George Popescu – Science / Physics teacher and Outdoor education instructor
Education and certifications
- International Teacher Certification – European Council of International Schools and Cambridge International Examination, 2014
- Outdoor Education Diploma (Advanced Level), Outward Bound Romania, 2014
- Outdoor Education Diploma (Basic Level), Outward Bound Romania, 2010
- TESL Diploma, Burnaby College, Vancouver, Canada, 2003
- M. Sc. Eng. Geology and Geophysics, with Teaching Certification, University of Bucharest, 1995
Professional experience
Teaching (2003-2019)
- Physics A Level (grades 11-13) at Ioanid International School, Bucharest (Cambridge curriculum)
- Science (grades 5-8) at Aletheea school, Bucharest (Romanian and Cambridge curriculum)
- Science (years 7-9) and IGCSE Physics (years 10-11) at International School of Bucharest, (Cambridge curriculum – Checkpoint and IGCSE)
- Math and Science (years 5-6) at International School of Bucharest (Cambridge curriculum )
- Physics (grades 10-12) at St. Anne High School and Father Lacombe High School, Calgary, Canada (Canadian curriculum)
- ESL (high school students) at Calgary Immigrant Educational Society, Canada
Tutoring (2002-2020)
- Science and Physics (IGCSE, A Level, IB, OCR), Sea to Sky Science
- Earth Sciences and Physics (high school level), Tutor Island, Vancouver, Canada
- Physics (high school level), Champion Tutors, Calgary, Canada
Experience in non-formal education
- 2014 – 2016 Co-founder of Growth Association and Outdoor education coordinator
- 2002 – 2008 Summer camp counselor, Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, Canada
- 2001 – 2003 In-school mentor, Alberta Mentor Foundation for Youth, Canada
- 2000 – 2003 Scout Leader, Calgary, Scouts Canada
Further projects in education
- Over 50 applied science and technology trips run over 14 years with my students in areas like Cheia, Bicaz, Tușnad, Brașov, Vulcanii Noroioși, Doftana, Horezu, Cazanele Dunării, Moroeni, Vidraru, Tulcea, Constanta, Buzau, Danube Delta, visiting hydroelectric and wind power plants, recycling factories, seismic observatories, monitoring marine life, learning how to measure the speed of a river, the height of a mountain, the pH of a mineral spring, the UV intensity, how to identify fossils and rocks, how to … many things.
- Over 15 outdoor education camps to Poiana Brașov & Predeal 2007-2012, Țara Hațegului 2011 & 2018, Țara Moților 2012 – 2019, Danube Delta 2013, Transalpina 2013, Romanian and Bulgarian sea coast 2015, Saas Fee Switzerland 2015 & 2017, Stubai Austria 2016, Tismana-Cerna 2019.
- Science Fair events and international Science project competitions.
- Educational programs ran in partnership with Palatul Copiilor, Mai Mult Verde Assosciation, Earth Physics Institute, Green Weee Buzău, Geoparcul Dinozaurilor Hațeg, Hidroelectrica, Delta Vacaresti.
Conferences, courses and seminars
- The Silva Method – basic & advanced training in teaching/learning using mental imagery techniques, Bucharest 2017, 2019
- Leader Duke of Edinburgh Award training, Bucharest 2015
- Basic Child Protection – Kidscape London, 2014
- First aid with CPR – Red Cross, 2011
- Innovative techniques in student counselling – CCD Bucharest, 2010
- Developing a Differentiated Curriculum – ISB, 2008
- Leadership in education – Codecs and British Council, 2008
- Preparing Students for Cambridge Exam (PET) – British Council, 2008
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention – Calgary Catholic School Board, Canada, 2006
- Resilience and Youth – Calgary Catholic School Board, Canada, 2003
- Bullying in School – Alberta Mentor Foundation for Youth, Canada 2002
- Substance Abuse and Teen Addiction – Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, Canada, 2002