Our Cambridge mentors are waiting to help you! They offer a range of experience and expertise across topics such as active learning and English language teaching (ELT). Meet our mentors below and find out how they can support you through the Cambridge Teacher Support Service.
We are pleased to introduce Siti Zaleha, Simon Lind, Annie Altamirano, Kathryn Joy and Richard Hester.
Siti Zaleha
Siti is a mathematics teacher, teacher trainer and examiner. She has a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning (Mathematics) from Taylor’s University in Malaysia. Siti started her career as a mining geologist. She hopes to bring a love for mathematics to the community, an important part of many STEM careers.
Siti was Head of Mathematics in her school and has since moved on to become a Cambridge trainer. She has previously led Cambridge professional development programmes with schools in Malaysia and Cambodia.
“My key areas of interest include active learning, student engagement and using technology in physical and online classrooms.”
Siti believes the best resource a school can have are its teachers. She brings this theme to her workshops for teachers in Southeast Asia. Siti has been invited to run workshops for large conferences, such as our Be Ready for the World conference.
“Teachers learn best from other teachers, as a source of support and inspiration. My aim is to help other teachers to network, collaborate and innovate together on the teacher support service.”
Simon Lind
Simon has been involved in education for nearly 40 years. He is a Senior International Education Consultant and Trainer at Cambridge University Press. He puts learning at the heart of everything he does. Simon enjoys sharing his experiences with teachers and schools around the world.
His speciality is developing classroom strategies for schools teaching in English, when English is not necessarily the home language.
“Language awareness and active learning are at the heart of my approach to education. Teachers and students learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning and find it interesting and enjoyable.”
Simon has previously written training materials, webinars, workshops and presentations. These have covered topics including differentiation, assessment for learning, lesson planning and language awareness. He has guided schools and colleagues around the world on how to successfully integrate the Cambridge curricula, using our resources.
“When asked what I do, I used to reply, ‘I am a teacher of children.’ Now I can proudly say, ‘I am a teacher of teachers.’ The best job in the world!”
Annie Altamirano
Annie is a teacher, teacher trainer and author. She began her teaching career in Argentina, after graduating as a teacher of English. She has a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching (ELT) and Applied Linguistics from the University of London.
Before moving to Spain, Annie worked at a university, training teachers for primary and pre-primary education. She has had multiple roles over the years, including Cambridge English Speaking Examiner and Cambridge Assessment English presenter.
“Since 2000, I have devoted most of my time to training teachers and to writing materials for children and adolescents.”
Annie’s latest published work includes our Cambridge Global English teacher’s resources and Cambridge Grammar and Writing Skills stages 7 – 9 teacher’s resources.
She has also delivered workshops and visited schools in Turkey, Indonesia and China with Cambridge University Press. These experiences have helped her to gain valuable insights into teachers’ needs and expectations.
“I am looking forward to working with teachers from different countries. I hope they find my experience and expertise useful.”
Kathryn Joy
Kathryn has spent the past 25 years working in primary and lower secondary education. She has a degree in English and Education from the University of Cambridge. Following a successful career as a teacher and school leader in the UK, she has been training teachers since 2009. Kathryn also holds a Master’s degree in Primary Education.
Kathryn now works at Cambridge University Press as Teaching and Learning Lead. She has supported schools in Turkey, Malaysia and China, gaining valuable insights into teachers’ needs and expectations. She has also met teachers from around the world as part of our online training and support.
“Working for the Press has given me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with teachers around the world.”
Kathryn’s particular areas of expertise include all aspects of primary English. She really enjoys discussing how to develop teaching and learning with teachers.
“I am looking forward to working with teachers from around the world as they start to use our new resources.”
Richard Hester
Richard has been working in schools for nearly 30 years. Initially as a teacher, but also as a head teacher and a consultant. He has a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management from the University of Bath. Richard is also currently studying part-time for his Doctor of Education degree (EdD).
“My areas of special interest include school leadership, metacognition, differentiation and active learning.”
Richard has been a Programme Leader for the Cambridge Teaching and Learning Diploma. In addition, he has written science courses for Cambridge.
He has worked with teachers throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. Furthermore, Richard has presented at educational conferences in England, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Colombo, Rome and Prague.
“I am looking forward to being part of the Cambridge Teacher Support Service. Supporting professional collaboration in any context is always a huge privilege. I trust this service will be useful to all teachers who participate. I am anticipating learning from all involved as we collaborate and share ideas together.”
Visit our website to find out more about the Cambridge Teacher Support Service and discover our other professional development opportunities.
