strategic Policy Analysis.
Workshop on Social Media (Paris, France) June – July 2013. Run by the journalism academy of Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
Master Class in New Media and Citizen Journalism, (Alexandria, Egypt) April – May 2012. Participated in “Social Media in a Changing World” course focused on intercultural journalism and new media, run by Euro-Mediterranean Academy for Young Journalists.
Fahumu African Journalist Study Tour (Beijing, China) April 24 – May 1, 2010. Participated in an African delegation of journalists aimed at deepening Chinese-African understanding.
Charles University (Prague, the Czech Republic). July 10-18, 2009. Attended seminars conducted by the Fund for American Studies at the European Journalism Institute.
CERTIFICATIONS
TESOL Certificate from Arizona State University.
In this specialization, I was exposed to the basic foundational principles of language acquisition and the basic techniques founded upon those principles.
Learned second or foreign language theories, and basic studies in second language acquisition and their pedagogical implications.
Fostered my knowledge of designing a lesson plan which includes learning outcomes, assessments, materials, classroom management techniques and the learning activities themselves.
SKILLS
Strong collaborator
Positive learning environment Critical thinking
Computer proficient
Creative writing background
Fluent in English, Arabic, with basic knowledge of German and French.
Research expert
Outstanding social skills Creative learning strategies Effective time management Student motivation
Diverse classroom settings Teaching/tutoring
RESEARCH, ACADEMIC, POLICY PAPERS
Highly organized
Team player
Skilled interpreter and translator Investigative skills
Social media
Exceptional writer
Afghanistan and the Expansion of Taliban, Z M Consulting, Shanghai, November 2017 Russia/Pakistan/ISK/India and Iran interests in Afghanistan, Z M Consulting, Shanghai, October 2017 U.S. and Russian Counter-terrorism in Syria, G J Consulting, Beijing, September 2017
Trump's Strategy Towards Turkey, G J Consulting, Beijing, August 2017
US Aid to the Middle East, Z M Consulting, Beijing, October 2017
The decay of Dictatorships, Foreign Affairs, New York, 2016
Why Sisi fears Egypt's Liberals, Foreign Affairs, New York, 2016
Egypt's Policies Entrench the Islamist Threat, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, Washington D.C. 2016
Al-Qaeda Top Leader's Younger Brother, Muhammad Rabee al-Zawahiri, Released, Militant Leadership Monitor, Washington D.C. 2016
The Islamic State's Targeting Strategy in Egypt, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 3, Washington D.C. 2016
Egypt's Most Wanted—Hisham Ali Ashmawy Mosaad Ibrahim, Militant Leadership Monitor, Washington D.C. 2016.
Egypt's Growing Militant Threat, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 15, Washington D.C. 2015
A Post-Mortem Profile of Egyptian Jihadist Leader Hamam Mohamed Attiya, Militant Leadership
Monitor, Washington D.C. 2015
Egypt Struggles with Jihadist Challenge in Sinai, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 5, Washington D.C. 2015
Fugitive Egyptian Militant Faisal Suliman Salma al-Mahsna Killed in Raid, Militant Leadership Monitor, Washington D.C. 2015
Coming to Grips with Terrorism in Egypt a Year after the Raba'a Square Massacre, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 12 Issue: 17, Washington D.C., 2014.
Dead or Alive – Sinai's Most Wanted: Shadi al-Manei, Militant Leadership Monitor, Washington D.C. 2014 Egypt's Military Devises Strategy to Move Egypt beyond Political IslamismPublication: Terrorism Monitor Volume: 11 Issue: 17, Washington DC, 2013.
REFERENCES
Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Professor, Political Science, Syracuse University. Provost Faculty Fellow for Internationalization O'Hanley Faculty Scholar
Email: ********@*******.***.***. Cell: 315-***-****
Ashraf Khalil, Editor at the Associated Press, Washington DC Bureau Email: ****************@*****.***
Fredrick Kunkle. Staff writer. The Washington Post. 1301 K Street N.W.Washington, D.C. 20071 W: 202-***-**** M: 202-***-****
Dania Akkad, Managing Editor Middle East Eye *****.*****@*************.*** +442*********
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