Aron Thode
I teach English and create educational content for ESL News Stories, drawing on 22 years of ESL/EFL teaching experience in South Korea and Japan.
My work focuses on clear, level-appropriate English lessons built around real-world topics, everyday language, classroom discussion, and learner-friendly activities. I write and edit materials to help learners build practical English they can use in study, work, and wider real-world conversations.
Teaching experience
- 22 years teaching ESL/EFL in South Korea and Japan
- Locations: Seoul and Gyeonggi-do (South Korea), Toyama and Chiba (Japan)
- Learners: adults, university students, professionals, teens, and children
- Formats: 1:1, small group, corporate, online, and in-person classes
Credentials
- CELTA certification
- Master of International Studies (International Relations), Sogang University (Seoul)
- Graduate Diploma of Arts (Political Studies), University of Auckland
- Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences), Auckland University of Technology
Specializations
- Speaking fluency
- Academic writing
- Presentation skills
- Business English
- Tech and developer English
Editorial process at ESL News Stories
- I check CEFR level alignment and adjust wording so materials stay clear and level-appropriate.
- I review target vocabulary and explanations so learners can follow each text and build practical language.
- I test each activity from a learner perspective to confirm instruction clarity and answer accuracy.
- I verify source links and attribution before publication.
- I complete a final pass for flow, formatting, readability, and print usability.
- I update content when needed so materials remain reliable over time.
EdTech and development practice
I use structured review checklists, CEFR-level checks, and final editing passes to keep lessons clear, accurate, and usable in class.
More information
Last reviewed: June 25, 2026.