David Kootnikoff

Dr. David Kootnikoff is an accomplished educator, scholar, and writer with a distinguished international career spanning over two decades. He holds a PhD in English and Film Studies from the University of Alberta, complemented by a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and dual Master’s degrees in Applied Linguistics and Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. A certified teacher in Canada and Hong Kong, Dr. Kootnikoff’s extensive expertise bridges the theoretical and the practical, encompassing literature, film, creative writing, and language instruction. His expertise subjects are

• Test Preparation (SAT, SSAT, IELTS & TOEFL)
• IGCSE English
• IB Language & Literature (HL/SL)
• IB English Language
• SAT/SSAT Verbal & Writing

As a dedicated instructor, Dr. Kootnikoff has taught a diverse range of subjects at both the secondary and university levels. He served as an Instructor of English at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, where he taught courses including Canadian Literature, Indigenous Literatures, and Creative Writing. His previous appointments include significant roles in Hong Kong as a Native English Teacher (NET) and Film instructor, where he was renowned for developing innovative curricula, such as a Film/English course funded by a Quality Education Fund (QEF) grant, and for leading extracurricular activities like debate clubs and speech festivals.

Dr. Kootnikoff is also an established author and scholar. His academic research focuses on the politics of universalism, settler-colonial studies, and Canadian literature, with recent articles forthcoming in Canadian Literature and English Studies in Canada. He has presented his work at numerous international conferences, including Canada’s annual ACCUTE meeting and the Conference on Love and Rock Music at the Université Paul Valéry, in Montpellier, France. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, he is the published author of several books, including biographies of the band U2 and its lead singer, Bono, and a award-winning memoir about his teaching experiences in Japan.

With a profound commitment to education and cultural exchange, Dr. Kootnikoff’s career is characterized by a passion for fostering understanding through literature, film, and language. His unique blend of creative, journalistic, and academic output, combined with his global teaching experience make him a welcome addition to our team.