Paul J. Hamel embarked on his professional journey as an educator, serving as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in 1969. He dedicated himself to teaching English at the Lycée de Bafia and the University of Yaounde in Cameroon, Africa. After completing his master's degree in teaching ESL at UCLA in 1974, Paul joined the Rockefeller Foundation. He imparted English language skills to administrators at the University of Zaire in Lubumbashi, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Upon returning to the United States, Paul's passion for education led him to diverse roles. He coordinated the English language program for Soviet refugees in Los Angeles. He taught ESL to adults in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Santa Monica College, and the University of Southern California. Paul earned a second master's degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Over four decades at LAUSD, Paul ascended the ranks from instructor to coordinator, teacher trainer, assistant principal, principal, and regional adult school principal, overseeing West Los Angeles. Concurrently, he also taught teacher training courses at UCLA Extension.
In retirement, Paul eagerly returned to the classroom, teaching ESL at the American Language Center at UCLA and the College of the Desert in California's Coachella Valley.
Paul has also written, produced, and acted in several films: Gradation, Enipheres, Lock Box, Cascade Rd, Illumination Paradox the Beginning, Rose Petal, and Koffee.
Paul is the proud owner of Hamel Publications, a small publishing company specializing in educational materials for ESL instruction. Paul has authored a collection of 35 books, which can be found on his website (ESLmasterclass.com) and Amazon. His publications cover various aspects of ESL education, including textbooks and supplementary teaching materials.
Paul's literary contributions also extend to novels such as "The Lost Encyclopedia" and "Fragile Strength," as well as his memoir, "Return to Bafia, Cameroon: Memories of a Peace Corps Volunteer."
Additionally, he has shared his travel experiences through works like "Cameroon Travel Adventure," "A Senior Travel Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia," and "One Minute Tours" on YouTube.
This calendar is one of a series of calendars.
