The trainers are naturally an integral part of our course here in Madrid. We have years of experience in the TEFL field with big personalities to match! Every member of the Madrid team has also had the experience of moving abroad, completing the TEFL, and embarking on a new career so we can absolutely empathize with the insecurities and emotions you may well feel. Although we will all be putting you through your paces when it comes to grammar, phonology and teaching practices, we will also be with you every step of the way in terms of support.

Laura Brunwin (Director of Studies)

Laura moved to Madrid in 2008 after having fallen in love with the Spanish culture during her year abroad of a Hispanic and Business Studies degree. She gained her TEFL certificate in November 2008 and knew immediately that teaching was her calling! Specializing in Business English, she spent four years working for prestigious companies with high-end clients such as Real Madrid and Johnson & Johnson. She also created and delivered numerous intensive courses to business professionals looking to improve their English. In 2012 she moved into teacher training, using her knowledge and experience to train TEFL trainees. She transitioned to Director of Studies in November 2013 and has not looked back since!

Valentina Ponasova

Valentina completed a Masters in the Methodology of English and French language teaching from Novosibirsk State University, Russia. Upon completion of her Masters she moved to Colombia where she worked as an English teacher and co-coordinator of an online teaching program at the Universidad de la Sabana. Tired of the long journey between Russia and Colombia, Valentina set her sights on Madrid and made the move here in 2012. After obtaining her TEFL certification, Valentina specialized in exam preparation, such as IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL. With all of her experience, Valentina joined the team in January 2014 and is our in-house grammar guru. She will put your through your paces when it comes to grammar, ensuring you finish the course prepared to teach.

Monica

Monica completed a B.A in Business Administration with a Minor in French & Spanish in 2011 from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Keen to put her Spanish into practice, she moved to Madrid in the fall of 2011 and worked as a language assistant in Colegio John Lennon, assisting children between the ages of 3 to 13. Naturally she acquired the management techniques needed to successfully teach young learners. In October 2013, keen to build further on her expertise, Monica completed her TEFL here in Madrid. To compliment her experience she then taught in corporate settings such as the Ministry of Defense and Grant Thornton. Monica joined the team in May 2014, gaining the title of our in-house American! As well as training and observing your teaching practices, Monica can also be found contributing to our social media platforms.

Steve

Steve's interest in the English language began when he completed a degree in English literature and Drama from the University of Queen Mary, London in 2003. Upon completion of his degree, Steve worked as a professional actor for 10 years taking on a number of diverse roles from King James III to Gandalf! To support his acting work, he also delivered over 600 hours of educational and professional development workshops with children and adults in performing arts. Soon after, Steve moved to Spain to teach English at a Buddhist Monastery for six months. Keen to develop his teaching further, he moved to Madrid in January 2013 to complete his TEFL. 18 months after and he joined the Madrid TEFL team. It is a given that Steve brings high energy, fun and great enthusiasm to the role.