In this episode, we meet primary teacher Sylvie Canal in her classroom in Chantilly, France. Sylvie shares the joy of working with young learners and the special moments that make education so rewarding. She also offers practical approaches for engaging children through games, songs, stories, and interactive methods that make learning both fun and meaningful.
In this episode, we meet Laurie Chase at LILA* in Liverpool, UK to explore how personal challenges can shape powerful teaching practices. From navigating imposter syndrome to championing staff wellbeing and embracing neurodiversity, Laurie shares how reflection and resilience have helped them grow as a teacher and leader. With warmth and honesty, they reveal how small changes – and a strong support network – can make a big difference in the classroom and beyond.
We're reflecting on some of our favourite moments from the first ten episodes of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. In this first series, we visited classrooms in Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands, uncovering inspiring stories, practical advice, and valuable insights. Tune in to hear proud teaching moments, favourite English expressions, and the powerful impact English has on students’ lives.
We are back in the Netherlands with Helmi Sonneveld. Helmi has been an inspirational teacher for over 28 years, and now trains future teachers at the start of their careers. 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 teachers.
We join Anne Niemeijer-Mackie, in her classroom at Talland College in the Netherlands. Anne shares her experience and remarkable work with refugee students, exploring how learning English can be a powerful tool for integration, opportunities and hope. Anne’s passion and unique stories will leave you feeling inspired.
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!
Teaching English doesn’t just give students the tools to visit the UK and the US
—it connects them to so much more of the world than they could ever imagine. ‘The sky's the limit’ is a phrase that captures that potential perfectly, and it’s among Cristina Tunica’s favourite idioms which she’s shared with students throughout her 20+ years of teaching.
‘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 shares why he uses this phrase, how silence can be a useful tool in the classroom, and how he challenges and motivates his students
English isn't just a language for visiting the UK, it unlocks cultures around the world – and that's at the heart of Stefania Rosa Cisternino's wonderful teaching style. Stefania’s been a teacher for over 17 years, and her attitude to allowing collaboration, using unique approaches and harnessing the power of music is absolutely refreshing!
Florencia Sarsotti has a fascinating, humanistic approach to teaching English which makes her such a passionate force for good. In this episode she talks through her holistic view of bringing English to life, and how to stay current for new generations of teachers and students alike.
During her 17-year teaching career, Laura Berni’s focus on learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) has defined her caring approach. Laura joins Filippo Pavesi in Tuscany, to share her greatest moment of pride in being a teacher ,how she shifted from the corporate world to education, and much more.
Teaching English is about more than just teaching the language, it’s about helping your students use English to live. Susana Gálvez Plou isn’t just an inspiration to her students, but is a great role model to us all on how to empower and motivate future generations. Susana discusses with Luísa Geão the power of ‘yet’, translating the idea of constant progress to students, and how much she learns from her students.
To kick off this exciting new series our co-host Filippo Pavesi, is speaking with the wonderful Mariacristina Marcato, an English Teacher & Co-ordinator in Milan. Mariacristina takes us through her greatest career achievements and challenges, shares the joys of seeing her students’ growth, and offers invaluable advice for new teachers.
Join your hosts Filippo Pavesi and Luísa Geão as we delve into the personal journeys of educators just like you, from their very own classrooms. Regardless of your classroom experience, Grow offers practical tips and inspiration to enhance your teaching skills.