Anna Cuccia

I started teaching English as a foreign language in my gap year and while at university. This led to work in France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand and Australia before returning to the UK. I was lucky enough to work for International House and the British Council early on in my career and this led to many professional development opportunities: CELTYL Young Learner Endorsement, LCCI/Arels Teaching English for Business Certificate, preparing students for all Cambridge main suite exams, as well as training up to be a CELTA and DELTA tutor. 

I have since developed and delivered countless training courses to students, teachers, and trainees at all levels. I have worked with most nationalities and have taught in the private and state sector. I have taught CELTA and DELTA face to face, online, part time and full time as well as being an examiner for module 1. I have also written papers and speak at conferences, including delivering EAL training to NQTs.

DELTA training has given me vast experience of course planning, not least because module 3 focuses on this. I have written many study plans over the years. This also means I am very au fait with testing and its procedures, administration, and principles. I used to be an examiner for the Cambridge DELTA and YLE Starters, Movers and Flyers exams. I have prepared students for IELTS and completed recent training on this.

I am used to working independently as a freelancer and a main course tutor on CELTA and DELTA courses. I also regularly write and run programmes for overseas teachers, including CLIL. I enjoy sharing resources, materials and teaching methodology with other teachers and helping enhance schools’ CPD offers.  

Since 2009 I have been a school governor, my specialist area is teaching and learning and EAL. This has given me the opportunity to benefit from CPD provided by United Learning and The Chartered College of Teaching; it has completely changed my approach to language learning and teaching. This has allowed me to pitch material differently, adding stretch tasks for the more able learner as well as extra scaffolding for students needing more support. I combine current TESOL methodology with state school best practice using the work of Rosenshine and Teach Like A Champion Principles. As part of my CELTA trainer role, I am regularly observed by trainees and so I am always keen to explore new ideas and reflect on ways to improve the learning experience I provide.

I love working with teachers and young learners in particular. Since March last year I have become adept at teaching both synchronously and asynchronously. I have used Zoom and Teams extensively. I have all the equipment I need including a large whiteboard and a visualizer as well as the relevant apps and software.