Grow: A podcast from Cambridge

Join us for another inspiring episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. This week we join Lilian Velázquez Salinas, a passionate English teacher in Mexico City.Host Ricardo Morales discovers how Lilian focuses on truly knowing her learners and their interests. Utilising TV programmes, games and music to design lessons that feel relevant, joyful and meaningful in her classroom. In this episode you will hear all about:Practical ways Lilian encourages shy students to speak up.How she balances different personalities and needs. How she is adapting to changes in students' attention and behaviour. Why conferences, webinars and sharing experiences with other teachers keep her inspired. You’ll also hear from Cecília Lemos Harmer & Matt Ellman from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring the Cambridge Life Competencies Framework into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/clcf.Join our free webinars and get practical, up‑to‑date insights from leading Cambridge specialists.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

In this episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge, host Diana Romero Saucedo speaks with Victor David Salas Chavolla at the Universidad del Valle de México. Victor shares how a simple love of English - long before he ever imagined becoming a teacher - shaped his journey into the classroom. Together they explore what it really means to grow as a teacher over a decade in the classroom.In this episode of Grow you will learn:How to balance traditional teaching techniques with digital tools.How projects and cultural events can make language learning meaningful and memorable. How to support mixed-ability groups with inclusive, student-centered tasks.How to build confidence and connection as a new English language teacher.You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we’re bringing you another episode from Turkey, where we are meeting Seda Kesici in Istanbul. Seda and host Natasha Arain talk honestly about reducing “teacher talking time”, how CELTA and DELTA courses can transform your classroom practice and why it’s important to take time to carefully design your lessons. Hear how one inspiring English teacher changed the course of Seda’s life and how that experience now shapes the way she supports her own students and colleagues.In this episode of Grow, you will learn:Practical advice on managing exam stress with your learners.How to find balance when things feel overwhelming.Honest insights into leadership as an early career teacher.Top tips on leading with empathy and communication.You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability.Find out how you can start your own CELTA or DELTA journey. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join the conversation in your teacher community: Explore fresh ideas, share your insights and connect with educators around the world.Send your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Natali de Sousa Chaves from her very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios, learns all about Natali’s unique experience of teaching English to learners as young as 1, 2 and 3 years of age!You’ll hear how Natali uses play, routines and real life moments - from snack time to free play - to help her very young learners “live the language” even before they can fully speak in their first language. In this episode of Grow, you will discover:Natali’s reflections on being a life long learner herself, from taking CELTA to studying neuroscience in education.Why teacher wellbeing and self-care are essential if we want to keep our energy, enthusiasm and warmth in the classroom.Practical ideas for dealing with short attention spans and managing behaviour.How being flexible, reading the room and changing your lesson plans on the spot can make all the difference. You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability.Find out how you can start your own CELTA journey.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we’re bringing you our first episode from Turkey, where we are meeting Eylem Ateş at Final Schools in Istanbul. Eylem and host Natasha Arain explore what it really means to create classrooms where students feel safe, curious and confident to speak. Eylem shares her journey from teacher to academic leader, practical ideas for programmes and projects that get students genuinely using English, and a “That feeling when…” moment of a once silent learner who “accidentally” discovered he could speak English!In this episode of Grow, you will hear:How Eylem moved beyond grammar-heavy lessons to build voice focused classrooms.How she adapts her teaching approach from preschool to high school students.How she helps her learners think critically and express themselves without fear of mistakes. How Eylem supports teachers through curriculum, coaching and feedback. You’ll also hear from Helen Allen & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to bring sustainability into the language classroom. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers at cambridge.org/sustainability.

Hello and welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge.Today we’re bringing you a very special episode of Grow. We’re celebrating “That feeling when …” - those unforgettable moments when English teachers, like you, know they have made a difference.We’ll look back at some of the most heartwarming “That feeling when …” stories from previous Grow episodes, with our host LuÍsa Geão.From that feeling when your learner says thank you, to that feeling when you see them succeed - you’ll hear stories that show the true impact you have on their lives. What’s that feeling for you? As you listen, we encourage you to think about your own “That feeling when …” story and share it on social with us using #CambridgeTFWDiscover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join the conversation in your teacher community: Explore fresh ideas, share your insights and connect with educators around the world.Send your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Marcio Souza from his very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios, hears about Marcio’s journey from being raised by a family of educators to conducting doctoral research on Plurilingual intercultural competence in English teaching in the UK. Marcio shares the importance of balancing formal and informal language and celebrating diverse Englishes to equip students for the real world.In this episode of Grow, you will hear about:Navigating the differences between teaching preteens and teens.The importance of plurilingual and intercultural competence. Supporting student’s confidence for international exams.Practical tips for well-being as an educator. You’ll also hear from Jess Rundell from the Cambridge Dictionary team, sharing a top tip for bringing the Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year 2025 into your classroom. Find out more about the Word of the Year 2025 here, and explore free Cambridge Dictionary teaching resources. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join the conversation in your teacher community: Explore fresh ideas, share your insights and connect with educators around the world.Send your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Join us for another inspiring episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. This week we join Rubén Hernández Rodríguez, a passionate English teacher in Mexico City.Host Ricardo Morales dives into Rubén’s 25 years of teaching experience and uncovers his secrets to motivating students and balancing both his professional and personal life.Rubén’s story will remind you why teaching English is about so much more than just language. In this episode you will learn about:Transforming teenage classrooms into safe, dynamic learning spaces. Creating meaningful connections with students.Navigating technological changes in the classroom.You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on creating tailored follow-up. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers, including the Integrated Learning and Assessment course and an ideas pack, at cambridge.org/ILADiscover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org