Meet the ISC teachers and staff

Tutor in English Language
Qualifications: BA, MSc, TEFL, DELTA and PGCE in ESOL

"I have been teaching English since 1992, when I went to Turkey to work having done an introductory TEFL course. After 7 years in Istanbul I came back to England to live in Brighton and gained a higher-level diploma (Cambridge DELTA). Before coming to ISC Sussex I was working in a college of Further Education, where I did a PGCE in ESOL.

As well as teaching, I have been studying since I started a BA in philosophy at Bosphorus University in Istanbul, graduating with honours in 1999. After returning to the UK I completed an MSc in philosophy of social science at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2003.  In 2004 I started work on my doctorate in philosophy of cognitive science in the Informatics Department here at the University of Sussex. This year I have presented my work at several international conferences and started teaching philosophy to undergraduates.

Outside the classroom I enjoy climbing mountains and camping in difficult-to-get-to places, an activity I now like to share with my daughter, Ayla, who was born in 2005."

Tutor in Media Studies & English Language
Qualifications: BA (Hons), MA, CELTA

"I began teaching English here in the city of Brighton where I gained my CELTA qualification. However, I love to travel and regularly visit Europe to teach English in various countries for short periods. My first passion in life was for art and visual media, which culminated in my BA (hons) Fine Art and Critical Theory from Goldsmiths College in London. As an artist involved in media and theory I still practice photography and occasionally exhibit my work in Brighton.

My creative work and interests have always included writing and literature which brought me to study my MA Creative and Critical Writing here at Sussex University, an eclectic mix of creative practice and critical theory of English. I'm a practising writer of poetry and regularly read my work in Brighton at various literary events.

I was fortunate to begin teaching at the ISC at the inception of the Media Studies programme, and to develop an exciting course that works closely with the media department of the University. For me working in a school full of energy and diversity surrounded by outstanding natural beauty is an experience I relish."

Tutor in Sociology and Business Studies
Qualifications: BA, RSA cerf CELTA, PGCE

"I studied English and Politics, and have 10 years' experience teaching English, Business English and Sociology internationally. I was born and bred in London and I began my career there before moving to Spain and teaching at schools and businesses in the magnificent city of Barcelona. Teaching English to Spanish businesspeople was enjoyable as I got to travel around, teaching on-site. I also learned Spanish, marvelled at the wonderful architecture of Gaudi and Muntaner and managed to catch a famous Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

My next stop was Tokyo, where I was in big demand from schools and businessmen and nearly worked myself into an early grave. I spent several years there and taught politics in English to university professors, Business English classes, and children at Japanese secondary schools, as well as developing my knowledge of the language and culture. Returning to England, I spent some time teaching at a secondary school as well as teaching international students here.

In my spare time I enjoy going to gigs, the theatre and walking in the lovely countryside. I am also a long-suffering supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. A keen sportman, I enjoy swimming and playing football. I will presently embark on an MSc at Sussex as well as continuing my eternal quest to master Japanese."

Foundation Programme Manager
Qualifications: BA, PGCE

"My teaching career began in 1981 at the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I taught in secondary schools in the Brighton area for six years before moving to the Dominican Republic where I was Head of the English Department at the Abraham Lincoln School, a bilingual international school in La Romana: all of the students went on to further education and I prepared many of them for entrance to universities in the United States.

Although I enjoyed my time in the Dominican Republic where I learned Spanish, polo and salsa, and also met my husband and had a daughter, I have now moved back permanently to Brighton with my family – and I here I am, back at my old university!

Having been born abroad and travelled for much of my life, I can well relate to the difficulties involved in adapting to a new home and culture. It is a challenge, but certainly worthwhile, both for the students and for the University.

Tutor in English language
Qualifications: BA, Cert Ed, Dip TESOL, Certificat Pratique de Langue Française (French Language Certificate), nihongo noryoku shomeisho (Japanese Language Certificate)

"I have been a teacher all my working life, initially as a teacher of French and German in British secondary schools, and latterly as a teacher of English as a foreign language. I have worked in a number of schools of English in the Brighton area and spent nearly three years teaching English in Japan.

I have had much experience of meeting people from many countries, having been a student in a German grammar school, a student at the University of Paris (Sorbonne) as well as at a variety of academic institutions in Britain, including the Universities of Sussex, Brighton and the Open University. Currently I am studying for a Master's degree in TESOL at the University of Brighton and I am an examiner for IELTS.

As a result of my time in Japan, I wrote a book about my experiences in that country. I am a veteran of the 1968 Paris barricades, a former captain of Rugby and hold a Black Belt in karate."

Head of Centre
Qualifications: BA (Hons), Trinity Cert TESOL, DELTA

"I started my career in teaching English working in Moscow, Russia, which was the most fantastic experience. I've always loved travelling and getting to know other cultures, and I also love learning other languages. I'm fascinated by how languages work, and the process of learning languages, and my own experience has really helped me to help my students!

When I returned to the UK, I worked in a language school in Cambridge for 7 years, initially as a teacher and more recently as the Director of Teaching. I'm now very happy to be at the International Study Centre; I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world and I learn so much from the students.

Outside of work I like to keep active; I cycle to work every day and I enjoy doing yoga and walking in the hills. It's great living by the sea, although I find it a bit cold for swimming!"

English Tutor
Qualifications: MA TESOL, DELTA, PG Dip ELT Mgt

"I started teaching English in 1990 in Switzerland. When I came back to England in 1994, I worked at a language school in Brighton & Hove teaching General English and ESP Hotel Management and Tourism. Since that time I have also taught IELTS and Business English, taught in Vietnam, managed several Summer schools, have worked as a Director of Teaching, Academic Director and a CELTA teacher trainer. I am now delighted to join the University of Sussex ISC and look forward to teaching here.

I have two grown up children and outside of work I enjoy yoga, cycling, going to the cinema and restaurants and travelling to warmer climates."

Tutor of English
Qualifications: BSc Econ, CTEFLA, PGCE

"On leaving school, I read economics at The London School of Economics. I then had a period travelling and living abroad, during which I took my first steps in my two subsequent professions: gardening and teaching English. I worked for ten years as a landscape gardener in South London, before moving to the south coast of England and qualifying as a teacher of English as a foreign language. I worked as a tutor, both self-employed and for private language schools, before spending ten years in the state sector teaching EFL at Hastings College. Towards the end of this time I gained my PGCE in post-sixteen education.

My specialty is grammar and writing. I have a certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Sussex, and in 2008 I began the development of my web site for grammar and writing exercises: www.rainschool.com, which I am still developing. I also remain actively involved in creative writing on my own account and am an enthusiastic blogger.

My interests are antiques and ethnic art, particularly textiles; psychology, poetry writing and cooking. I have one adult daughter who teaches photography at Sunderland University."

Tutor of Chemistry
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), Diploma in Education (University of East Africa, Uganda).

"I have been teaching at Sussex ISC since January 2008. When I left the University of East Anglia I went to Uganda and studied for a teaching qualification as part of the UK Government Assistance Programme for East Africa. I then taught in Kenya for two and a half years and then returned to the UK to teach in a secondary school in Brighton.

After two terms I moved to teaching in Further Education where I spent 35 years teaching a range of chemistry and related courses to post-16 students. In addition to my ISC teaching I also teach teacher-trainees who need to enhance their chemistry prior to taking a Science PGCE at Sussex.

I am very interested in oenology (wine) and regularly hold wine-tasting seminars for colleagues and others with this interest. I also pride myself on being a good cook and enjoy cooking for family and friends. My hobbies are travel, opera and history, particularly military history, and I am an avid reader. I enjoy travelling and intend to see as much of the world as I can."

Centre Administration Manager
Qualifications: BA (Hons)

 "I have worked at the ISC since its doors opened in September 2006 and was heavily involved in the set up and creation of the administration systems for the Centre.It has been a wonderful experience seeing it go from strength to strength and to witness our students progressing smoothly onto the undergraduate programmes at the University of Sussex.

I really enjoy the variety of my work at the ISC, including finance, the planning and management of the administration, and running the examinations. ISC students come to me for advice on many things – timetables, course changes, fee payments, examinations, and travel arrangements to name but a few. My door is always open – it's the best way to get to know them.

Although not originally from Brighton, I’ve lived here since 1993, having left a career in Marketing, Advertising and PR in London to raise my children by the sea. I was delighted to return to this wonderful city, as originally I had graduated from University of Brighton with a BA in Business Studies and Diplomas in Marketing (CIM) and Market Research (MRS) - so I’ve first-hand experience of student life in Brighton!"

English Tutor
Qualifications: BA (Hons)

 "I started my career in 1996, teaching in a language school in Poland.  After a four year stint in Hungary, I came back to England. I taught in London before moving to Brighton in 2002.

I have taught all levels, age groups and exams and have been lucky enough to travel around the world doing teacher training. I was a Director of Studies for six years before starting at ISC.

Alongside working at ISC, I am also a Sussex student, studying for my MA in Applied Linguistics."

Head of English
Qualifications: MA, BA (Hons) DELTA, Cert. TEFLA

"I have many years experience within ELT as a teacher/trainer, Director of Studies, ELT course book writer, E-Learning Designer, examiner and consultant, working mainly in Australia, Syria, Yemen, Spain and Britain.

I am fascinated by learning and journeys and am passionate about developing others on theirs'. So what's mine? Well, it's been a great ride. I started out as a teacher at a language school called ELC in Bristol, where I became addicted to being involved in the melting pot of cultures and nationalities I came across. I soon developed an interest in using literature, media and film in language teaching, and was fortunate to be supported by the school to pursue my interests. This led to my involvement with IATEFL; for several years I was the IATEFL Media Special Interest Group Coordinator, where I regularly presented at and helped organise conferences. I continue to run workshops and training sessions, the most recent being at Cardiff IATEFL 2009: 'Filming Teacher Training for E Learning.'

At IH Madrid I became a trained CELTA trainer, and around this time I got involved in materials design. I have written a wide range of courses (Adult, Primary and Secondary) for Pearson, ELI and especially Richmond Publishing, Spain, for whom I was Series Creator of Elevator and Elevator International. In the last couple of years, I have been supporting international students at the University of Sussex with their Academic Development, teaching EAP and developing E-Learning materials. I am delighted to join USISC and look forward to the next stage of the journey!

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy writing music - a few years ago I was Artist in Residence at PAVLOV Media Lab, in the Netherlands. I also love doing just about any kind of sport."