About Us
TESOL training has been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve created this site to provide video-based professional development courses designed specifically for busy English language teachers who are working with ESOL learners with literacy needs.
Learners at this level often present unique challenges for teachers, particularly as most initial TESOL/TEFL qualifications - such as the CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL - offer little or no training in how to teach emergent literacy.
Without specialist preparation, even experienced teachers feel a lack of confidence when teaching learners who are developing basic reading and writing skills for the first time.
These courses are designed to bridge that gap. They offer practical strategies, evidence-informed approaches and classroom-tested techniques that will help you:
- build confidence in planning and delivering lessons
- deepen your knowledge of effective literacy pedagogy
- develop new skills to support your learners more effectively
- strengthen your professional profile and career prospects
Teaching ESOL learners with literacy needs can be demanding but it is also one of the most rewarding areas of language education.
With the right training, you can make a lasting difference to your learners’ progress while continuing to grow as a teacher.
About Us
TESOL training has been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve created this site to provide video-based professional development courses designed specifically for busy English language teachers who are working with ESOL learners with literacy needs.
Learners at this level often present unique challenges for teachers, particularly as most initial TESOL/TEFL qualifications - such as the CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL - offer little or no training in how to teach emergent literacy.
Without specialist preparation, even experienced teachers feel a lack of confidence when teaching learners who are developing basic reading and writing skills for the first time.
These courses are designed to bridge that gap. They offer practical strategies, evidence-informed approaches and classroom-tested techniques that will help you:
- build confidence in planning and delivering lessons
- deepen your knowledge of effective literacy pedagogy
- develop new skills to support your learners more effectively
- strengthen your professional profile and career prospects
Teaching ESOL learners with literacy needs can be demanding but it is also one of the most rewarding areas of language education.
With the right training, you can make a lasting difference to your learners’ progress while continuing to grow as a teacher.
About me
Hi, I'm Judy Kirsh, the founder of TESOL-training.com. For almost forty years, I've worked with English language learners and trained ESOL practitioners, mainly in the UK post-16 education sector.
Over the years, I've taken on a wide variety of roles, including:
- CELTA tutor and assessor
- External examiner (PGCE/Cert. Ed)
- National trainer for the ESOL core curriculum
- ESOL consultant for a number of organisations
- Course director for ESOL professional development programmes at a London university
- Project manager, EU-funded integration projects
- Co-chair of NATECLA, the professional association for ESOL practitioners in the UK.
I've developed teaching materials, professional development modules, diploma courses and online courses for organisations such as the British Council, Learning and Work Institute, and the Education and Training Foundation.
More recently, my work has focused on delivering training and webinars for NATECLA and Learning Unlimited, especially for teachers supporting learners with literacy needs.
I currently volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees and regularly run training sessions for the volunteers.
I hold Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, an MEd in ELT, and the Trinity LTCL Diploma.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, Pilates, theatre, museums - and spending time with my grandchildren.
