Clare Harris at The Book Next Door

I’ve taught ESL to adult immigrants and refugees in Australia for more years than I like to say, plus I’ve worked in refugee camps in Thailand, and more recently (briefly), with displaced people in Greece. It hasn’t all been standard classes – my experience includes being a volunteer Home Tutor as a university student in the UK, Distance Learning, Professional Development, English for the unemployed and English in the Workplace. I’ve taught children and young adults at various times, but most of my students have been adults, so you’ll see I’m trying to create resources with an ‘adult’ look and feel. I’ve been writing resources for over 20 years now, some for the Australian Government, some for publishers, and some for my own small publishing venture, The Book Next Door.

I often teach students with beginning English literacy, so I'm looking to create scaffolded resources that support learners struggling with the English alphabet, writing direction, and even the whole concept of formal learning. I want learners to get a sense of success and achievement as they progress, and of course to have fun!

I was a writer on the Macquarie University project team that won the Australian Publishers Association Award for excellence in educational publishing for 'Get Wise' (Youth Focus resources).

My first degree was in English Language and Literature, from the University of Liverpool in the UK, and included learning Anglo-Saxon in a language lab! Since then I've done a Dip Teach, the RSA Certificate in ESL, a Grad Dip in Reading Studies, and an M. Ed, with a dissertation on Distance Learning for ELLs (all here in Perth in Western Australia). As I work for the VET sector in Australia, I also have to have (and keep upgrading) my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

I've always taught British and Australian English, and I've called on friends and colleagues to help me make sure my resources are now 'international'. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions, or thoughts! I'd also love to connect with you on LinkedIn or other social media.