About

Hi, I’m Grant – or “Mr. G” around here.
I’m a history and social studies teacher with a real passion for designing lessons that students remember long after class is over. I’ve been teaching since 2009 in middle and high school classrooms around the world, and I’m always looking for new ways to make history come alive.

From Law to Education

Before I was a teacher, I worked in the legal field as a candidate attorney in Johannesburg. Most of my work focused on property and contract law, though I also dealt minimally with criminal and family law. While I eventually realised law wasn’t my calling, it taught me the power of the written word and gave me skills that have shaped how I teach today: close reading, attention to detail, clear written communication, and the ability to build strong, evidence-based arguments.

Making the Shift

I left law to take an ESL teaching job in Thailand, planning for it to be a short stop while I travelled. But once I stepped into the classroom, I realised this was what I wanted to do. That decision set me on a path that’s taken me to schools in Thailand, China, South Korea, Oman, and Mexico, teaching students from dozens of nationalities and backgrounds. Over the years, I’ve taught history, globalization, English, legal studies, academic writing, and more – each subject adding to how I approach lessons with clarity, structure, and room for curiosity.

My Approach to Teaching

I put students first. My goal is to make the content accessible but challenging enough to push students to think harder, ask better questions, and connect ideas. I mix direct teaching with interactive lessons, projects, and discussions so that every learner has a way in.

Some of my favourite and most memorable lessons are full-scale classroom simulations and projects such as the Scramble for Africa role-play, the Expansion of Rome RPG, or the phalanx battle formation challenge. These aren’t just “fun activities” – they’re experiences students talk about weeks later because they’ve engaged with history in a way that feels real.

I’ve also been working on integrating AI into my teaching in a way that keeps learning human. Sometimes that means designing activities where students use AI tools to analyse or reflect. Other times, it’s about creating “AI-resistant” assignments that demand personal thinking and creativity. I involve students in this process, asking for feedback and refining activities together so they feel part of shaping their own learning.

Experience and Highlights

Over the years, I’ve:

• • Designed and implemented a complete social studies curriculum at my old school for Grades 1–6, now taught to more than 2,000+ students across multiple campuses.
  • Served as Head of Department and as a member of my school’s Innovation Committee.
  • Delivered professional development to colleagues on designing units and lessons with AI.

These experiences have cemented my belief that great teaching is about more than just delivering content. It’s about building lessons that grab students’ attention, give them something to remember, and develop skills they can use in the real world.

A Bit More About Me

I live in Thailand with my wife and our young son. We’ve lived and taught in five countries and travelled to more than a dozen others, which has shaped how I connect history to the bigger global picture. Outside of work, I’m a history enthusiast, guitarist, and beginner drummer. I also enjoy cooking; a proper braai with friends is one of my favourite ways to spend a weekend.

Qualifications

• • Master’s in Education (Social Studies – International Education Development) – American College of Education
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Middle & High School English and Social Studies) – University of South Africa
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – University of South Africa

Let’s Connect

If you’re a teacher, you can explore ready-to-use lessons and activities in my Store and find free downloads in my Free Resources section. If you’re an administrator or fellow educator interested in collaboration or PD, you can reach me anytime through my Contact page.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Mr. G