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.
Drew Wachter
Nationality: U.S.A
Year starting at Clifford: 2019
Position: English Language Support (ELS) Teacher
Qualifications: B.A. Psychology TEFL-C Certification
Teaching Experiences: Over 8 years teaching in China
"The best part of my job is seeing the smile on a students face when they know that they have done a good job and have learned something new, used it
independently, and had fun doing it. My goal is to see this type of smile every day.
Chris Tataryn
Nationality: Canadian
Year starting at Clifford: 2015
Position: English Language Support (ELS) Teacher
Qualifications: Bachelor of International Relations, Post-graduate Graphic Design, TEFL certificate, Yoga Teacher Training
Teaching Experiences: I've taught in China, Korea, Peru and Canada
“I am looking forward to many years filled with student success and learning. Happy to be at Clifford!”
Mark Briscoe
Nationality: Australian
Year starting at Clifford: 2013
Position: English Language Support (ELS) Teacher
Qualifications: Masters TESOL
Teaching Experiences: Taught in Thailand and China
“It's an honour to watch students progress from little or no English to confident and competent communicators of English.”
Ryan Otto
Nationality: South Africa
Year starting at Clifford: 2020
Position: Substitute
Qualifications:Bachelor of Arts, TEFL
Teaching Experiences: Three years teaching in Guangzhou
“My goal is to ensure the students work environment is stimulating, rewarding and interesting and to promote students to actively participate and have fun while learning.”
Todd Gittinger
Nationality: American
Year starting at Clifford: 2014
Position: English Language Support (ELS) Teacher
Qualifications: Bachelor of English and Communications
Teaching Experiences: Taught English in South Korea, Malaysia, Libya
“Teaching at Clifford is a great pleasure. The change in the students from not speaking to carrying conversations in English about everything is fun to be a part.”
Marat Gataullin
Nationality: American
Year starting at Clifford: 2013
Position: English Language Support (ELS) Teacher
Qualifications: BA in Communication, TESOL Certified
Teaching Experiences: China
“I enjoy teaching because I learn a great deal from my students as I witness their growth and success. I make an effort to have my classes challenging and at the same time interesting and fun.”
Steven Toth
Nationality: Canadian
Year starting at Clifford: 2015
Position: ELS Team Leader and UELS Teacher
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts; TESL Certificate
Teaching Experiences: Taught for 5 years in Zhuhai, China."I am very thankful and happy to join Clifford School and look forward to teaching in the New Year. I am excited to see the students improve their English and to learn another language."