English Language Support (ELS) Teachers

The English Language Support (ELS) program has seven full-time English teachers. The ELS takes students whose English skills aren’t strong enough to handle regular homeroom work. Students that are assessed and placed in the ELS program benefit from small classes (anywhere from 8 to 15 students). ELS teachers offer them an intensive English language program with the sole goal of returning them back to their regular English classes with the language skills needed to be successful. ELS students are assessed four times during the school year to return to the homeroom. Over the years, students from the ELS that return to the homeroom tend to remain in the homeroom, with a 99% retention rate. While learners learn a second language at different rates, most students only require one or two semesters to return to the homeroom. ELS teachers work on a supportive team where they share resources and best teaching practices.


Tshepo Makgoba

Nationality: South African

Year starting at Clifford: 2021

Position: LELS.1 English teacher

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, TEFL

Teaching Experiences: I have been teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in China since 2018.

"I am excited to help students at Clifford Bilingual learn English in a fun and engaging way. I want to see students become more confident          with using English to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas and life                                                                 experiences.”

Michael Coney

Nationality: British

Year starting at Clifford: 2021

Position: LELS.2 English Teacher

Qualifications:    Bachelor in Law and Politics; TEFL

Teaching Experiences: Taught in China for four years.

 It is very enjoyable watching students learn and develop in the classroom, gaining in confidence and using the language skills they have acquired.  I’m looking forward to the year ahead.” 

Belinda Lausier

Nationality:  American

Year starting at Clifford:  2022

Position:  UELS.1 English Teacher

Qualifications:  Bachelor of Arts, TEFL

Past Experiences:  9 years teaching in China.

“I look forward to meeting the students, learning about their interests,  watching them grow, and helping them learn how to express themselves in English.”

Zunaid Bux

Nationality: South African

Year starting at Clifford: 2021

Position: UELS.2 English Teacher

Qualifications: Masters of Business Administration, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCEi)

Teaching Experiences: I've taught in China, the Caribbean, and South Africa

“I am looking forward to working with all of our ELS students and team,   and bringing my fun and interactive teaching style into the classroom.”