Cyan Ko
Mangere Bridge
Summary
Innovative and student-focused Technology and Design & Visual Communication (DVC) Teacher with expertise in architectural design, model making, and 3D rendering. Known for naturally inspiring and connecting with students, fostering genuine enthusiasm for learning and design.
Creates a classroom environment that supports both academic achievement and personal development, helping students mature into confident, capable individuals. Demonstrated success over four years in building lasting relationships that extend beyond the classroom and contribute positively to the wider school community.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher of Design and Technology
Macleans College
01.2022 - Current
- Designed and delivered an engaging Design and Technology curriculum across all year levels, integrating architectural, product, and spatial design expertise while adapting to program development and restructuring.
- Implemented inquiry-based and differentiated instruction to support diverse learning needs, enhancing student participation, confidence, and achievement.
- Delivered both senior design courses and junior workshop-based programmes in metal, wood, and plastics, demonstrating versatility and practical skill across theoretical and hands-on contexts.
- Fostered strong student relationships and classroom culture through personalised, reflective teaching and positive engagement that encouraged academic and social growth.
- Contributed to the school’s Whānau House culture as a homeroom teacher, and showed leadership beyond the classroom by founding and coaching the Climbing Team and establishing a Social Climbing Club.
Architectural Designer/Model Maker
Christian Anderson Architects
05.2018 - 12.2022
- Showcased designs to stakeholders with digital models, rendered visualisations and physical scale models
- Applied knowledge of building codes, design trends, and industry practice to finalise designs
- Collaborated with engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, and construction personnel to align project requirements to client requirements
Architectural Model Maker
Sumich Chaplin Architects
06.2017 - 12.2017
- Worked in-house on three physical architectural models
- Ability to interpret and transfer 2D drawings into 3D scaled models
- Required working with fine detail, artistic ability, and self-management
Elementary ESL Teacher
Dangbuk Elementary School
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Maintained positive classroom management strategies and disciplinary rules to handle challenging behavioural issues effectively
- Instructed students using textbooks, worksheets, games, and visuals to help improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
- Cultivated inviting and productive learning experiences to encourage an interest in the English language
- Fostered and maintained a strong rapport with students and caregivers
Teacher’s Aide
Western Springs College
04.2012 - 07.2014
- Oversaw students in the classroom and non-classroom environments (such as field trips and on school grounds)
- Provided emotional support and guidance to students experiencing developmental struggles
- Drove students in school vehicles with zero safety incidents
- Managed students' medication and essential treatments for wide-ranging medical conditions
- Contributed to students' wellbeing by handling personal grooming needs and offering feeding assistance based on abilities
- Provided support as a reader/writer
- Additional work as football coach, table tennis coach, and NCEA exam supervisor
Education
Graduate Diploma - Secondary Teaching
AUT
11.2021
Bachelor of Design - Spatial Design
AUT
01.2013
Skills
- SketchUp, V-Ray, Adobe Creative Suite
- Laser cutting, model making, workshop facilitation
- Freehand and instrumental drawing
- Differentiated and inquiry-based teaching
- Student motivation, engagement, and rapport building
- Classroom management and instruction
Additional Information
Fluent in English
Fluent in Korean
Timeline
Teacher of Design and Technology
Macleans College
01.2022 - Current
Architectural Designer/Model Maker
Christian Anderson Architects
05.2018 - 12.2022
Architectural Model Maker
Sumich Chaplin Architects
06.2017 - 12.2017
Elementary ESL Teacher
Dangbuk Elementary School
08.2014 - 08.2015
Teacher’s Aide
Western Springs College
04.2012 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Design - Spatial Design
AUT
Graduate Diploma - Secondary Teaching
AUT