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.

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KEY 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 & RESOURCES

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

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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.

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KEY 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 & RESOURCES

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.

KEY 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 make a revolution in how we create and share educational content. Amazy.uk, recognized 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.

Amira Salama shares insights on practitioner research and how everyday classroom experiences can contribute to meaningful research. She challenges traditional notions of research and highlights how teachers are already engaging in research without realising it.

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KEY TALKING POINTS

1. Research doesn’t have to be complex—any teacher reflecting on and improving their practice is engaging in research.

2. Sharing findings with colleagues, at conferences, or within schools is just as valuable as publishing in journals.

3. Teachers can use simple methods like student feedback, classroom observations, and collaborative discussions to gather insights.

4. Research helps educators take control of challenges like AI integration and curriculum development.

5. Contextualised, bottom-up approaches to teaching and research are more effective than applying generic ‘best practices.’

ABOUT

Amira Salama is the Chair of the TESOL International Research Professional Council (2024-2025) and the Past President of Africa ELTA. She has an MA TESOL from the American University in Cairo with a research focus on teacher leadership and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in inclusive education. Amira is the winner of the TESOL Outstanding Advocate Honor Award in 2024. She has given a number of plenary and featured talks at local and international conferences and developed teacher training programs in Egypt and Africa with a focus on association leadership in low-resource contexts, classroom research, and women leadership.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

TESOL Research Report

Africa ELTA (Mentoring programmes)

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Amira Salama

Production by Communicating for Impact

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

Jade Arthur explores the concept of gamification in teaching adult learners. In this episode, Laura and Jade dive into common misconceptions about gamification, discuss the importance of intrinsic motivation, and share actionable strategies for making learning fun, engaging, and effective for adults

Watch the episode with closed captions.

KEY TALKING POINTS

What is Gamification?

Jade explains how gamification uses elements like points, challenges, and rewards to enhance learning. She highlights how it can create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences when applied thoughtfully.

Intrinsic Motivation:

Discover why gamification works best when it moves beyond external rewards and fosters a genuine love for learning.

Collaboration Over Competition:

Jade emphasises the importance of designing games that build community and cater to diverse learner needs rather than simply focusing on competition.

Gamification for Adults:

Practical tips for making gamified activities engaging yet appropriate for adult learners. From tone-setting to purposeful game design, Jade shares strategies for creating a low-pressure, high-impact learning environment.

ABOUT

Jade is based in Tennessee, US where she teaches adult English learners pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills online. She has worked for TutorABC, Tutlo, English for IT, and Twenix, helping students from a variety of countries including Taiwan, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain. Her goal is to encourage students to embrace the joy of learning through gamified education and inspire them to achieve creative and financial freedom.

Learn more about Jade:

• Website
• LinkedIn

REFERENCES

• Roman Rackwitz and his work on non-Skinnerian gamification (LinkedIn)
• B. F. Skinner and his work in the 1900s on behavioural psychology (Wikipedia)

MORE FROM TESOL Pop

Try these speaking game ideas with your adult and teen students.

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Jade Arthur

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

Founder of the Learning Cosmos André Hedlund explores the growing challenges of maintaining attention spans in the age of digital distractions. André dives into the impact of screen time, executive functions' role in learning, and how going back to basics can foster focus and resilience in our classrooms.

Watch the episode with closed captions.

KEY TALKING POINTS

Digital Overload:

André highlights how delegating human interaction to devices has contributed to declining IQ levels for the first time in recorded history. He explains why educators must rethink the role of technology in teaching to align with how the brain processes information.

Executive Functions:

André explains the importance of training the brain's "operational control centre'‘ through situations that challenge students' impulse control, emotional regulation, and focus. He emphasises how avoiding frustration deprives learners of opportunities to develop these critical skills.

The Dopamine Dilemma:

André dives into the neuroscience behind dopamine and how easily accessible digital rewards disrupt the brain's balance. He advocates for finding healthier ways to engage students without relying on instant gratification.

Back to Basics:

From play-based learning to fostering genuine human connections, André urges educators to revisit traditional methods that prioritise interaction, exploration, and meaningful experiences over digital dependence.

ABOUT

André Hedlund is a Chevening (pronounced as evening) Alumnus, MSc Psychology of Education - University of Bristol, Educational Consultant, Speaker, Author, and Guest Lecturer on Bilingualism and Cognition in Postgraduate courses. He currently works as an e-moderator in British Council training programs. André is the leader of BRAZ-TESOL’s Mind, Brain, and Education SIG and the founder of the Learning Cosmos.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

• The Learning Cosmos Substack
• The Learning Cosmos Instagram
• Haidt, J. (2024) The Anxious Generation. Penguin
• Hedlund, A. (2022) The Owl Factor: Reframing your Teaching Philosophy. Independent

LISTEN TO MORE

TESOL Pop Season 5, Episode 7: The Know, Show and Grow Stages of Teaching and Learning with André Hedlund

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, André Hedlund

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

Founder of Blue Noun, Ruth Pringle, discusses her innovative approach to immersive English learning. Ruth shares how combining outdoor exploration, artistic activities, and community engagement transforms English learners into confident English users.

Watch with closed captions here.

What is Blue Noun?

Ruth introduces Blue Noun, a language hub in Crieff, Scotland, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Perthshire. Unlike traditional classrooms, Blue Noun offers English learners real-life opportunities to practice language skills while immersing themselves in the local culture.

Learner to User: The Mindset Shift

Ruth highlights the distinction between English learners and English users. She shares how focusing on using "wonky" English in authentic settings can help individuals overcome self-doubt and build confidence in their abilities.

Tailored Experiences

Each experience at Blue Noun is unique. Ruth shares examples of activities, like visiting local artist studios, participating in mosaic workshops, and exploring the scenic outdoors. These activities help learners pick up workplace-relevant vocabulary and build meaningful connections.

Power of Playful Learning

Ruth explains how immersive and tactile experiences—like creating art or having informal conversations—allow learners to integrate English naturally into their identities, making language learning less about perfection and more about connection.

ABOUT

Ruth offers English language coaching holidays in Perthshire, Scotland. These are curated immersive experiences that explore Scotland's landscapes and cultures and give ‘1000s of micro moments of you being you, in English’. Her background is in the arts. She spent 10 years exhibiting as an installation artist around Europe, UK & the USA and began teaching English to support this – first in a corporate language school, then freelance for art and architecture schools. She began the Blue Noun Hub 5 years ago, to unite L1 & L2 English users through stories, projects and a love of natural Scotland.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

• Blue Noun - Real Conversation-based English Holidays, Courses and Coaching
• View the gallery of photos of Blue Noun Immersive English Holidays.

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Ruth Pringle.

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

Senior Teaching Associate Josianne Block shares insights on how embracing learners’ linguistic resources can enhance communication, foster inclusivity, and create a more dynamic learning environment.

Closed captions here.

What is translanguaging?

Josianne defines translanguaging as the natural blending of languages to communicate effectively. She shares real-world examples, such as using gestures, words from other languages we know, and cultural knowledge to convey meaning.

The role of translanguaging

Josianne explains how translanguaging reflects the interconnected nature of languages in our minds. Far from being a shortcut, it’s a powerful tool for building confidence and fostering curiosity among learners.

Classroom strategies

Josianne describes how she incorporates translanguaging by:

• Starting lessons by writing vocabulary words in learners' languages.
• Exploring cross-linguistic similarities with idioms and expressions.
• Creating visual displays that highlight the linguistic diversity of her students.

Safe learning spaces

Josianne emphasises the importance of establishing clear guidelines for using learners’ first languages. She shares how this approach helps students transition from relying on their native languages to gaining confidence in English.

1. Vocabulary Connections: Begin a lesson by having students write translations of key vocabulary in other languages they speak on the board to spark engagement.
2. Compare Idioms: Discuss an English idiom and invite students to share similar expressions in their own languages.
3. Celebrate Linguistic Diversity: Create classroom charts or displays featuring common phrases in all the languages spoken by your learners.

ABOUT

Josianne is based in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean. She has over ten years of teaching experience in English and currently works as a senior teaching associate at the University of Malta. Josianne holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL and is also qualified to teach Italian and Maltese as foreign languages. Having taught several integration programmes, she is particularly interested in language dynamics and linguistic diversity within multilingual contexts. She also actively participates in local and international ELT conferences and enjoys conducting research.

REFERENCES

• Garcia, O., & Wei, L. (2014). Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Kerr, P. (2014). Translation and Own-language Activities. Cambridge University Press.
• Translanguaging Guides. CUNY-NYSIEB. (2021). Available at https://www.cunynysieb.org/ translanguaging-re Accessed on 19/11/2024.

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our inspiring guest, Josianne Block.

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

Shélynn Riel explores what it means to be a teacherpreneur and shares insights on how teachers can transition to entrepreneurship and leverage their skills to build flexible, impactful careers

Watch the episode with closed captions here.

What is Teacherpreneurship?

Shé describes a teacherpreneur as an educator who leverages their teaching skills to start and run their own business. This can include freelancing, consulting, creating educational materials, and more.

Essential Skills for Teacherpreneurs

Teachers already possess numerous skills that are useful in business, such as communication, organisation, flexibility, and empathy. Shé shares how these skills can be applied to tasks like marketing, lesson planning, and managing a business.

Paths to Teacherpreneurship

Shé outlines common paths, such as:

• Online Language Company Freelancer: A structured entry point where teachers work for language companies that handle logistics and curriculum.
• Marketplace Tutor: Teachers set their own rates and create course content while using tutoring platforms like Preply or Cambly to connect with students.
• Independent Teacherpreneur: Teachers establish their own brand, market their services, and have complete control over their business and teaching methods.

ABOUT

Shélynn (Shé) Riel is Bridge's Expert Series Webinar Moderator and IDELTOnline instructor. She holds a Master of Education in TESOL and over fifteen years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Shé has held positions of leadership in curriculum development and program administration at universities and non-profits in the U.S., served as a facilitator for various digital exchanges for global English teachers, and delivered professional development to teachers on the ground in Argentina, Bangladesh, and China. Her interests include holistic teacher development, learner identity, and decolonial ethics in the language classroom. She is the co-creator of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, which focuses on reflective practices for teachers around the world.

REFERENCES

• Bridge Teacherpreneur Academy

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our inspiring guest, Shélynn Riel.

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

Multilingual speaker Urmi Hossain joins us to share her experiences learning multiple languages and the personalised strategies she’s developed. Urmi’s learning journey highlights the importance of finding methods that resonate with personal goals, interests, and cultural backgrounds.

Watch the episode with closed captions here.

Learning with Purpose

Urmi discusses how each language she’s learned holds a different significance in her life, from family connections to career advancement. By setting clear goals, she maintains motivation and purpose in her studies.

Overcoming Dialect Differences

Living in Canada, Urmi encountered distinct French dialects that challenged her listening skills. She shares how she adapted to these variations, gaining confidence in her ability to comprehend diverse accents and expressions.

Staying Motivated

Urmi stays driven through vision boards, regular goal check-ins, and strategic reminders. She believes motivation plays a vital role in language learning success, especially when progressing independently.

ABOUT

Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she is currently residing. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, polyglot, and mentor. She is the holder of the CFA charter as well as the CAIA charter. Her first book is: Discovering your identity, a rebirth from interracial struggle. She is an advocate of women's empowerment and very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the organisation called Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead where she spreads the message of gender equality and more women in leadership positions. She enjoys being a promoter of self-investing and personal development. Fun fact: she speaks 4.5 languages - Italian, Bengali, English, French and Spanish being the .5

FOLLOW

• LinkedIn
• My Ways Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our inspiring guest, Urmi Hossain.

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