DEVELOPOD - The IATEFL TDSIG Podcast

Епизоди

• Episode 71: Developod Episode 71 - Musings/Reflections on IATEFL 2026 and professional development: key takeaways with Natalia Wright 25.05.2026 33мин

  In this episode, Helen talks with Natalia Wright, an experienced ELT practitioner and academic with over 30 years in the field, outlining her professional journey and key influences. Natalia completed her BA in 1990, later earning an MA from the University of Chichester and a doctorate from the University of Glasgow. She currently teaches at the American University of the Middle East in Kuwait. Natalia credits organisations like the British Council and the Norwich Institute for Language Education as shaping her development. She also reflects on the IATEFL 2026 conference, highlighting plenary talks by Patricia and Larissa that focused on language diversity and peace education. Although she was unable to attend in-person due to the war, she followed #IATEFL2026 via recordings and social media. She emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and staying connected to the global ELT community despite challenging circumstances. More about Natalia:Her researcher account: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8108-1241She recently co-edited a book, to be published in July, that she positions in the context of de-globalisation, a topic resonant with some of the IATEFL plenary speakers' talks. Here: https://link.springer.com/book/9783032270405 To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 70: Developod Episode 70 - Developing, supporting, and communicating in ELT with Anna Loseva 27.04.2026 33мин

  In this episode, Anna Loseva chats with Helen. She shares her ELT to EAP journey from tutoring at 19 to teaching in Moscow, Japan, and Vietnam. She highlights the impact of supportive and communicative management and workplace environments, the value of professional community (Twitter, ITDI), and her focus on academic skills in higher education. Proud of moving to Japan in 2015, she encourages listeners to take small steps toward big development goals.In this episode, Anna mentioned:- Six Things by Lindsay Clandfield- Sandy Millin's blog (in the unlikely case someone still doesn't know about it)- iTDi- her blogFollow her social media accounts on Facebook or LinkedIn.
• Episode 69: Developod Episode 69 - Discussing growth from Teacher to Trainer with Matthew Ellman 30.03.2026 30мин

  In this episode, Helen chats with Matthew Ellman, a teacher, trainer, and author, discussing his journey from music to accounting and then ELT. He highlights his work with Cambridge University Press, focusing on teacher development and training, and they discuss Matthew's dissertation on video-supported feedback, which won the British Council's MA Dissertation Award in 2018. They also consider the importance of context in teaching and the impact of social media and AI on ELT. Matthew advocates for critical reflection on AI's role in classrooms and the need for teachers to assert their expertise. He also discusses his approach to training trainers, emphasizing practical, professional, and personal aspects. He encourages teachers to be critical when considering how they are using AI in the classroom and ensure that the use actually benefits themselves and learners, to reflect on its use, and share what they’ve experienced with the ELT community so we can all learn together.Matthew’s dissertation: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/matthew_ellman_university_of_birmingham_dissertation.pdf His book on Amazon: From Teacher to Trainer. Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewellman/Matthew on BlueSky: @mattellman.bsky.social
• Episode 68: Developod Episode 68 - Becoming a freelance ELT Pronunciation Specialist with Emma Walker 23.02.2026 32мин

  In this episode, Helen interviews Emma Walker of Pronunciation with Emma, who describes her journey from early reading support work at age 16 through linguistics studies, CELTA, and a TESOL master’s to becoming a pronunciation specialist and major YouTube educator. Emma explains how her passion for phonetics and classroom experiences with learner listening difficulties led her to focus on pronunciation and listening as closely linked skills, filling a gap she saw in ELT resources. She discusses her pandemic-era experiment teaching through video games on Twitch, the growth of her online pronunciation platform, and the challenges of building a niche business despite skepticism. Reflecting on changes in ELT, she notes that pronunciation now receives more attention and acceptance, including accent diversity, and says that while her future path may evolve, she expects to remain in teaching or coaching and is most proud of her persistence and resilience in building her career. Emma encourages listeners to believe in themselves, because motivation can come and go but determination and consistency can take us there.Emma’s Website: https://pronunciationwithemma.com  Emma’s YouTube Channel “Pronunciation with Emma”: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNfm92h83W2i2ijc5Xwp_IA   Emma on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawalkerteacher/ To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 67: Developod Episode 67 - Keeping the ELT passion alive & adding visual sparkle with Emily Bryson 26.01.2026 33мин

  In this episode, Helen and Emily discuss her eclectic career, including teaching, teacher training, authoring books like Voices for National Geographic Learning, running online courses, and creating doodle and sketchnote visual resources. Emily describes teaching ESOL learners from refugee backgrounds and embraces a nomad lifestyle, traveling while working remotely. She highlights persistent issues in ELT like native speakerism and lack of LGBTQ+ representation, though she notes growing awareness of diverse Englishes and localisation in teaching materials. Looking ahead, Emily will continue visual recording and write about her digital nomad experiences. Emily emphasises how supportive the ELT community is and encourages us to: embrace creativity and messiness in teaching and learning, network and take opportunities, and feel the fear, turn off your inner troll, and draw anyway!Emily’s website: www.EmilyBrysonELT.com   www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/freebies/   www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/all-courses/  www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/resources/ Contact Emily via LinkedIn or Instagram and Facebook @emilybrysonelt or via her website www.EmilyBrysonELT.com/contactIn this episode, Emily references:Voices & Impact: https://www.eltngl.com/sites/Voices/home & https://www.eltngl.com/sites/impact/home   Chia Suan Chong - Successful International Communication: https://chiasuanchong.com/about-me/Rachael Roberts, Business Coaching: www.EarnLiveThriveinELT.comJennifer Murray, Copywriting Support: https://www.bestwordscopywriting.com/   Canva: www.canva.com  To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast
• Episode 66: Developod Episode 66 - Looking back on 40 years of Teacher Development with Adrian Underhill 29.12.2025 49мин

  In this episode, Cecilia Lemos-Harmer and Adrian Underhill explore how language learning is deeply connected to identity, emotion, and embodiment, rather than being a purely intellectual process. Adrian argues that effective language development happens when learners feel psychologically safe, engaged, and willing to experiment with new sounds and expressions. He emphasises the teacher’s role in creating conditions for learning by managing attention, presence, and classroom energy, rather than simply delivering content. He also highlights pronunciation and voice work as gateways to confidence, self-expression, and communicative competence, noting that learners often need permission to “be different” in another language. This conversation between Ceci and Adrian reframes language teaching as a human, relational practice, where awareness, trust, and physical engagement are central to meaningful learning.Visit Adrian’s website: https://adrianunderhill.com/ To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 65: Developod Episode 65 - Embracing colleagues & learners as a supportive Mentor/Communicator with Dr Harry Kuchah Kuchah 24.11.2025 33мин

  Helen and Dr Harry Kuchah Kuchah reflect on his lifelong ELT journey, beginning with helping classmates in Cameroon and moving through roles as a primary-teacher educator, UK-based researcher, Ministry of Education policymaker, IATEFL President, Chair of the British Council’s English Language Advisory Group, and Director of the University of Birmingham’s MSc TESOL programme, where he also mentors four PhD students in multilingual education. Guided by the Ubuntu idea that “I am because you are,” he values community and collective work. Harry notes that ELT is becoming more context-sensitive and globally connected, and he advocates for deeper engagement with multilingualism and how languages enrich one another. Seeing language as a tool rather than a product, he argues for assessment that recognises meaningful, culturally situated communication instead of standard RP norms. Though he never sought leadership, relationships led him there, and he views education as a calling rooted in care, mentorship, and human connection.Harry at the University of Birmingham: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/education/staff/profile?Name=dr-harry-kuchah-kuchah&ReferenceId=206555Harry’s Plenary Session on 'Teaching English in Difficult Circumstances at 2015 IATEFL Conference in Manchester: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/news-and-events/iatefl-online/2015/plenary-harry-kuchah  Harry’s contribution to the British Council Podcast series ‘Our World Connected’  on the theme: What role does English play in our multilingual world? https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/our-world-connected-podcast/english-multilingual-worldHarry’s autobiographical chapter in Alan Maley's open access edited book is available here: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications/case-studies-insights-and-research/developing-expertise-through-experienceThe Publication from the Africa ELTA Teacher Research mentoring programme can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UIKoFKdwynMvNs4Mj5FyaZZioMgwwBPE/viewTo find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast
• Episode 64: Developod Episode 64 - Being an open teacher-learner with Ana Paula Biazon Rocha 27.10.2025 34мин

  In this episode, Helen and Ana Paula Biazon Rocha discuss Ana’s journey in ELT, emphasizing her passion for pronunciation and teacher development. She started teaching at 17 in Brazil, influenced by her family of educators and legacy. Anna's interest in pronunciation stemmed from personal challenges and feedback from teacher trainers – while seeking to improve, she discovered a passion. She highlights her shift from a teacher-centered to a student-centered approach, the importance of human connection in learning, and the need for us teachers to feel that we’re not alone but  part of a teaching community. Ana's career evolved through self-study, workshops, and courses, including a Cambridge Delta and an MA in TESOL. She says that students become teachers who become students… The learning cycle is ongoing! Ana advises novice teachers and those coming to another country to learn, grow, and teach to believe in themselves, study, and embrace continuous learning. Be an open teacher-learner and find your passions!Ana mentions:- Cambridge Delta- MA in Applied Linguistics - University of Sheffield- MA in TESOL - University of Sheffield(Ana completed the MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL in the academic year 2017-2018. After the COVID pandemic, this course was split into two: MA in Applied Linguistics and MA in TESOL, so her original Masters course does not exist anymore at the University of Sheffield. Students choose one or the other now.)- An article Ana wrote: MA student Ana Paula Biazon Rocha on why she chose Sheffield(Side note: This goes back when she was interviewed by the University of Sheffield to talk about my life as an MA student in 2018. After she finished her MA course, she started working as an English Language Tutor at the English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) at the University of Sheffield and has been doing so for nearly seven years. So she was a student who became a staff member at the university.)- IATEFL PronSIG blogListeners can contact Ana by email: a.p.biazon-rocha@sheffield.ac.uk or on social media:1. LinkedIn: (her full name: Ana Paula Biazon Rocha)2. Instagram: @anapaulabiazonrocha3. Facebook: Ana Paula Biazon RochaTo find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast
• Episode 63: Developod Episode 63 - From Teaching to Publishing: Jumping in and Speaking up with Dr JPB Gerald 29.09.2025 32мин

  In this episode, Helen & JPB Gerald discuss his professional foundation in ELT and his current work writing articles, essays, and books, focusing on language, race, neurodivergence, and critiquing the ELT industry. Justin talks about motivation, personal struggles, his writing process and style, and shares his evolution as a writer. He shares his perspectives on academic writing and the importance of grounding theory and personal connections in research. He also discusses slavery along with overt and subtle racism and oppression. and self-identifies as a "heckler", pointing out that if we don’t jump in and speak out, nothing will change. Check out his website: https://jpbgerald.com/To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 62: Developod Episode 62 - Embracing a non-linear (messy) ELT CPD Journey with Laura Patsko 25.08.2025 33мин

  In this episode, Helen & Laura Patsko discuss her ELT journey, describing her career as a mix of diverse elements, like salad or spaghetti. She began in advertising, transitioned to ELT after influential conversations, and completed her CELTA and DELTA in Prague. Laura then worked in teacher training and for Cambridge University Press before going freelance. She emphasizes the evolving acceptance of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) and the impact of technology, particularly messaging apps, on remote professional development. Laura advocates for embracing the “mess” of non-linear "squiggly" career paths following personal interests and values over a rigid career trajectory, if that is right for you.You can find Laura on LinkedIN.Laura’s Portfolio:https://blackbirdlxd.com/?page_id=494The “Continuing Professional Development through mobile messaging apps” project Laura did in 2023 with BC Argentina: https://americas.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/0412_cpd_report_eng.pdfLaura mentions:Sandy Millain’s Take your Time DELTA: https://www.takeyourtimedelta.com/NILE’s distance teacher training: https://www.nile-elt.com/catalog?pagename=NILE-OnlineTo find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast
• Episode 61: Developod Episode 61 - Becoming a Teacher-Researcher by asking questions in ELT with Chiara Bruzzano 28.07.2025 33мин

  In this episode, Helen and Chiara Bruzzano talk about her professional development journey, her work in teacher education, writing, and research, those who impacted her CPD, and the role of research in ELT and the importance of its accessibility. She points out that teachers are the experts in and know what’s best for their own context, and talks about keeping academic research accessible to ensure it isn’t overly-complex or opaque. She shares how ELT has changed over the 13 years she’s been immersed in the work, and how she’s witnessed a shift in nativespeakerism. She shares her passion for her freelance LanguageED work and pursuing her PhD research into the role of standardised tests and their impact on communities such as refugees, asylum seekers, and forced migrants. She wants teachers to always ask “the big questions” because they/you have the power and are the experts.LanguagEd blog: https://languaged.org/blog  LanguagEd YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@languaged  Modern English Teacher blog: https://www.modernenglishteacher.com/blog-by-chiara-bruzzano?page=1 Sign up link for Chiara’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ha8EaResearch project for the British Council: https://forcedmigrantsielts.weebly.com/Chiara’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiarabruzzano/Also, feel free to get in touch via email: chiara@languaged.org Chiara reached out to us at Developod after listening to Episode 56 “Becoming a Humanistic Teacher Trainer with Rachel Tsateri”, and from that email and written discussion came this episode!If YOU want to talk to us about Developod, email: tdsig.podcast@iatefl.org To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• REPOST: Episode 20 - Mental Health With Phil Longwell 21.07.2025 42мин

  On July 17th, Phil Longwell passed away. He was an extraordinary teacher and remarkable human being who often attended TDSIG events, including our PCEs and recent 40th Anniversary celebration. We will miss him.In tribute, we are reposting episode 20 of Developod, where he was interviewed by Christian to mark Mental Health Week in the UK. They discuss Phil's personal experiences with mental health issues, what ELT employers can do to help their employees, and what teachers can do to manage their own well being. It's a great example of how Phil used his own struggles to selflessly support teachers around the world.Phil's blog: https://teacherphili.com/IATEFL Q&A on Phil Longwell’s Webinar on Mental Health in ELT:https://www.iatefl.org/news-views/q%26-phil-longwell%E2%80%99s-webinar-mental-health-eltScreencast Recording from Phil Longwell on Improving the Mental Health of English Language Teachers:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijFMplEgKWsBlog from Phil Longwell on Covid-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing:https://teacherphili.com/2020/03/21/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing/Mental Health First Aid Training Courses e.g.:https://www.sja.org.uk/courses/workplace-mental-health-first-aid/Free courses:Understand the Physiological impact of lockdown on our Wellbeing and Mental Health on Maudsley Learning and Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust’s course (the UK's premier mental health training organisation): https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/psychological-impact-of-covid-19Help Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression with the University of Reading: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/low-mood-during-covid-19Manage Mental Health and Stress on Coventry University's course: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/managing-mental-health
• Episode 60: Developod Episode 60 - Pushing for the change you want to see in ELT with Varinder Ünlü 30.06.2025 22мин

  In this episode, Didar speaks with Varinder Ünlü about her professional development journey in both teaching and training as well as the importance of inclusion and diversity in ELT at all levels. She explains how she makes an effort to stay current and aware while highlighting how things have changed. She encourages leaders and trainers to adapt to teachers’ needs and teachers to adapt to learners’ needs, and points out that all teachers should believe in themselves, ask for help when they need it, and push for change they want to see instead of waiting for someone else to do it.Varinder is the coordinator of the IATEFL’s Global Issues Special Interest Group (GISIG) committee: https://gisig.iatefl.org/Connect with Varinder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varinder-%C3%BCnl%C3%BC-0238126a/To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 59: Developod Episode 59 - Post-IATEFL Bonus with Wing Wu and Hang Vu 17.06.2025 53мин

  In this episode, you’re going to hear from two of our Early Career Teacher Scholarship winners. First is Wing Wu from Hong Kong. Wing actually won the award back in 2023, but was unable to attend the conference until this year. We’re delighted that he was finally able to make it!Secondly, we’ll hear from Hang Vu from Vietnam, who won the Early Career scholarship for this year. It was really great to have all three of our scholarship winners together in Edinburgh, and if you want to join them in 2026, the clock is ticking! The deadline for our 2026 scholarships is the 18th of June. Head to our website TDSIG.org and click on scholarships in the menu to find out how you could be joining us in Brighton next year.To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 58: Developod Episode 58 - Becoming a Teacher-Leader by focusing on CPD with Jim Fuller 31.05.2025 27мин

  In this episode, Helen speaks with Jim Fuller about ways to become a leader in your educational context through your sphere of influence and understanding the culture, social skills, collaboration, and continuous professional development. He encourages us to seek out development opportunities and face challenges, and reminds leaders that the environment that they create has a huge impact on CPD for all.Jim works as a teacher trainer for The North Station Academy in Zaragoza as well as for Cambridge University Press and Assessment. He’s also completing the NILE MADPLE, with a focus on Trainer Development and Management within ELT, and is the admin coordinator of the TTEdSIG committee.As mentioned in this episode:Jim’s blog: spongeelt.org Jim’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-fuller/From teacher to teacher leader by Hayo Reinders: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/from-teacher-to-teacher-leader/80A191805ADF6E900418E692B3C93C1DNILE MA: https://www.nile-elt.com/catalog?pagename=MAProgrammeCambridge English Professional Development for Language Teachers site:  https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/professional-development/ To find the complete archive of Developod episodes, go to tdsig.org/developod-tdsigs-podcast 
• Episode 57: Developod Episode 57 - Becoming a more sustainable ELT professional with Harry Waters 25.04.2025 32мин

  In this episode, Helen speaks with Harry Waters of Renewable English about his ELT journey, how he came to focus on the climate crisis, how education has been changing in response to it, and what he thinks ELT professionals could do to become more sustainable.IATEFL Conference Plenary Friday 11 April: “Five burning questions to education from a young changemaker” Harry Waters & Alicia Waters Galán: https://youtu.be/mzMLyUfaNMM?si=jWHiIM1p8DQFfjjeHarry’s Book: https://www.deltapublishing.co.uk/book/activities-for-a-greener-mindset-9783125017795/?page_id=  Harry’s “Environmental Sustainability in Language Teaching” NILE Course: https://www.nile-elt.com/catalog?pagename=F2F-courses   Course in San Sebastian (Erasmus +): https://www.lacunza.es/sites/default/files/Lacunza_Nile_TT_Environmental_Sustainability.pdf Other courses Harry recommends: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-free-sustainability-courses-united-nations-sophia-kianni-btxve/https://courses.eltsustainable.org/    https://sdgacademy.org/   Harry’s Insta: https://www.instagram.com/renewableenglish/   Harry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-waters/   
• Episode 56: Developod Episode 56 - Becoming a Humanistic Teacher Trainer with Rachel Tsateri 01.11.2024 30мин

  In this episode, Helen speaks with Rachel Tsateri about becoming a humanistic teacher trainer. Rachel is a freelance teacher, teacher educator, and blogger based in Greece but working exclusively online. She's been involved in ELT since 2014 and holds the Cambridge CELTA, DELTA and Train the Trainer certifications. She is working on her Masters in Professional Development for Language Education and she runs the popular TEFL Zone blog: https://teflzoneracheltsateri.wordpress.com/
• Episode 55: Developod Episode 55 - Pre-Web Carnival 29.09.2024 19мин

  In this episode, Joint TDSIG coordinators James Taylor & Cecilia Lemos Harmer invite our listeners to come to TDSIG’s Web Carnival, on October 19 & 20. James introduces Kristina Novik and Didar Moldazhanov, who are joining Helen on the Developod Team. Helen talks about the 3rd Web Carnival Plenary Speaker Silvana Accardo and her session. Kristina introduces the 2nd Plenary Speaker Leonardo Marinho Dias Lima, who talks about what the theme “Teacher Change” means to him, why he applied to speak at the Web Carnival, what he’s going to talk about, how it resonates with him in his context, why he chose it, how he hopes attendees will benefit from his session, what he hopes they’ll take away, and some final words for listeners about his talk, the web carnival, and professional development in general. Didar introduces the 1st Plenary Speaker Ben Dobbs, who discusses his session, how it resonates with him in his context, why he chose it, why he applied to speak at the Web Carnival, what the Web Carnival theme “Teacher Change” means to him, what he hopes attendees take away, and some final thoughts for our listeners.  Cecilia Lemos Harmer signs off, speaking for all of TDSIG by saying that we hope to see you at the Web Carnival next month!
• Episode 54: Developod Episode 54 - Becoming a Pronunciation Specialist while focusing on your wellbeing with Taylor Veigga 30.08.2024 40мин

  In this episode, Helen interviews Taylor Veigga, who is CELTA, CertTESOL, CertPT, Delta1, & DipTESOL tutor, writer, editor, IATEFL PronSIG Webinar Joint Coordinator, and an advocate for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in ELT. She shares her CPD journey, including people who (and training/qualifications that) influenced her career, how her focus on looking at pronunciation from a diversity and inclusivity point of view impacted her, and how she has recently realised the importance of teacher wellness, and how everything is actually connected. We explore that perspective and more, with Taylor signing off with her main message: that we need a revolution of love and support in the ELT industry. She leaves our listeners with some questions to help them think about their development and wellness.Follow Taylor on Instagram: @tveiggaelt https://www.instagram.com/tveiggaelt/Check out her website tveigga.com, as well as pron4teachers.com.
• Episode 53: Developod Episode 53 - Becoming a Materials Writer and ELT DEI consultant with Lottie Galpin 29.07.2024 29мин

  In this episode, Helen interviews Lottie Galpin, who writes dyslexia-friendly materials, is a freelance ELT publishing professional, an ELT editor/writer, and a DEI in ELT consultant. Lottie shares her professional development journey from teacher to materials writer to DEI consultant, offering support and suggestions for teachers who want to create their own materials and/or move into publishing, and encourages us all to embrace and use inclusive materials in a way that’s healthy for teachers and students and benefits everybody.On Lottie's website: https://www.lottiegalpin.com/Download list of inclusive photobanks here: https://www.lottiegalpin.com/inclusion-for-free/.Lottie recommends some British Council webinars containing some good DEI-related talks: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/news-and-events/webinars/webinars-teachersLottie shares some examples of Inclusive materials:#1: https://raiseupforelt.com/ #2: https://peterjfullagar.co.uk/eltshop/During the conversation, Lottie mentions ELT teacher to writer: https://eltteacher2writer.co.uk/