LSE Kiev staff 2010 - 2011
Meet some of our teachers…
Nicholas Morris
Position: School Director
Years at LSE: 16
Hometown: Norwich, UK
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA/DELTA | BA in Sociology
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
What I most enjoy about teaching in Ukraine is the variety. At LSE we have students from three years old, young learners, teenagers and adults. We have so many different courses on offer that the teaching is interesting - General English, Cambridge Exams, IELTS, Independent Testing and Business Courses!! It’s all so interesting.
Conor Thomas Traynor
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: Just arrived in September!
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA | BA in German & Spanish
What made you decide to move to Ukraine?
After completing my CELTA course in Obolon, Kiev, I felt that I had a feel for the city. I have been working in a Swiss grammar school for two years and Ukraine is a new adventure for me. I have never lived in a country where I don’t speak the language and this is a chance for me to experience a new and different culture and maybe learn some Russian.
John Pickles
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: 3
Hometown: Hull, East Yorkshire, UK
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA | BA in Industrial Product Design & Engineering
What made you decide to teach in Ukraine?
I was drawn to Kyiv primarily because of the reputation of the established and well-run school here. It didn’t take long for me to discover that Ukrainian Students are conscientious, hardworking and highly motivated when it comes to learning English. They take lessons seriously and contribute to classroom discussions, but are more than happy to take part in light-hearted language activities at the end of lessons.
Lena Mikhoduy
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: 2
Hometown: Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine
Qualifications: Cambridge ICELT | BA in Linguistics
What made you want to become an English teacher?
‘Find out what it is about teaching that gives you a buzz and focus on that. If nothing about teaching gives you a buzz – get another job.’ - Those were the words of my university teacher which I remember through all these years. Because every single day I spend in class with my students does give me a buzz, Students’ eyes and all those ‘whys’ or ‘why nots’. Students’ feedback shows that they have appreciated or enjoyed what I have done. It does not let you lose your inspiration and creativeness. Sometimes I wonder if students are given to us (teachers) to teach or to learn from? Both I believe.
Nate Everett
Position: Projects Manager
years at LSE: 5
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Qualifications: BA in Philosophy | MA in International Education | Cambridge CELTA
What made you decide to teach in Ukraine?
I originally began teaching English seven years ago simply because I wanted to spend some time abroad. Since that time, however, I’ve come to see language learning and language teaching as fascinating and rewarding tasks, and the latter carries a great deal of responsibility. Of course, I would encourage teachers who come to Ukraine to spend some time learning Russian as well!
Robert Hartigan
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: 7
Hometown: Limerick, Ireland
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA | Currently doing Cambridge DELTA
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Teaching in Ukraine has always been a pleasure. Working with groups of interesting, motivated and extremely keen students makes life so much more enjoyable for teachers. Seeing the enthusiasm my students show here makes me realise how important learning English is for Ukrainians. Being able to help in any way possible is always particularly rewarding for me.
Nadya Nikitenko
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: 4
Hometown: Kyiv, Ukraine
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA | MA in Linguistics
What is the best piece of advice you can give your students?
My love of English made me become an English teacher. For those who want to improve their English I 
would recommend reading as much in English as you can, speaking with people in English as much as possible, putting your social life on hold for the duration of your studies, using as many supplemental materials as you can (movies, songs, newspapers, magazines, etc.), and following a consistent study schedule - I suggest two hours everyday. Remember - you must really want to learn it, otherwise you won’t achieve your aim. Good luck!
Victoria Voronko
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: 3
Hometown: Kiev, Ukraine
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA | CPE | MA in History of International Relations & Law | MA in Applied Linguistics
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
It’s such a great thing to let others know what they didn’t know before. I’d say that the students are definitely the most worthwhile aspect of teaching. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing you have made a positive difference in their life. When a student asks you a question that tells you he is listening and wants to know more, or doesn’t quite understand so please try again… when their faces light up with that ‘Ah hah!’ glow that tells you have turned on the light for them. There isn’t any feeling that compares with those moments.
Alice Grix
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: Just arrived in September!
Hometown: Stamford, UK
Qualifications: TEFL Certification | MA in Playwriting Studies | BA in English with Drama
What do you enjoy most about living in Kiev?
Although this is a large city, it feels small and welcoming. The people have been really friendly and the buildings in the centre of Kyiv are truly beautiful. The weather has been really nice since I arrived but I have been warned about winter in Kyiv!
Carrie Magee
Position: Teacher
Years at LSE: Just arrived in September!
Hometown: Aboyne, Scotland
Qualifications: Cambridge CELTA | BA in Film & Media Studies
What made you want to become an English teacher?
I always wanted to be a teacher and when I realised I could combine that with my love for travelling, I jumped at the chance to learn more about a relatively unknown part of the world, and I think it will be a really rewarding experience because the students here are so dedicated and hardworking.
