BBELT 2025 Plenary Speakers

Cecilia Nobre is a teacher, trainer, DipTESOL tutor, and mentor with 20+ years of experience. Passionate about online teaching and teacher development, she has taught in Brazil, the UK, and Turkey. She is pursuing a PhD in Applied Linguistics at Warwick and co-authored Using Video to Support Teacher Reflection (2023).

Gabriel Díaz Maggioli is a teacher educator, researcher, writer, and consultant. He currently directs the postgraduate programs in ELT at the Institute of Education, Universidad ORT Uruguay. His research focuses on sociocultural perspectives on teacher education and development. He has served on the Board of the TESOL International Association and was the first Latinx President of IATEFL (2019–2024). His latest publication is New Directions in Language Teaching.

Jennifer Verschoor is a university professor, certified translator, and expert in educational technology. She holds degrees from Cambridge and Harvard and received a prestigious scholarship from Singularity University. Recognized for innovation, she has received ELTons nominations and Microsoft awards. She leads the AI and EdTech programs at a bilingual school in Buenos Aires and the educational program at an AI startup.

Joe Dale is an independent languages consultant with expertise in technology-enhanced learning. He has worked with major organisations like the British Council, BBC, and Microsoft. A recognised leader in AI for language teaching, Joe delivers training worldwide, supporting educators in using digital tools to enhance language learning and workload efficiency.

Paul Seligson is a LATAM specialist with an MA in TEFL and CELTA assessor. Known for practical training, he has taught and trained worldwide, producing over 20 coursebook series. His work draws on 40 years of classroom observations of language teachers. His latest publications are English ID 2nd ed, and the upcoming English Express for Latin America, a course for Spanish speakers. Based in the UK, he is a regular visitor to LATAM and a consultant at Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo.

Susan Dawson holds an MA TESOL and a PhD in Education from The University of Manchester, UK where she is currently a lecturer in Education.  She has been involved in English language teaching and English language teacher education for over 35 years and delivered CPD workshops in many countries. Her research interests include inclusive practitioner research, teacher resilience and using accessible, low cost technology for teacher development purposes.