Grow: A podcast from Cambridge

Welcome back to a special episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge where today we welcome Cindy Hoang, EFL teacher at Stafford House, London. In this episode, Cindy and host Joel Cutting explore the first few years of being a new teacher, discussing the realities between academic study and then taking those first steps leading the classroom. Cindy has a unique journey, moving from being a teaching assistant for young learners in Vietnam to leading multilingual adult classes in the UK. She talks honestly about the pressure of studying and teaching in a new country, as well as the small moments that remind her why the job is worth it. In this episode of Grow, you will hear all about:How Cindy navigated the shift from supporting roles into leading her own classes.Practical ways she adapts lessons for different age groups and cultures.How self-reflection, mentorship and a willingness to keep learning have built her confidence. How to create a positive, engaging classroom environment where students feel safe to make mistakes. You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we’re bringing you another episode from Turkey, where we are meeting Seda Kesici in Istanbul. Seda and host Natasha Arain talk honestly about reducing “teacher talking time”, how CELTA and DELTA courses can transform your classroom practice and why it’s important to take time to carefully design your lessons. Hear how one inspiring English teacher changed the course of Seda’s life and how that experience now shapes the way she supports her own students and colleagues.In this episode of Grow, you will learn:Practical advice on managing exam stress with your learners.How to find balance when things feel overwhelming.Honest insights into leadership as an early career teacher.Top tips on leading with empathy and communication.You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability.Find out how you can start your own CELTA or DELTA journey. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join the conversation in your teacher community: Explore fresh ideas, share your insights and connect with educators around the world.Send your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we’re bringing you our first episode from Turkey, where we are meeting Eylem Ateş at Final Schools in Istanbul. Eylem and host Natasha Arain explore what it really means to create classrooms where students feel safe, curious and confident to speak. Eylem shares her journey from teacher to academic leader, practical ideas for programmes and projects that get students genuinely using English, and a “That feeling when…” moment of a once silent learner who “accidentally” discovered he could speak English!In this episode of Grow, you will hear:How Eylem moved beyond grammar-heavy lessons to build voice focused classrooms.How she adapts her teaching approach from preschool to high school students.How she helps her learners think critically and express themselves without fear of mistakes. How Eylem supports teachers through curriculum, coaching and feedback. You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Marcio Souza from his very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios, hears about Marcio’s journey from being raised by a family of educators to conducting doctoral research on Plurilingual intercultural competence in English teaching in the UK. Marcio shares the importance of balancing formal and informal language and celebrating diverse Englishes to equip students for the real world.In this episode of Grow, you will hear about:Navigating the differences between teaching preteens and teens.The importance of plurilingual and intercultural competence. Supporting student’s confidence for international exams.Practical tips for well-being as an educator. You’ll also hear from Jess Rundell from the Cambridge Dictionary team, sharing a top tip for bringing the Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year 2025 into your classroom. Find out more about the Word of the Year 2025 here, and explore free Cambridge Dictionary teaching resources. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join the conversation in your teacher community: Explore fresh ideas, share your insights and connect with educators around the world.Send your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to another episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are back in France, with host Luísa Geão speaking to Clélia Daniel.This episode is a beautiful example of what it means to teach with both presence and passion. We talk all about the rhythm that makes a great teacher a wonderful conductor, and Clélia even shares the joyful ritual of dancing with her pupils every morning. Clélia believes that young learners truly are philosophers but that the key to success in primary education is all about teamwork and continuous learning.In this episode of Grow, you will learn:Short, dynamic activities for young learners.Why movement should be at the heart of every lesson.The importance of language learning as a bridge to understanding different cultures and perspectives.Clélia’s unique philosophy of teaching through rhythm.You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge who share a top tip on delivering actionable feedback. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers, including the Integrated Learning and Assessment course and an ideas pack, at cambridge.org/ILADiscover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Fernanda Maria Parente Batalha from her very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios, learns how Fernanda believes in the importance of connecting with students through real-life examples, personal stories and understanding their individual experience. For her, teaching goes far beyond just delivering content. She shares her honest struggles and brilliant strategies for teaching every age from primary, through to teenagers, and adults. In this episode of Grow, you will hear about:Creating classroom environments where students feel seen, heard and motivated to learn.Strategies for engaging younger students and how current generations interact differently with learning. Learning through play and engagement to create dynamic environments. Inspiring stories of student’s transformation and growth You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on creating effective learning objectives. Explore free, integrated learning and assessment tools for teachers, including our new course, ideas pack and more, at cambridge.org/ILA.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge, host Diana Romero Saucedo speaks with Miguel Espinosa Flores at the Universidad del Valle de México. Miguel, who began his teaching career at 19 years old, reflects on his initial nervousness and how he overcame the challenges of teaching students close to his own age by trusting in his knowledge and a passion for what he does. He discusses the importance of creating a fun and comfortable classroom environment, even in a university setting, and shares why he's so passionate about leaving his mark on the world through education.In this episode you will hear all about:The impact of incorporating student’s interests into lessons. Miguel’s tips for building rapport with students.The shared feeling of accomplishment when a student succeeds.How to strive for improvement in teaching every day.Going beyond language instruction to teach life skills and values.You’ll also hear a top tip from Miranda Hamilton, who has over 25 years experience as a teacher, teacher trainer and educational consultant. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Amanda Benites from her very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios explores Amanda’s heartwarming journey from a shy language learner to an inspiring educator. They dive into the world of bilingual education, the use of technology in the classroom and those magical moments when students truly connect with language. Amanda believes teaching English is about so much more than just grammar and vocabulary - it’s about helping students learn about themselves, build confidence and develop critical life skills. In this episode of Grow, you will discover:Attention-grabbing techniques and mindfulness for engaging young learners. How to create a classroom where mistakes are seen as positive stepping stones to learning. Tips for integrating language learning and technology purposefully.A positive understanding of bilingualism as effective communication. You’ll also hear from educator and materials writer, Michelle Worgan with a top tip that you can use in your classroom! Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. We are excited to bring you a brand new line up of inspiring teacher stories from classrooms around the world. You’ll also meet some new hosts, and a few familiar ones too!We’re starting off in the UK, to meet Laurie Chase, a Senior Teacher and Safeguarding & Wellbeing Lead at LILA College in Liverpool. In this episode we delve into Laurie’s unexpected path into English language teaching, their unique approach to classroom observations, and the innovative staff wellbeing initiatives at their college. Laurie shares how they overcame imposter syndrome and navigated neurodiversity, utilising these challenges to become powerful strengths within the classroom.  Tune in to learn:Valuable insights into overcoming imposter syndrome in the classroom.Tips for supporting neurodivergent students and teachers. How to improve your professional resilience skills.The importance of continuous self-improvement and workplace wellbeing for teachers.You’ll also hear from teacher trainer and materials developer Jade Blue, with a top tip that you can use in your classroom! Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I “grow” with them in their first steps of being a teacher”Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. In this episode we’re joining English Teacher, Helmi Sonneveld in the Netherlands. Helmi has been an inspirational teacher for over 28 years, and now trains future teachers at the start of their careers. From those nerve-wracking first steps in the classroom, through to new magical moments that make teaching so rewarding. Discover classroom life through Helmi’s lens, with her take on working with young adult students, the true art of connecting with learners, and the invaluable lessons she’ll pass on to the next generation of educators.Tune in to hear about: Developing confidence in both students and teachers Addressing individual learning needs with empathy and strategic approachesThe palette of emotions that all teachers embrace throughout their careerOpportunities which open up to learners and educators through learning the English languageHow to reframe classroom development and create connections with studentsEnglish teaching as more than a career, but as a lifelong learning journeyYou’ll also hear from ELT Author and Trainer, Jeremy Harmer who shares his advice on getting students to do their homework. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Grow: a podcast from Cambridge, as we embark on the first stop of our latest journey around the Netherlands. In this episode we're joined by Liesbeth Elbers, from her classroom in Lingecollege MAVO, to explore the art of teaching teenagers. Liesbeth reveals how she connects with her students through genuine interactions, creative five-minute activities and her genuine passion for language - learning as much from her students as they do from her! This episode covers:How to empower the personal growth of teenage students. Balancing the need to be engaging in the classroom, while remaining true to oneself.The need for boundaries, recognition, and opportunities for students to lead their own learning.Strategies for maintaining motivation and making learning interactive and fun.You’ll also hear from Educator and Materials Writer, Michelle Worgan, who will share her top tip for getting students to speak in English during pair or group activities.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘English: the beautiful language’. That simple phrase inspires countless students to engage with a subject that unlocks so much in the world.As a huge advocate for the phrase, Graham Ward is a wonderful example of a teacher who’s been empowering students for over 27 years. He’s now sharing his talents at Fundació Collserola.Graham joins Luísa Geão on episode 6 of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge, to share how he challenges and motivates students, how silence can be such a useful tool, and staying fresh for a new generation of students!This episode coversEmpowering students to be responsible for their own learningHow you can motivate your students by challenging themWhy silence attractsAdapting your teaching to the new generation of studentsYou’ll also hear from Miranda Hamilton who will share her advice on how an integrated learning and assessment approach can help teachers in the classroom. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Florencia Sarsotti has a fascinating, humanistic approach to teaching English which makes her such a passionate force for good at Madre Sacramento school.She joins us in the latest episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge, where she talks through her holistic view on bringing English to life, and how to stay current for new generations of teachers and students alike.This episode coversFlorencia’s holistic approach to engaging studentsHow teachers are adapting to the new generation of pupilsMaking students feel like the school is a home for themThe give and take relationship between teachers and their classesYou’ll also hear from Ben Goldstein, who will provide a top tip for ensuring learners feel like they belong in the classroom, whatever their differences. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.