Ana
Language Trainers: What language(s) do you teach? Why did you choose a career in teaching?
Ana: I teach English and Croatian/Montenegrin/Bosnian/Serbian. As an adult, I now better understand why I chose teaching. Interestingly, I decided to become an English teacher when I was only twelve. How many students at that age know for sure what they want to be when they grow up? Likely, not many. While kids typically change their minds as they grow older, for me, it was decided—period! And here I am, 35 years later, an English teacher. I hope I’m similar to my role model, my fabulous English teacher from elementary school. That’s why I became a teacher!
Language Trainers: Tell us about your teaching qualifications and history.
Ana: I graduated from high grammar school and then earned a degree from the Faculty of Philosophy, Department of the English Language and Literature, with a major in English. I also hold an interdisciplinary M.A. in Religious Studies, along with CELTA and TYLEC teaching certificates. CELTA stands for Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages by Cambridge English, while TYLEC, or Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate, is one of the most widely recognized international qualifications for teaching young learners, offered by the British Council and Trinity College London. Additionally, I have a certificate in Introduction to Montessori Education for Ages 0 to 12 from the International Montessori Institute of Barcelona. My teaching history spans nearly 30 years and includes teaching all age groups and English proficiency levels. I’ve taught English as both a second language and a first language to young native English speakers. I’ve also worked with students with special needs and taught Montenegrin/Croatian/Bosnian/Serbian as both a first and second language.
Language Trainers: What attracted you to teach with Language Trainers?
Ana: From the beginning, the communication with Language Trainers has been professional, smooth, and pleasant. Meeting students from different backgrounds through Language Trainers has been enriching because it allows me to grow as a teacher. I support my students in developing their skills and confidence, but I also learn from them. Language Trainers creates a great bond that enhances teamwork and ensures success.
Language Trainers: What is your favourite thing about working with Language Trainers?
Ana: My favourite thing about working with Language Trainers is the support I receive. Whenever I have questions, doubts, or need clarifications, I can always rely on their prompt responses. They listen carefully to both students and teachers, creating a positive and collaborative environment.
Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?
Ana: I look for patience, determination, and the awareness that there are no miracles in language learning—only regular work and motivation. Mistakes should never be seen as failures but as opportunities to improve. I often remind students how they learned their native language: by making mistakes!
Language Trainers: What should students expect from you as their teacher?
Ana: Students should expect patience, understanding, and careful planning tailored to their learning style and personality. I also prioritize making lessons fun and engaging, as joy and humour make even the most challenging topics easier to learn.
Language Trainers: Describe your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers.
Ana: One memorable experience was teaching a teenage student the language of his father's ancestors, which was his grandfather’s native language. He wanted to connect more deeply with his heritage, and this journey became special for both of us. I revisited my childhood and youth while exploring music, art, and history to make his roots come alive for him. For him, it was his first encounter with his heritage; for me, it was a nostalgic trip back to my formative years. Seeing his growing interest was deeply rewarding.
Language Trainers: Why should students enrol in a language course with Language Trainers?
Ana: Students can trust that Language Trainers will find the best teacher-student match and ensure smooth, efficient communication. The team is always there to support the learning journey, making success a shared goal for everyone involved.
Language Trainers: Tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favourite expression you ask your students to learn.
Ana: There are many interesting expressions to learn, but I love teaching idioms that are both funny and useful. Two of my favourites are: “Pardon my French!”—used to apologize in advance for saying something impolite—and “It’s raining cats and dogs!”—a humorous way to describe heavy rain. I always encourage students to share their native language equivalents, comparing how different cultures express similar ideas.
