NYARKO SOMUAH BENJAMIN
Accra
Summary
Enthusiastic and versatile Music and English Language Arts (ELA) Educator with over 15 years of experience delivering high-quality instruction across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Demonstrates a strong passion for cultivating creativity, literacy development, performance excellence, and intercultural understanding among diverse learners. Highly skilled in developing performance ensembles, preparing students for language proficiency assessments, and integrating innovative instructional strategies that support the four core language domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Known for creating engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
ELA Substitute Teacher - High School & Elementary
American International School
Accra, Ghana
06.2025
- Delivered effective substitute instruction across multiple grade levels.
- Taught grammar and advanced language concepts to Grades 10-12 students.
- Maintained continuity of instruction while substituting for teachers including Najat, Allie, and other faculty members.
- Managed classrooms using structured behaviour management strategies aligned with school policies.
- Adapted lesson plans to ensure curriculum objectives were met during teacher absences.
- Provided targeted literacy support for multilingual learners.
- Maintained accurate lesson records and communicated student progress with department staff.
ELA Teacher - Elementary School
American International School
Accra, Ghana
09.2025 - Current
- Deliver rigorous and engaging English Language Arts instruction tailored to diverse elementary learners.
- Provide targeted instruction across the four language domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Prepare multilingual learners for WIDA English Language Development assessments.
- Administer WIDA testing and analyse student performance data to guide differentiated instruction.
- Design and implement structured literacy interventions to support language acquisition.
- Foster a supportive and patient classroom culture that encourages student confidence and growth.
- Collaborate with homeroom teachers and specialists to support student academic development.
- Maintain detailed progress monitoring and assessment documentation.
Music Teacher - Elementary School
American International School
Accra, Ghana
07.2025 - Current
- Plan and deliver high-quality music instruction aligned with international education standards.
- Organize, rehearse, and execute school concerts and musical productions.
- Provide piano accompaniment for assemblies, concerts, and staff worship sessions.
- Promote participation in school-based after-school music programs to enhance student engagement.
- Initiated the Saturday Academy of Music, designed to develop musical skill, creativity, and student performance confidence.
- Utilize music programming as a strategic initiative to enhance school visibility and support enrollment growth.
- Develop ensemble groups and performance opportunities that showcase student growth.
Middle School (MYP) Integrated Performing Arts Teacher
Lincoln Community School
Accra, Ghana
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Planned and delivered high-quality instruction to Grades 6-8 performing arts students.
- Taught drama and performing arts with emphasis on creativity and performance skills.
- Implemented strong classroom management strategies that promoted safe learning environments.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and refine arts curriculum.
- Collected and analysed student performance data using ManageBac.
- Organized class sharing events and community performance collaborations.
Elementary School (PYP) Music Teacher (Grades 2-5)
Lincoln Community School
Accra, Ghana
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Taught music concepts including notes, tempo, harmony, chords, and composition.
- Mentored students in music theory, composition, and performance.
- Designed ES music curriculum and developed teaching resources.
- Directed Grade 3 choir (approximately 60 students).
- Coordinated overseas procurement of music instruments and materials.
- Served as primary piano accompanist during lessons and concerts.
- Head of Lincoln Saturday Music Academy.
ECC + 1 (PYP) Music Teacher
Lincoln Community School
Accra, Ghana
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Planned and delivered music instruction for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 students.
- Developed teaching materials and curriculum resources.
- Monitored student learning progress using systematic data collection.
- Coordinated procurement and budgeting for ECC music programs.
- Provided piano accompaniment during school events and performances.
- Led Saturday Academy music programs.
ES Music Teaching Assistant
Lincoln Community School
Accra, Ghana
01.2011 - 06.2016
- Led class instruction in teacher absence.
- Supported classroom management and academic coordination.
- Assisted in lesson planning and instructional delivery.
- Provided one-on-one support for struggling students.
- Supported music examinations including ABRSM preparation.
- Assisted with procurement of instruments and resources.
- Provided piano accompaniment for performances.
Music Teacher (Primary 1 - JHS 3)
SOS Herman Gmeiner School
Kumasi, Ghana
09.2009 - 05.2010
- Taught music, dance, and drama.
- Organized performances aligned with school calendar.
- Evaluated student academic and performance progress.
- Designed creative music engagement activities.
Teaching/Research Assistant
University of Ghana - Music Department
Ghana
09.2007 - 08.2008
- Assisted with teaching music theory tutorials.
- Supported aural and instrumental audition processes.
- Provided instructional support to undergraduate students.
English Language Teacher (Volunteer)
Begoro Women Vocational Centre
Accra, Ghana
05.2004 - 08.2004
- Improved students' English grammar and vocabulary using interactive learning strategies.
- Designed assessment materials and evaluated learner progress.
- Established structured classroom management systems.
Production Assistant
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation - Department of Music
Ghana
09.2003 - 01.2004
- Assisted production teams with rehearsals and recordings.
- Supported technical operations and equipment management.
- Coordinated with performers and production staff.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE Coursework) -
University of Education, Winneba
Winneba, GhanaAdvanced Level 5 Teacher Certification - TESOL/TEFL
World TESOL Academy
USA12.2026
Teaching Certification - TESOL/TEFL
World TESOL Academy
USA01.2023
Bachelor of Music - undefined
University of Ghana
Accra, Ghana01.2007
Diploma in General Music - undefined
University of Ghana
Accra, Ghana01.2004
Music Enrichment Certificate - Music Performance
University of Education, Winneba
Winneba, Ghana01.2004
Skills
- Team Building
- Multicultural Education
- Student Assessment & Data Tracking
- Voice Coaching
- Playwriting Instruction
- Music Theory & Performance
- Classroom Management
- Literacy Development Strategies
- Curriculum Design
- WIDA Assessment Preparation
- Piano Accompaniment & Choir Direction
- Notation Reading and Teaching
- Instrument Instruction
- Vocal Development
- Rhythm Training
- Aural Assessment
- Choir Development
- Songwriting
- Improvisation Strategies
- Performance Coaching
- Lesson Planning
Accomplishments
- Led Lincoln Community School Elementary Music Department through IB accreditation (2019).
- Directed large-scale concerts involving 200+ performers.
- Produced elementary school musicals and community performance programs.
- Member of organizing team for 2013/14 AISA Conference.
- Participated in National Kids in Arts Festival brass band competitions.
Timeline
ELA Teacher - Elementary School
American International School
09.2025 - Current
Music Teacher - Elementary School
American International School
07.2025 - Current
ELA Substitute Teacher - High School & Elementary
American International School
06.2025
Middle School (MYP) Integrated Performing Arts Teacher
Lincoln Community School
08.2019 - 06.2023
Elementary School (PYP) Music Teacher (Grades 2-5)
Lincoln Community School
08.2018 - 06.2019
ECC + 1 (PYP) Music Teacher
Lincoln Community School
08.2016 - 06.2018
ES Music Teaching Assistant
Lincoln Community School
01.2011 - 06.2016
Music Teacher (Primary 1 - JHS 3)
SOS Herman Gmeiner School
09.2009 - 05.2010
Teaching/Research Assistant
University of Ghana - Music Department
09.2007 - 08.2008
English Language Teacher (Volunteer)
Begoro Women Vocational Centre
05.2004 - 08.2004
Production Assistant
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation - Department of Music
09.2003 - 01.2004
Teaching Certification - TESOL/TEFL
World TESOL Academy
Bachelor of Music - undefined
University of Ghana
Diploma in General Music - undefined
University of Ghana
Music Enrichment Certificate - Music Performance
University of Education, Winneba
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE Coursework) -
University of Education, Winneba
Advanced Level 5 Teacher Certification - TESOL/TEFL
World TESOL Academy
Professional Development
- IB CASIE MYP Arts Workshop (2021)
- Nottingham University PGCE International Teaching Workshop (2017)
- IB International-Mindedness Workshop (2015)
- AISA Conference Participation (2013)
- IB/AISA PYP Arts Workshop (2013)
Performance Summary
Dynamic music professional with over 15 years of experience designing and delivering innovative music education programs across diverse age groups. Demonstrates exceptional communication, curriculum design expertise, and integration of educational technology to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Selected Areas Of Expertise
- Notation Reading and Teaching
- Instrument Instruction
- Vocal Development
- Rhythm Training
- Aural Assessment
- Choir Development
- Songwriting
- Improvisation Strategies
- Performance Coaching
- Lesson Planning
Part Time Experience And Professional Interests
- Head of Music Ministry, Word of Truth and Prayer Ministry, 2021-01-01, Present
- ABRSM Piano Instructor, 2007-01-01, Present
- Deputy Director of Music, Methodist Church Choirs Union, 2007-01-01, 2013-12-31
- Music Instructor, Delhi Public School
- Music/Piano Teacher, Ghana International School
- Principal Organist/Choirmaster, Trinity Methodist Church
- Sound Engineer, Soundstage Pro-Audi
Technology And Computing Skills
- Educational Platforms: ManageBac, Seesaw, Google Workspace, Zoom
- Music Production Software: Sibelius, Finale, Cubase, Fruity Loops, GarageBand, Pro Tools
- General Technology: Mac OS, Windows OS, iMovie, Microsoft Office Suite, Gimkit
Personal Information
Nationality: Ghanaian
Interests
- Choir Grooming
- Piano Performance