Elections for the Executive Board and Advisory Council - Term of office 2025 and 2026

..

Let's See

Deadline: December 8th, 2024

  more info

PAULO TORRES

Biodata
Paulo Torres has 30 years of experience in ELT, working as a teacher, educator, and language consultant in both public and private institutions for students of all ages. He has national and international experience as a teacher and speaker. Paulo holds a master’s degree in Linguistics and a B.A. in English and English Literature. He is currently a substitute teacher at the Language Department of UFES.

Statement of Purpose
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Members Director. As a dedicated and proud member of the Association for over 20 years and a Chapter leader since 2017, I have developed a deep understanding of our community’s needs and values. I believe I can effectively serve our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Chapters by ensuring they remain informed and engaged with all directives and initiatives. My experience in managing correspondence and organizing meetings has equipped me with the skills necessary to facilitate open lines of communication among our members. I understand the importance of keeping everyone informed about events and decisions that impact our community, and I am dedicated to upholding transparency and inclusivity in all our interactions. As the Data Protection Officer, I recognize the critical role of safeguarding our members' information and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of data protection, fostering trust among our members. Running for this position is an opportunity for me to leverage my extensive experience and passion for our Association’s mission. Together, I believe we can strengthen our community and enhance the experiences of all our members. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact. The more we are, the stronger we become!

  more info

DERICK CORIOLANO

Biodata
Derick has been working as a teacher for seventeen years. With a bachelor's degree in Law and English, he holds a CELTA, Train the Trainer, and C2 Cambridge certificates. He was a board member of BRAZ-TESOL Pernambuco Chapter, and has ample experience with Language Institutes as a teacher, academic coordinator and teacher trainer. He lives in São Paulo, is the leader of São Paulo City chapter and works as Teacher Development coordinator for CNA Headquarters.

Statement of Purpose
Being part of BRAZ-TESOL really helped me figure out my way around the teaching community, especially when I decided to switch gears from Law to being a full-time teacher. Volunteering just felt like the natural way to give back to the awesome people at the association who welcomed me. Doing that alongside other professionals I really look up to is a big honor. It's shown me the true value of a teaching community — the shared experiences, insights, and camaraderie create an environment where everyone thrives. Looking ahead, I'm excited to use my experience as a chapter leader to actively contribute and continue building up our teaching community, playing my role in making it even better.

 
  more info

HENRIQUE ZAMBONI

Biodata
Henrique Zamboni has been in ELT for 16 years. He has worked for different language schools as a teacher and teacher trainer. He holds the CELTA, the C2 Cambridge Proficiency, a degree in Letras and a degree in Marketing. Henrique has been involved in several projects related to English Language Teaching, including the BRAZ-TESOL association. He is the founder of Inglês Para Adolescentes, a school for teens and he also mentors teachers of adolescents.

Statement of Purpose
I have had incredible support from the BRAZ-TESOL community over the years. As a teacher, my professional life has been positively impacted by participating in online events and face-to-face conferences. This experience has deepened my appreciation for how relevant and reliable this association is in providing teachers with a safe space for growth and advancing their careers. For the past two years, I have served on the advisory board, which has been a special and rewarding experience. I am communicative, diligent, and people-oriented, qualities that I believe are essential for the role of Finance Director. I understand that the BRAZ-TESOL community is all about giving back, engaging, and sharing, and I am eager to contribute to this mission in a more focused capacity. As Finance Director, I would be responsible for maintaining accurate records of the organization’s financial affairs, ensuring the timely collection of Association fees, and preparing comprehensive financial reports to present at the Annual General Meeting. My commitment to transparency and accountability aligns perfectly with these responsibilities, and I am dedicated to upholding the integrity of the organization. I would love to continue being part of the team and help BRAZ-TESOL thrive while supporting our community of educators.

  more info

ISADORA COSTA

Biodata
Isadora Pereira Costa holds B.A. degrees in Mass Communication and Pedagogy, a TESOL from Anaheim University, and LPACTE and ACTE certifications from the British Council. Founder of Stars English School and creator of the Stars Methodology, she began teaching at 13 in England and now specializes in young learners, teacher training, and ELT materials writing. Isadora leads the BRAZ-TESOL Santa Catarina Chapter and is the former Events Coordinator for the Young Learners and Teens SIG.

Statement of Purpose
I am seeking this position because I am deeply committed to advancing professional development and community-building within the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). With over two decades of experience as an educator, curriculum developer, and leader, I understand the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where educators can share, grow, and innovate together. Having had the privilege of leading the BRAZ-TESOL Santa Catarina Chapter, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of accessible, high-quality professional development and the power of a supportive network. If elected, I aim to leverage my experience to create opportunities that respond directly to the needs of our community, especially in areas such as young learner education, teacher training, and inclusive practices. My goal is to build on existing initiatives while introducing new strategies to engage members, provide relevant resources, and promote meaningful connections. I am driven by a desire to support my peers in making a lasting difference in the lives of their students and in their professional journeys. This position represents a vital opportunity to continue that work on a larger scale and to ensure our community remains a vibrant, forward-thinking force in ELT.

  more info

ANDRE NICKHORN

Biodata
Name: André Nickhorn Born: January 15th,1969 Place of Birth: Porto Alegre Professional Experience: Current: Elsa IA Corp Internacional School &CNA: Development of K12 bilingual programs Berlitz( 17+ years) Director Coordinator Instructor International Experience: United Kingdom (1992-2001) Areas of expertise: English language teaching Bilingual Education School Administration Educational Technology Leadership and Training

Statement of Purpose
My candidacy is driven by a genuine desire to help streighten Braz-Tesol's position as a leading organization and further expand its influence in English language education. My journey in English language education began in 1987, and throughout these years, I have embraced every aspect of teaching-from language training to culture exchange. It's been an incredible privilege to witness how education can transform lives, and I am profoundly grateful for every opportunity I've had to make a difference in my students' journeys. My 25-year track record in business management complements my educational experience, offering valuable operational and strategic insights to the role. As a Finance Director my objetive is to provide comprehensive financial insights, ensure stability, and support BT's strategic objectives through effective management and analysis.

 
  more info

EDUARDO DE FREITAS

Biodata
Eduardo de Freitas is a Cambridge-certified teacher, teacher educator, and materials writer based in Santos. Working in ELT since 2010, he has gained experience at renowned institutions in the country. Eduardo has also been a dedicated member of the BRAZ-TESOL TDSIG Board since 2016. He holds several qualifications, including the Cambridge TKT, CELTA, ICELT, and C2 Proficiency. His professional interests focus on enhancing learner experience, advancing teacher development, and designing high-quality educational materials.

Statement of Purpose
As a dedicated member of the English language teaching community, I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of BRAZ-TESOL by running for the position of Communications Director. With a clear vision for optimizing communication within our association, my primary goal is to strategically reformulate the way the executive board engages with Chapters and SIGs, fostering a more dynamic and collaborative relationship. I also aim to strengthen communication channels with our members, ensuring that everyone feels informed, connected, and engaged with the initiatives and opportunities BRAZ-TESOL offers. By enhancing transparency and accessibility, I believe we can build a stronger sense of community and belonging. In addition, I am committed to expanding BRAZ-TESOL’s reach across Brazil, developing targeted strategies to raise awareness of our association among educators who may not yet be familiar with the vital role we play. Through creative, consistent outreach and digital presence, we can grow our membership and amplify the impact of our work nationwide. I am excited about the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to helping BRAZ-TESOL continue to thrive as a leading voice in English language teaching in Brazil.

  more info

BRUNO ALBUQUERQUE

Biodata
ELT professional who works as a teacher and teacher educator, materials writer and editor, writer, and speaker. Coordinator of BRAZ-TESOL São Paulo City Chapter and member of the national advisory board. Bruno holds the ECPE, CELTA, DELTA, TTT and is currently taking an MA in ELT with the University of Chichester with a focus on teacher education and assessment. Bruno has recently published Thus Spoke an English Teacher, a book of reflections for ELT professionals.

Statement of Purpose
As Communications Director, I would be in charge of (1) promoting membership, (2) editing the magazine, and (3) coordinating all of BRAZ-TESOL’s communications. To address these responsibilities, I will: 1. Assemble a national outreach team of volunteers to contact schools and universities to spread the word about BT and gather new members, partnerships, and benefits for our members. 2. Bring back sections that are no longer featured in our magazine such as Interviews and Book Reviews. I’ll also add new sections to the magazine such as Meet the Expert and the SIG Column and do my best so the magazine is never late again. 3. Hire a more robust marketing strategy/company for BRAZ-TESOL so our communications (such as event reminders) reach all of our members and potential members. Also, I’ll work with the IT team to correct the mistakes in our website and ensure it looks and feels professional. I am a devoted member of BRAZ-TESOL with a demonstrated history of involvement and accomplishments in many BRAZ-TESOL initiatives. I have worked as a minder in several events, actively participated in the editing of over 10 issues of BRAZ-TESOL's magazine, participated in the revamping of our website, suggested the inclusion of the financial transparency table in our magazine, and led the São Paulo Chapter for over three years. I am sure I can continue to positively impact BRAZ-TESOL if I am given the chance to do so.

  more info

GUSTAVO FRÓES

Biodata
Gustavo Fróes is an experienced ELT professional with 20 years of experience in teaching, teacher training, and materials development. He holds the full DELTA, CELTA, CPE, and degrees in English and Film. He has vast expertise in teaching adults, seniors, ESP and a passion for sharing knowledge. He regularly contributes to the ELT community through articles, teacher courses and workshops. Gustavo currently works as a teacher, teacher trainer and publications editor.

Statement of Purpose
Having dedicated nearly 20 years to the ELT profession and focusing intensely on publications over the past six years, I am confident I possess the skills and experience to contribute significantly to the association's needs as a Communications Director. My qualifications extend beyond the classroom or teacher training experience. As a Publications Editor for IATEFL and a writer for Bridge TEFL, I have sharpened my abilities in creating compelling content, managing publications, and collaborating effectively with diverse teams. My long-standing volunteer work with BRAZ-TESOL, including being a vice president and, nowadays, a coordinator at the São Paulo City Chapter, working as a Minder and Speaker at various conferences and events, and contributing articles to Echoes, has given me invaluable insight into the organization's communication channels and its members' needs. This position demands creativity, organizational competence, and a deep understanding of the ELT landscape – all of which I bring to the table. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for engaging communication. I am skilled at using media platforms to reach target audiences and am confident in my ability to promote membership, elevate the quality of BRAZ-TESOL publications, and enhance the association's overall communication strategy. I am eager to leverage my expertise and dedication to consolidate BRAZ-TESOL's position further as a leading voice in the ELT community. I believe my passion for our field, combined with my proven track record, makes me a powerful candidate for this role.

  more info

MAURICIO J. SOUZA NETO

Biodata
With 15 years of experience in Applied Linguistics, I specialise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), with numerous publications in language education, exploring the intersections of language, race, culture, and community. At IFBA, I teach and coordinate the Center for Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous Studies (NEABI). I hold a Master’s degree and CELTA certification, combining my academic expertise with practical experience to create inclusive learning environments that embrace cultural diversity and promote equitable access to education.

Statement of Purpose
I am running for the position of Communications Director at Braz-Tesol to contribute to our vibrant community of educators with a focus on inclusive and impactful communication. With 15 years of experience teaching English in language centres and schools, combined with my background in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), I aim to foster a more representative and engaging dialogue within Braz-Tesol. My academic achievements, including multiple book publications in language education, reflect my commitment to innovative approaches that address the intersections of language, race, and culture. At IFBA, where I teach and coordinate the Center for Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous Studies (NEABI), I have developed strong communication skills that bridge cultural and linguistic divides. As Communications Director, I would bring this expertise to Braz-Tesol, ensuring that our members’ voices are heard, and that we engage with diverse perspectives across the English language teaching community. My goal is to strengthen Braz-Tesol’s role as a platform for inclusive, forward-thinking education.

 
  more info

ROBERTA MESQUITA

Biodata
Robs Mesquita, a linguist with over 25 years of experience in multilingual education, serves as the Director of Members at BRAZ-TESOL. In this role, Robs has been instrumental in fostering communication between SIGs and Chapters, ensuring member engagement, and acting as the Association’s Data Protection Officer (DPO). With a strong background in educational consulting, governance, and strategic management, Robs is committed to advancing language education and empowering educators across Brazil through.

Statement of Purpose
As I run for Vice President of BRAZ-TESOL, I am driven by a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing our association's mission. Throughout my tenure as Director of Members, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our dedicated members, SIGs, and Chapters, ensuring effective communication and engagement. The role of the President is the only constant in our association, and I have a proven track record of working in alignment with her vision, supporting key initiatives that empower educators across Brazil. My experience in governance, strategic management, and project leadership has positioned me to contribute to the continued growth of BRAZ-TESOL, ensuring that we remain an innovative and inclusive organization. I am passionate about promoting quality language education and advancing the professional development of our members. With your support, I aim to bring my experience and commitment to the Vice President role, building on our collective achievements and driving future successes.

  more info

CATARINA PONTES

Biodata
Catarina Pontes is Executive Educational Products Manager at CNA +. A DELTA holder and CELTA trainer, Catarina co-authored “Getting into Teacher Education - a Handbook” and has been in different areas of language education for over 25 years, having had leadership roles in different companies. Catarina has also volunteered with teaching associations, and is past president of BRAZ-TESOL’s São Paulo Chapter, and past coordinator of IATEFL’s Pron SIG.

Statement of Purpose
Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about education. I started teaching over 25 years ago, have been a teacher educator for almost 20 years, and my commitment to helping teachers develop holistically so they can contribute to their students’ learning has never been truer. My current involvement with materials design takes both these stakeholders needs into account so neither is left behind. The beliefs seen through choices of images, language, and accents for the materials that will have been coordinated or authored by me will tell you I believe everyone has the right to learn a second language, that the lexical choices suggested aim at helping students communicate in today’s world, and that the way you speak shows your identity – and you should be proud of it. Although most of my career has been in language institutes, having also worked as a consultant and with bilingual education has contributed to broadening my perspectives regarding different contexts where English teaching professionals work and how I can contribute to making their job more meaningful and relevant. My drive to contribute to the improvement of education in Brazil goes beyond the professional realm – it guides me on how I bring up my son, informs my sociopolitical beliefs, and permeates my attitude to everyone with whom I interact. If chosen to be BRAZ-TESOL’s Vice President, I hope to share the same beliefs, some of my experience, and learn even more with hundreds of thousands of educators all over the country.

  more info

RAQUEL DA SILVA DE OLIVEIRA

Biodata
Raquel de Oliveira is an educational leader with 27 years of experience as an English teacher in both public and private sectors. She studied Sustainable Leadership at Saïd Business School, Oxford University, and served as Secretary of Education in Caruaru and CEO of a recognized NGO. As a founder of BreELT and a professor at PUCPR and Instituto Singularidades, she is committed to fostering educational environments that prioritize care for people and the planet.

Statement of Purpose
I am running for the vice presidency of the English Teachers Association because I believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering a collaborative community of educators. With over 27 years of experience as an English teacher in both public and private sectors, I have witnessed the challenges and opportunities we face in our classrooms. My commitment to bilingual education and sustainable practices drives my passion for creating inclusive, innovative learning environments. As a former Secretary of Education and Executive Director of a recognized NGO, I have developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of educational policies. I aim to leverage this experience to support our association in advocating for teachers’ needs, promoting professional development, and enhancing our curriculum to better serve our diverse student population. I am dedicated to nurturing a culture of collaboration among educators, where sharing best practices and resources is encouraged. Together, we can build a vibrant community that prioritizes student success and professional growth. I believe that my vision of education aligns with the values of our association, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to our mission. By working together, we can empower each other and elevate the teaching profession to new heights. I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard and that we create an environment where both teachers and students thrive. I would be honored to serve in this role and help shape the future of our association.

 
  more info

GUSTAVO BARCELLOS

Biodata
Gustavo Barcellos has been an EAL teacher since 1997 and has worked as a teacher at Cultura Inglesa and Casa Thomas Jefferson. He has also worked as a pedagogical consultant at Edify and is currently working at Thomas Bilíngue for Schools as an academic consultant. He is also a teacher trainer and materials writer. He is passionate about language teaching and culture and believes that one cannot be taught without the other.

Statement of purpose
I am running for the position of Advisory Counselor to contribute more to our Association than I already have Leader of the Center-West Chapter. My career has given me a solid background in EAL and a deep understanding of the dynamics of language teaching and everything that pertains to our field. As the leader of the Center-West Chapter of BRAZ-TESOL, I have developed management and engagement skills, promoting initiatives aimed at improving the quality of teaching and the ongoing training of educators in our Chapter. I am excited about the possibility of contributing as an Advisory Couselor to the Executive Board and believe that my experience and skills align well with our Association's goals and what we want for the future of English Language Teaching in Brazil. I look forward to taking part in this new role at BRAZ-TESOL.

  more info

TAÍLA GIMENEZ

Biodata
Taíla Gimenez is an inspiring educator with over 20 years of experience. She started as an English teacher and has thrived in bilingual environments, developing impactful projects. Now at an international school, Taíla views teaching as a passionate and purposeful profession. She believes education can foster a more equitable and sustainable future by nurturing students’ potential and instilling a love for learning in every classroom.

Statement of purpose
I am excited to express my interest in joining the BRAZ-TESOL advisory council during a transformative time in education. We have a unique opportunity to create a space where teachers—especially those who may not be English teachers but teach in English across disciplines like math and science—can collaborate and grow. This will help BRAZ-TESOL break down barriers and enhance inclusivity, providing educators with the resources to enhance their linguistic skills. Having navigated various educational environments, including bilingual and international schools, I am well-prepared to support this vital movement alongside other board members. I envision offering workshops that invite these dedicated professionals to engage with our community and develop their language proficiency. Additionally, I aim to create opportunities for BRAZ-TESOL members focused on linguistic development to explore new fields, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge. This collaboration will empower educators and enrich my own practice. As our motto states, "The more we are, the stronger we become." Together, we can cultivate a vibrant community that inspires all educators and students. I am eager to bring my experience and passion to BRAZ-TESOL, ensuring every voice is heard and every educator thrives.

  more info

MARINA TREVISAN DALEXANDRO

Biodata
Marina is an experienced English teacher with over 10 years of experience, holds a B.A. in English, and is TESOL and CPE certified. She has worked for language institutions for 10 years, however, has been working exclusively freelance for a year and a half. She is passionate about teaching adult learners, especially those who need English for work and preparing themselves to sit for a proficiency exam.

Statement of purpose
I am running for this position - first and foremost, because I believe I could be a useful addition to the BrazTesol team. I am organized, creative and techsavvy. I could contribute by coming up with ideas for the posts on social media, writing the email bulletin or proofreading it. I have been told by my peers I am responsible, reliable and innovative, and should run for this position because I can bring a lot to the table. My passion for learning, teaching and serving the community come hand in hand with this advisor position. It is a great opportunity for me to go deeper on our ESL world and a chance to contribute to our community. If you choose me, rest assured you have chosen someone who will give you 110%

  more info

VICTOR MEDINA

Biodata
Victor Medina has been an ELT professional since 2010. He's currently a lecturer at UFMG and teacher trainer at Cultura Inglesa MG. He has an MA in Linguistics, a Specialisation Diploma in Bilingualism, a BA in English, the Train the Trainer and the CELTA certifications. He's also EdTech's SIG Leader at Braz-Tesol and PronSIG's joint webinar coordinator at IATEFL. His main interests include relating his areas of work with psycholinguistics and teacher education.

Statement of purpose
As an ELT professional with over a decade of experience and in constant development, I am happy to contribute to the advisory council connecting my areas of interest with Braz-Tesol's work. Currently, I am a lecturer at UFMG and a teacher trainer at Cultura Inglesa MG, where I focus on coordinating online courses and fostering teacher education. My academic background includes a Master’s degree in Linguistics and a Specialisation Diploma in Bilingualism, as well as by a BA in English. Additionally, I hold both the Train the Trainer and CELTA certifications, which have allowed me to bridge the knowledge from academia and ELT practice. In my role as EdTech’s SIG Leader at Braz-Tesol and as a webinar coordinator for PronSIG at IATEFL, I have been able to actively engage with the multiple teachers, sharing best practices and promoting professional growth. I am particularly interested in integrating psycholinguistics with teacher education, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students and treat ELT with the rigour it deserves. I am looking forward to having an opportunity to collaborate with other council members and to help work initiatives that will improve the association as whole. In my opinion, working with communications could be one of my main contributions due to my experience in doing similar tasks academically, at work and with the associations I have mentioned.

  more info

CAROLINA CUNHA

Biodata
I have been an English teacher for over 20 years. I hold a BA in English and an MA in Sociolinguistics from UFMG as well as the TKT and the CELTA. I currently work as a freelance teacher and teacher trainer in my own language studio. Furthermore, I am the leader of the Minas Gerais Chapter.

Statement of purpose
I have been a member of BRAZ-TESOL since 2017 and in 2019 I became even more involved with this organization as I committed to participating in the then Belo Horizonte Chapter board. I’ve been the leader of the now Minas Gerais Chapter since 2020. I am running for this position because I've always believed I could make a difference in the ELT community. I have over 2 decades of experience teaching English in different contexts, and the classroom is the place where I thrive and where all the knowledge acquired with my studies throughout the years comes into play. As I love challenges, I believe that renovating my position in the advisory council will help me improve as a professional, and it will be a valuable opportunity to develop new skills. Being a chapter leader made me realize I also thrive among teachers – sharing my knowledge with them and helping them flourish.

  more info

RICARDO BARROS

Biodata
Ricardo Barros has been teaching English for over twenty years, having worked as a teacher, academic coordinator, Cambridge oral examiner, CELTA and Delta tutor, and as a teacher trainer in both language institutes and as a freelancer. His current interests are teacher language development, pronunciation, and developing speaking skills.

Statement of purpose
I am running for the advisory council for the second time (I was previously an advisory council member from 2016 to 2018) in order to support our next president Lucia Alves in fulfilling the goals of BRAZ-TESOL as the biggest association of English teachers in Brazil. In particular, I am looking forward to working with the next communications director hand-in-hand to make the Echoes newsletter the most useful it can be to our members. I believe that the fact that I have a good network with many teachers and trainers will help in that regard. Finally, I intend to contribute to there being more face-to-face events in our future, as I see this as something our members both need and enjoy.

 
The deadline for voting was finalized