ADRIANA VIANNA
Biodata
My involvement in TESOL began in 2010 in Florida, where I volunteered to teach English to adult migrant workers. I later coordinated a citizenship preparation program and taught adult ESOL. Since joining TESOL International Association in 2019, I have served as a proposal reviewer and Strand Coordinator. As Chair of the Conference Professional Council, I collaborate with TESOL professionals worldwide to coordinate academic processes, including proposal review and program development, for over 2,500 attendees.
Statement of purpose
I want to serve on the BRAZ-TESOL Advisory Council to give back to a community that connects English language educators across Brazil. Although I have known about BRAZ-TESOL for years, living abroad made attending its conferences difficult. In 2026, I finally attended the conference in Vitória and was inspired by the dedication of the organizers, the energy of participants, and the strong sense of community. The experience motivated me to become more involved.
With nearly 30 years in education and almost 20 years in TESOL, I would be honored to contribute my experience as an educator, advocate, instructional designer, and researcher. Having worked in K–12, adult, undergraduate, and graduate education, I understand the needs of teachers, students, and families. My leadership with TESOL International Association has also allowed me to collaborate with English language teaching professionals worldwide.
I am interested in exploring how emerging technologies, including virtual, immersive, and mixed reality, can create innovative language-learning opportunities. I believe in equity, collaboration, and lifelong learning and want every learner to feel supported and included. Serving as an Advisory Counselor would allow me to give back to my home country's TESOL community and support an organization that has inspired me.
DERICK CORIOLANO
Biodata
Dedicated ELT leader with almost 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, academic coordination, and national teacher training. A long-time BRAZ-TESOL volunteer and former Chapter Leader, I have actively organized professional development initiatives and built community partnerships. Passionate about social-emotional learning, teacher well-being, and inclusive education, I aim to leverage my background in strategic leadership and pedagogical development to champion teachers and guide the future growth of our professional association.
Statement of purpose
Teaching associations don’t belong to boardrooms—they belong to the teachers who show up, share, and lift each other up. Having spent 19 years in ELT and nearly a decade as a BRAZ-TESOL volunteer and Chapter Leader, I am running for this position because I care deeply about our community and want to help nurture a space where every member feels at home.
My goal is simple: to make our association more engaging, connected, and empowering. Leadership in a volunteer-driven network isn't about giving orders; it's about opening doors. I want to build collaborative spaces where we share the workload smoothly, ensuring nobody burns out while creating real room for new, enthusiastic voices to step into leadership.
By honoring our community’s core guidelines and traditions while staying agile, I’ll leverage my experience in teacher training to streamline how we collaborate. Together, we can expand member engagement, prioritize social-emotional well-being, and ensure our association remains a warm, vibrant, and forward-thinking home for every language educator.
FABRÍCIO ZAVARISE CORREIA
Biodata
I am a linguist with nearly 30 years in ELT across Brazil and Europe. I hold a MA in Language Education (Chichester), a PGCE in Bilingual Education, an MBA in Strategic Management and AI (UFJF), degree in English and the CELTA. I spent 9 years at Richmond/Santillana and worked for schools in 5 countries. I´m a journalist (Folha Vitória and Correio). Podcaster and author: "Por que não matricular o teu filho numa escola bilíngue?"
Statement of purpose
I am running for Advisory Counselor to offer BRAZ-TESOL the perspective of someone who has watched English teaching in Brazil from several sides over nearly 30 years.
At Richmond/Santillana I learned how a publisher reads the market. Online schools in 5 countries showed me how teachers adapt when the classroom moves to a screen. Today I advise institutions on bilingual education and communication, which keeps me close to what teachers expect from an association.
I write for 2 news outlets, Folha Vitória and Jornal Correio, and host the e-loquente cast. My article “A bolha do bilinguismo vai estourar até 2030” gained national visibility and led to my book “Por que não matricular o teu filho numa escola bilíngue?”, due in December 2026. Explaining education to general audiences is a regular part of my work, and I would apply that practice to the way the association presents itself to newcomers and long-standing members alike.
My MBA in Strategic Management and AI keeps me attentive to a subject the association will have to face, which is how applied AI changes the teaching of languages.
If elected, I will give the directors candid advice and test assumptions before decisions are made. I will also encourage newer members with leadership potential to take on roles in the association.
GABRIEL BRITO AMORIM
Biodata
Professor at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Brazil, with extensive experience in ELT, Applied Linguistics, and language teacher education. Director of UFG’s Language Center and Coordinator of undergraduate language teacher education programs. Member of research networks (EMITI, ANPOLL, and AILA) focused on Applied Linguistics, ELT, and language education. Experienced in organizing national and international conferences, leading teacher development initiatives, and advancing internationalization. Committed to equity, collaboration, and strengthening the Brazilian ELT community.
Statement of purpose
I am running for the BRAZ-TESOL Advisory Council because I believe in collective action to strengthen English Language Teaching (ELT) in Brazil and in the role of professional associations in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful change.
As a Professor at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), I have extensive experience in ELT, Applied Linguistics, and language teacher education at undergraduate and graduate levels. My work includes teacher development initiatives connecting pre-service and in-service education, encouraging educators to reflect critically on their practices and address the evolving demands of language education.
As Director of UFG’s Language Center and Coordinator of undergraduate foreign language teacher education programs, I have developed expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative decision-making. My professional engagement includes organizing academic events, fostering collaboration among educators, and contributing to discussions on internationalization, digital technologies, and equitable access to language education. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to inclusive professional communities that value diverse perspectives.
If elected, I would bring a perspective shaped by public higher education, teacher education, academic leadership, and a commitment to equity and social responsibility. I would support the Executive Board through thoughtful advice, constructive dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving, helping advance BRAZ-TESOL’s goals and strengthen connections among teachers, researchers, teacher educators, and institutions across Brazil.
I see this position as an opportunity to give back to the professional community, contribute to BRAZ-TESOL’s long-term vision, and help ensure that the organization remains an inclusive and supportive space for professional growth and the advancement of ELT in Brazil.
MARCIA YOSHIKO BUTO
Biodata
Marcia Yoshiko Buto is an English language educator, teacher educator, and curriculum specialist with over 30 years of experience in public education. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from UFSCar and works in curriculum development and educational policy at the São Paulo State Department of Education. Affiliated with BRAZ-TESOL’s Public School SIG, she is committed to teacher development and connecting research, policy, and classroom practice.
Statement of purpose
I am honored to present my candidacy for the BRAZ-TESOL Advisory Council, motivated by my commitment to English language education, teacher development, and the role of professional associations in strengthening our field.
Throughout more than 30 years in public education, I have worked in the classroom, teacher education, curriculum development, and educational policy. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on the challenges faced by English language teachers and the importance of connecting research, policy, and classroom practice.
I believe BRAZ-TESOL plays a vital role in fostering professional growth and amplifying teachers’ voices. As a member of the Advisory Council, I would draw on my professional experience to contribute informed perspectives to strategic discussions and support the Executive Board in advancing the Association’s mission and goals.
I am particularly committed to strengthening public school teachers’ representation, encouraging dialogue across educational contexts, and expanding opportunities for professional learning and leadership development. Listening to educators from different regions and backgrounds is essential to building a more inclusive and representative association.
For me, volunteering means sharing knowledge, listening to different perspectives, and contributing to collective decisions. I would be honored to serve on the Advisory Council with dedication, responsibility, and a collaborative spirit.
Together, we can strengthen BRAZ-TESOL and expand opportunities for English language educators across Brazil.
RAYA HILAL
Biodata
ESL educator and academic leader with 16+ years of experience in teaching, teacher development, curriculum design, and academic administration. As Chief Academic Officer at Columbia West College and Speaking Success System, I lead academic strategy, professional development, assessment, and accreditation. I have built data-informed systems for teacher feedback and student satisfaction, and I am committed to helping teachers grow and creating supportive, effective learning environments.
Statement of purpose
I am running for the Advisory Counselor position because I believe in BRAZ-TESOL and in the potential of Brazil’s English teaching community to make a real impact in the world. I want to contribute my time and experience, be part of the conversations and decisions that shape its future, and help build something we can all be proud of.
I have over sixteen years of experience in ESL teaching and academic leadership and currently serve as Chief Academic Officer at Columbia West College and Speaking Success System, both based in the United States. I split my time between Brazil and the US, and my responsibilities cover teacher development, teaching methodology, curriculum design, assessment, accreditation, academic administration, students' satisfaction, and everything in between.
I would bring a practical, collaborative approach to the Advisory Council, listening to members, supporting Chapters and SIGs in the best way I possibly can. I also want to support people who are just starting to take on leadership roles and give them opportunities to grow.
I was born in France to a Brazilian-Lebanese mother and a French-Lebanese father. I have lived in Brazil for the past sixteen years and speak English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese fluently.
Through my connections in the United States, Brazil, France, and the Middle East, I hope to help create opportunities for international partnerships, bring new projects to Brazil, and share the great work of Brazilian educators with the world.
SUSAN CLEMESHA
Biodata
Susan Clemesha has over 20 years of experience in international education and currently serves as Community, Partnerships and Development Manager for the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Brazil and Portugal. Previously, she was Academic Director at bilingual and international schools and an IB Educator Network (IBEN) workshop and programme leader. A member of the LACE research group at PUC-SP, her work focuses on curriculum development, professional learning, multilingualism, multiculturalism, and international-mindedness.
Statement of purpose
I am running for the BRAZ-TESOL Advisory Council because I believe I can bring new perspectives to the Association, drawing on my experience in bilingual and international education over the past 20 years. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with teachers and school leaders in curriculum development, professional learning, and school improvement. More recently, in my role with the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Brazil and Portugal, I have been focusing on building relationships with schools, educators, and educational organizations. I believe there is much to be gained from bringing English language teaching, bilingual education, and international education closer together. These fields share many interests and challenges, and I would love to help create more opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. BRAZ-TESOL has a long history of bringing educators together, and I would be happy to contribute to its next chapter. I hope to offer fresh perspectives, support new initiatives, and encourage more educators to become involved, while also learning from the experience and knowledge of others in the Association.
VICTOR CARVALHO DIAS
Biodata
Victor Carvalho is an English language educator, entrepreneur, and community leader with over a decade of experience. He holds degrees in English Language from UFES and International Affairs from UVV and founded his own language school. Within BRAZ-TESOL, he served as Espírito Santo Chapter Coordinator and contributed to the organizing committee of the 2026 BRAZ-TESOL International Conference in Vitória. He is committed to strengthening connections across Chapters and SIGs and supporting BRAZ-TESOL’s continued growth.
Statement of purpose
Throughout my involvement with BRAZ-TESOL, I have been committed to supporting the organization’s mission, often contributing behind the scenes to help organize events, support Chapter leadership, and strengthen our local community. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and strong connections across the organization.
Serving as the Espírito Santo Chapter Coordinator for the past three years and contributing to the organizing committee of the latest BTIC in Vitória have given me valuable insights into member engagement, community building, and the challenges involved in bringing English language professionals together. My experience as an English teacher, educational leader, and language school owner has also broadened my understanding of the needs and opportunities within our profession.
I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the BRAZ-TESOL Advisory Council, drawing on these experiences to offer a Chapter-level perspective, contribute to discussions on the organization’s priorities, and support the Executive Board in pursuing its strategic goals. I believe that listening to different perspectives and building on the experiences of both Chapters and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) can help BRAZ-TESOL make informed decisions and strengthen its impact nationwide.
As a member of the Advisory Council, I would aim to help foster stronger connections among Chapters and SIGs, encourage meaningful member participation, and support the continued development of an inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable professional community for English language teaching in Brazil.