From one class pack to a million hours of environmental education. ELT author and creator of Picker Pals, Patrick Jackson, shares how a single idea grew into a movement that’s transformed classrooms and communities. From storytelling and sustainability to litter-picking with families, Patrick explains how Picker Pals empowers children to take action, while learning along the way.

Watch with closed captions.

• How Patrick’s early ELT materials inspired Picker Pals
• What a classroom teddy has to do with environmental action
• Why creative projects lead to bigger career breakthroughs
• The joy and power of collaboration — even with competitors
• How to bring real-world issues into the classroom

ABOUT

Patrick Jackson is an ELT author known for publications such as Everybody Up and Shine On. From 1996 to 2008, he lived and taught in Japan, and has since travelled widely as a speaker, sharing practical, common-sense approaches to language education. Patrick is especially interested in how classrooms can connect meaningfully with the wider world — and believes they’re at their best when they become places of purpose.

Since 2018, he has been the Creative Director of Picker Pals, an award-winning programme that motivates and equips primary school children to lead their families on litter-picking adventures and build a positive environmental mindset. Picker Pals has now been adopted by 72% of Irish primary schools and is expanding internationally.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

🔗 Picker Pals World

🔗 Follow on LinkedIn

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Patrick Jackson

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Business English gets a bad reputation — stiff, overly formal, and filled with irrelevant vocabulary lists. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Megan Nicholls, multilingual educator and founder of Mega Language Coach, invites us to reimagine how Business English can be taught. From high-stakes presentations to hallway small talk, Meg shares how she co-creates flexible, relevant lessons that reflect her students' real communication needs.

Watch with closed captions.

1. Why “two experts in the room” is Megan’s go-to teaching philosophy
2. How she tailors sessions on the fly (including maternity leave vocabulary)
3. Why spontaneous conversations can be more valuable than structured grammar drills
4. Her best tip for helping learners see their progress, even when they can’t
5. What Business English teachers can learn from language learners themselves

ABOUT

Meg is from Manchester, UK. Her 10 years of teaching experience inspired her to start Mega Language Coach, offering individual classes online. Her speciality is Business English for professionals, interview preparation and improving spoken fluency, thanks to her background in marketing. She has plenty of experience living abroad and working in multilingual international environments. Meg speaks German and French and is currently learning Spanish, whilst travelling in Mexico. She aims to bring joy to the learning process, focusing on active speaking in the classroom.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

🔗 Mega Language Teaching

🔗 Follow on LinkedIn

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Megan Nicholls

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lewis Jaquest joins Laura to explore how emergent language and learner agency can transform the language classroom. In this episode, Lewis shares how he developed the Student Emergent Language Framework (SELF), reflects on his transition to bottom-up teaching, and unpacks what truly makes language learning meaningful.

Watch with closed captions.

1. What is Emergent Language? How Lewis discovered the power of emergent language through real-world teaching—and how it aligned with Dogme ELT and "Teaching Unplugged".
2. Letting Go of Control: Why embracing messiness and letting go of rigid lesson plans can lead to more meaningful learning.
3. The Student Emergent Language Framework (SELF): How SELF helps learners track, reflect on, and own their learning—plus how it can reverse-engineer an entire syllabus.
4. Reflection as a Teaching Tool: Lewis shares how reflection (for both teachers and students) underpins his framework—and why it’s often overlooked.
5. From Framework to Podcast: How Lewis’s learners used the SELF framework to create their own language podcast, showcasing language they truly needed.

ABOUT

Lewis Jaquest is a passionate English language and communication trainer and materials writer from Swansea, South Wales. He has worked in ELT for nearly 20 years. He began teaching English in Hamburg, Germany in 2007 and went on to do a Diploma in Teaching in Barcelona in 2019. Lewis founded his language and communication business, Wordsmithery, in the same year and transitioned to online teaching in 2020. He’s particularly interested in helping Business English learners communicate authentically and creates tailor-made materials for his online lessons which focus on exploiting emergent learner language to make learning experiences that are interactive, engaging and fun. He writes the regular newsletters “Gimme 5 “ for learners and “Bright Sparks - the Creative Business English Teacher” for educators. 

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

🔗 The SELFI framework for emergent language

🔗 Wordsmithery.ELT

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Lewis Jaquest

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University lecturer Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse joins Laura to share how she’s using academic debate to help STEM PhD students become more confident communicators. In this episode, Anila shares how debate boosts her students’ teamwork, critical thinking, and language skills. You’ll also hear how she integrates controversial topics, intercultural collaboration, and real-world research into her EAP classes.

Watch with closed captions.

1. Why Debate? The benefits of debate for science students — from thinking on your feet to tackling tough questions at conferences.
2. Debating the Unexpected: How students explore both sides of controversial issues, often arguing a side they don’t personally agree with.
3. Not Just Language Practice: Why students are judged on the quality of their arguments and not their grammar.
4. Teamwork & Mediation: What happens when physicists, chemists, and engineers work together across cultures.
5. Winning Isn’t Everything: How structured competition builds confidence, curiosity, and deeper engagement in class.

ABOUT

Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse teaches general and academic English to undergraduate and PhD STEM students at the University of Parma, Italy. With qualifications including a degree in foreign languages, the Cambridge DELTA, and the CertPT, she brings a strong background in language education, assessment, and teacher training.

Anila’s work explores teaching and assessing ESP/EAP, task-based learning, and the role of emotions in the classroom. She’s a regular conference presenter and has published widely on learner needs, teacher development, and academic communication. Above all, she’s passionate about helping learners and educators thrive through reflective practice and meaningful challenge.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

🔗 LinkedIn

🔗 Academia.edu

🔗 ResearchGate

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Allis, experienced ESL teacher and travel creator, joins Laura to share hard-won lessons from a global teaching career that spans China, Iraq, Thailand and beyond. In this candid conversation, Scott unpacks five key things to check before signing a contract—and what to do when the job doesn’t match what was promised. Whether you're teaching abroad, considering your next move, or advising others on job offers, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories to help you make informed career decisions.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. What Looks Good on Paper Isn’t Always the Right Fit: Scott reflects on contracts that promised the world, but delivered far less—and how to read between the lines.
2. What Scott Checks Before Signing: From checking the exit clause to aligning work expectations with your lifestyle.
3. Knowing Your Priorities: Why your dealbreakers matter more than rankings or salaries.
4. Tips for Confident Negotiation: How to ask for what you need—without feeling like you’re being difficult.

ABOUT

Scottie is an experienced ESL teacher with over ten years of teaching in places like Wuhan and Baghdad, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, he shares five essential lessons on finding the right contract as an ESL teacher—focusing on what works for your lifestyle, not just what looks best on paper. Alongside his teaching, Scottie creates mindful adventure travel content on Instagram and will soon launch YouTube content. Follow Scott on Instagram: @scottallis

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Scott Allis

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Schmidt, professional development consultant and long-time adult educator, joins Laura to share his journey from enduring uninspiring training sessions to leading transformative ones. In this episode, Steve reflects on what makes professional development meaningful, how he overcame self-doubt, and why fear never fully disappears — but can be used as fuel for growth.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. Why “Bad PD” Sparked a New Mission. How sitting in the back of dull sessions inspired Steve to raise the bar on professional learning.
2. The Baby Steps to Becoming a PD Leader. From Saturday workshops to national keynotes — how Steve gradually built his confidence.
3. Facing the Fear (and Doing It Anyway). Insights from Dr Susan Jeffers’ “Five Truths of Fear” and how they apply to every educator.
4. Redefining Failure as Learning. Why Steve sees setbacks as “O Flags” — opportunities for learning and growth — and how you can too.
5. Practising What We Preach. A reminder that educators deserve the same self-compassion and encouragement we give our learners.

ABOUT

Steven Schmidt is a professional development consultant with decades of experience in adult education. After years working as a classroom teacher and programme administrator, Steve shifted into full-time PD, delivering training across the U.S. and sharing practical insights on confidence, connection, and lifelong learning. He currently supports educators through keynote talks, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Connect on LinkedIn or send Steve an email here.

References

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr Susan Jeffers

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THE PRODUCER'S EDIT

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Steven Schmidt

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creators of TESOL Pop, Laura Wilkes and Technical Director Haven Tsang, report from IBC 2025 in Amsterdam with practical takeaways for educators using media. From live multilingual captioning and voice overdubs to richer, human-centred metadata and the storytelling craft behind Becoming Led Zeppelin, this episode unpacks the media tech shaping how we teach, learn, and share ideas.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. Live Multilingual Captioning & Dubbing: Why real-time captions plus AI voice overdubs can open up lectures, events, and training to a truly global audience.
2. Search That Thinks Like You: How richer semantic metadata makes archives more findable (think “green car in a courtroom” vs keyword guesswork).
3. Story First, Always: Lessons from Becoming Led Zeppelin on research, restraint, and choosing a focused narrative over “everything we have in the archive.”
4. Post Is Solved in Pre: Haven’s rule of thumb — plan the storyboards and coverage up front to save time (and headaches) in the edit.
5. What Educators Can Do Now: Concrete ways to start using captions, smarter tagging, and tighter planning in your next course video or podcast.

ABOUT

Haven Tsang has 20+ years of experience in broadcast and post-production. He leads on workflow design, editing, colour and sound for client projects, and supports educators in bringing professional production standards to their videos and podcasts.

REFERENCES

• IBC (International Broadcasting Convention)
• Becoming Led Zeppelin — special screening & Q&A insights
• Everything TechIE Podcast with Justin Dawson
• The Producer’s Edit newsletter — weekly insights for standout educators

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor and Guest: Haven Tsang

Production by Communicating for Impact

Special thanks to IBC for the opportunity to be official content creators this year and for the incredible experience.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joel Floyd, educator and founder of Ignite Career Foundation, joins Laura to share how his team creates an inclusive, learner-centred environment for adult English language learners in the US. In this episode, Joel shares student success stories, explores how community and compassion are embedded into their programmes, and reminds us of the power of reflective teaching.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. A Student's Journey: From qualified pilot in Venezuela to English learner and future Delta Airlines pilot—with a little help from an inclusive learning environment.
2. Meeting Students Where They Are: Why Ignite Career Foundation leads with empathy, compassion and student voice in all aspects of its work.
3. Creating a Sense of Belonging: From first-day classroom observations to student mentors and coffee chats, small touches that help students feel ownership and pride in their learning space.
4. Learning as a Two-Way Street: The importance of building reciprocal relationships in the classroom—and listening as much as teaching.
5. A Call for Reflective Practice: Joel’s advice for teachers on staying curious, seeking feedback, and journaling to keep growing as educators.

ABOUT

Joel Floyd, PhD, is the founder and current Executive Director of the Ignite Career Foundation, formerly known as English for a Lifetime Language Institute, located in Norcross, Georgia, USA. He has held this role since 2012. Dr. Floyd also serves as a State Advocate Fellow for the Coalition on Adult and Basic Education (COABE), representing Georgia in a one-year appointment. In this capacity, he is deeply involved in advocacy efforts for adult education at the local, state, and federal levels. Dr. Floyd's research interests include teacher professional development in adult ELL (English Language Learners) classrooms, critical andragogy among adult ELLs and adult learners in general, and educational leadership in postsecondary non-traditional school settings.

REFERENCES

Ignite Career Foundation

Joel Floyd on LinkedIn

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Jess Li Thorkildsen

Special thanks to our guest, Dr Joel Floyd

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqueline Aguilera, adult educator and digital equity advocate, joins Laura to explore how teachers can embed digital literacy into their lessons without needing separate “computer classes.” In this episode, Jacqueline shares practical tips for building digital skills with limited tech, discusses the impact of the digital divide in Texas, and encourages teachers to focus on what learners already use in their daily lives.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. Silo Busting in Education: Moving beyond subject-specific instruction to integrate real-world digital skills into all areas of teaching.
2. Digital Equity in Texas: Infrastructure, device quality, and access vary widely—even within cities—impacting learners’ experiences.
3. Teaching with What Learners Have: From smartphones to QR codes, using everyday tech to develop essential digital skills.
4. Creating a Learner-Driven Curriculum: Encouraging students to bring in examples from their environment and build personal connections to digital literacy.
5. Empowering Educators: Why teachers don’t need to know everything about tech—and how curiosity can be a superpower in the classroom.

ABOUT

Jacqueline Aguilera is an experienced educator and instructional leader based in Austin, Texas. She specialises in adult education and digital literacy, with a focus on serving refugee communities, second language learners, and students returning to education later in life. With a passion for equity and access, Jacqueline trains instructors across the US to creatively integrate technology into their classrooms and meet learners where they are.

REFERENCES

The Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy, Houston

Jacqueline Aguilera on LinkedIn

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Jess Li Thorkildsen

Special thanks to our guest, Jacqueline Aguilera

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Bodrova, co-founder and CEO of Amazy, explores how technology is positively impacting teaching. Kate shares insights on how Amazy helps educators create and share interactive, media-rich resources while streamlining workflows. In this episode, Laura and Kate also discuss current trends, including AI’s role in education, the rise of the teacherpreneur, and how educators can leverage technology to enhance—rather than replace—human connection in the classroom.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. Introduction to Amazy: A platform that enables teachers to create and share interactive lesson materials, track student progress, and engage learners with various multimedia tools.
2. Current Trends in EdTech: The growing influence of AI, the shift towards a creator economy for educators, and the importance of collecting data to optimize AI tools.
3. Using AI to Empower Educators: How AI can streamline content creation, save time, and support personalized learning experiences without replacing teachers.
4. Maintaining Human Connection in a Digital Age: Why technology should be a tool for enhancing education rather than diluting teacher-student relationships.

ABOUT

Kate Bodrova is the co-founder and CEO of Amazy.uk, a London-based edtech and creator economy startup transforming the way educators create and share interactive learning materials. With a background in ESL teaching and over a decade of experience in education and technology, Kate is the driving force behind Amazy.uk, on a mission to revolutionise how we create and share educational content. Amazy.uk, recognised as the Best Startup in Europe by EdTechX in 2024, also participated in the UCL EdTech Labs accelerator program. Kate is passionate about helping teachers become creators, enabling them to design and share their own materials.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

Amazy.uk

Follow Kate on LinkedIn

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Use code TESOLPOP30 for 30% off Amazy's annual subscription plan.

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Kate Bodrova.

Production by Communicating for Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.