Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certifications Skills
Personal Information
Timeline
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Michael Fred Hellmer

Michael Fred Hellmer

Montevideo

Summary

Dynamic Senior English Language Instructor with expertise in Aviation English at Somerset House ELS. Proven track record in developing tailored instructional materials and preparing learners for Cambridge exams. Skilled in communicative language teaching and instructional design, fostering learner engagement and autonomy. Committed to enhancing professional communication skills in diverse settings.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior English Language Instructor & Aviation English Specialist

Somerset House ELS
Montevideo
01.2007 - Current
  • Specialize in Aviation English training, preparing pilots and air traffic controllers for ICAO Language Proficiency assessments
  • Teach General and Business English at all levels, with a strong focus on ESP (English for Specific Purposes)
  • Extensive experience in preparing learners for Cambridge English Qualifications, including B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency
  • Develop tailored instructional materials and lesson plans aligned with CEFR standards
  • Implement communicative language teaching (CLT) methodologies to enhance learner engagement and fluency

Freelance Translator

01.2003 - Current
  • Translate Spanish-to-English documents across diverse fields, with expertise in aviation, technical manuals, legal, and corporate training materials
  • Provided translation services for COPA Airlines, including training and operational manuals
  • Ensure accuracy, clarity, and linguistic precision in all translations

English Instructor

London Institute (International House)
Montevideo
01.1997 - 01.2002
  • Taught General and Business English courses in both in-house and corporate training settings
  • Delivered courses at Banco Central, ANCAP, and Estudio Jurídico Posadas, Posadas y Vecino
  • Focused on task-based learning (TBL) and professional communication skills

EFL Teacher

Academia Colón
Alcalá de Henares
01.1997 - 01.1999
  • Taught a variety of courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels
  • Integrated learner autonomy strategies to enhance student progress

TEFL Teacher Training & Instructor

Centro de Idiomas Liverpool
Alcalá de Henares
01.1997 - 12.1997
  • Completed an intensive TEFL certification course and began teaching English as a Foreign Language
  • Developed strong foundations in lesson planning, classroom management, and student-centered learning

Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist

United States Air Force
12.1981 - 05.1990
  • Performed maintenance and repair of electronic countermeasure systems for F-4, F-16, and B-52 aircraft
  • Specialized in intelligence and surveillance equipment, including support for U2 reconnaissance aircraft
  • Completed a rigorous 10-month technical training program at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi
  • Held a Top Secret security clearance while stationed at Osan Air Force Base, South Korea, where I worked in the 6903rd Electronic Security Squadron, analyzing and interpreting intelligence data
  • Served at multiple international airbases, including Kadena AFB (Japan), Blytheville AFB (USA), Osan AFB (South Korea), and Torrejon AFB (Spain)
  • Honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant

Education

High School -

Alfred G. Berner High School
Massapequa, New York
06.1979

Elementary and Middle School -

Our Lady of Lourdes
Massapequa Park, New York
06.1975

Skills

  • TEFL Certification
  • ESP Expertise
  • Cambridge Exam Preparation Specialist
  • ICAO Language Proficiency Training
  • Instructional Design
  • Material Development
  • Task-Based Learning
  • Communicative Language Teaching

Certifications Skills

  • TEFL Certification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
  • ESP Expertise (English for Specific Purposes: Aviation, Business, and Legal English)
  • Cambridge Exam Preparation Specialist (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)
  • ICAO Language Proficiency Training
  • Fluent in Spanish (C1 level)
  • Instructional Design & Material Development
  • Task-Based Learning & Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Personal Information

  • Place of Birth: New York
  • Date of Birth: 09/02/61
  • Nationality: U.S.A.

Timeline

Senior English Language Instructor & Aviation English Specialist

Somerset House ELS
01.2007 - Current

Freelance Translator

01.2003 - Current

English Instructor

London Institute (International House)
01.1997 - 01.2002

EFL Teacher

Academia Colón
01.1997 - 01.1999

TEFL Teacher Training & Instructor

Centro de Idiomas Liverpool
01.1997 - 12.1997

Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist

United States Air Force
12.1981 - 05.1990

High School -

Alfred G. Berner High School

Elementary and Middle School -

Our Lady of Lourdes
Michael Fred Hellmer