MEET THE TEAM
Executive Director
Anna Leaman
Anna is a dedicated education professional with a wealth of UK and international teaching, leadership, and coaching experience. Specializing in EAL and SEND pedagogy, she passionately supports schools in implementing a comprehensive and language-accessible curriculum. With expertise in strategic leadership for EAL and academic language development, Anna collaborates with senior and middle leaders to assess curriculum frameworks and implement targeted adaptations for maximum impact on diverse learners.
Through training sessions and curriculum design workshops, Anna empowers teachers to assess their practices, enhance inclusive teaching pedagogy, and make supported adaptations tailored to their unique teaching contexts.
Director of Progress and Outcomes
Tory Coates
With a background in living and teaching English internationally, as well as in the UK, Tory is passionate about fostering students' love for language. Her focus extends to supporting written proficiency and employing effective reading strategies to enhance overall literacy.
English Specialist Teacher
Steve Woods
Steve has been teaching English as a second language for almost 15 years. He has been a teacher-trainer in bilingual education for primary, secondary, and university teachers and has taught English in Spanish secondary schools, but currently teaches at the Language Institute for the University of Seville in the south of Spain.
English Specialist Teacher
Heather Tobin
As an experienced Class Teacher, Heather is passionate about supporting language acquisition, and providing bespoke learning opportunities for each individual student. Heather has taught in the UK, China and Malaysia and has been deeply involved with developing provision for English Language Learners through academic research and supporting colleagues with their own practices.
As a passionate Early Years Teacher, Heather is well versed in supporting children’s budding language skills using her understanding of translanguaging theory and tools such as Cued Articulation.
English Specialist Teacher
Maja Catlak
As an experienced ESL educator with over 10 years in the field, Maja specialises in online teaching, exam preparation, and business English. With a career encompassing roles across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., she brings a wealth of experience in working with students from diverse backgrounds.
Alongside her teaching duties, Maja is actively involved in teacher training, materials writing, and webinar hosting, focusing on the development and support of teachers from developing countries.
Her academic qualifications include a Master's degree in Education of English and a Master's degree in Linguistics, alongside Cambridge CELTA and Delta certifications.
Currently, Maja collaborates with various schools and institutions globally, delivering a range of online EAL courses through her learner-centered, personalised approach.
English Specialist Teacher
Bethany Walter
Bethany is a dedicated and experienced primary school teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds. With 14 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to creating a language-rich curriculum where children can thrive.
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Bethany's expertise lies in early years education and EAL leadership, in addition to being a trainee teacher coordinator and mentor. Bethany understands the unique needs of diverse learners and strives to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for every student.
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Bethany's teaching experience is global, having worked in an international school in the Middle East, as well as in Nairobi gaining valuable insights into different educational systems and engaging with a diverse community of learners.
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Having worked in both private and public sectors, Bethany has a comprehensive understanding of the various demographics within the educational landscape. This diversity has enriched her teaching philosophy, emphasising adaptability and a student-centered approach.
EAL Primary Specialist Teacher
Kristin Evans
With a background in International Studies and as a dedicated Lead English Language Acquisition Teacher in the U.S., Kristin is passionate about teaching EAL learners and promoting inclusion in schools.
Beyond classrooms, Kristin has volunteered in Malaysia, delivering engaging literacy lessons to refugees and sharing her passion for language.
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EAL Specialist Teacher
Shazia Bashir-Ramzan
Shazia is a dedicated English Language and Literature teacher with 20 years of in- person and online teaching experience delivering lessons, courses and materials designed to enhance students’ readiness for public examinations at Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5. She has good working knowledge of a number of exam board specifications at GCSE level having worked as an expert examiner for a number of public examination bodies in the UK including AQA and Edexcel.
Having worked in a range of educational establishments and most recently as an online tutor, she has an understanding of the diverse needs of learners and strives to make language and literature learning as enjoyable and engaging as possible. She provides a supportive and nurturing dynamic in the learning space whilst also maintaining high expectations and aspirations for her learners.
EAL Specialist Teacher
Judy McConaghy
Judy is a seasoned English educator with a wealth of experience across different corners of the globe. She has been empowering students through language learning in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore since 2009. Judy's teaching portfolio encompasses a wide range of age groups, reflecting her versatility and adaptability in the classroom.
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Specialising in fostering critical thinking skills and building confidence among her students, Judy's approach goes beyond language acquisition; she strives to empower her learners with autonomy in their learning journey. Her dedication to creating engaging and accessible materials benefits her students and fellow educators, as she ensures her resources are helpful and inclusive for all.
Judy holds a Master of Arts in Character Education, a testament to her commitment to holistic student development. With a keen interest in writing materials that resonate with her students, Judy's passion for teaching extends to crafting curriculum that sparks curiosity and facilitates meaningful learning experiences