MEET THE ITA STAFF

Byron Bell | Chicago In-Person TEFL Course Practicum Instructor

Byron Bell | Chicago TEFL Course Practicum Instructor

What's your role at International TEFL Academy?

I am the Chicago In-Person TEFL Course Practicum instructor here at ITA. 

What's your story?

I was completing my TEFL certification many years ago and was asked to do volunteer work in Chile for the English Opens Doors Program. This was sponsored by the United Nations Development Program and the Chilean Ministry of Education. This was the catalyst for my relocation and many years spent abroad. In addition to traveling, I like: bicycling, horseback riding, ziplining, rappelling, doing yoga, meditation, capoeira, dancing, and listening to live music.

Where are you from and where did you go to college?

I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Master of Arts in Applied Professional Studies with a concentration in Intercultural Communication from DePaul University. I am currently near the end of my Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

What countries have you been to?

I have visited: Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, France, Haiti, Jamaica, Japan, Nicaragua, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, Thailand, St. Lucia, South Korea, and Venezuela.

Where have you lived/taught abroad?

I have lived (and taught) in Chile for three years and Costa Rica for six years.

Best travel story?

One of my favorite travel experiences was staying in the Mayan Jungle for three days in Tikal, Guatemala. One day I went on a sunrise tour that started a little after 3:30 in the morning. The jungle hotel had timed blackouts due to energy conservation so it was pitch black throughout the area. A tour guide and a group of roughly twenty vacationers and I trekked through the jungle towards one of the biggest pyramids in the national park. We safely climbed to the top to listen to the wildlife and watch the sunrise. It was an amazing experience.

What is your favorite ethnic food?

This is a toss-up between Mexican and Thai.

What are you looking most forward to about working at ITA?

I am excited to meet all of the wonderful students that will soon share some of their life events in the classroom as an ESL teacher.

Byron Bell International TEFL Academy
TEFL Byron Bell
Teach English Abroad Byron Bell
Chicago TEFL Course Instructor Byron Bell
Byron Bell
TEFL Byron Bell

Meet The Rest of The ITA Crew

Meet The Team

ITA Team

Meet the ITA staff who has lived, traveled, and/or taught abroad and online extensively. We've been in your shoes so you can do it too.

 

Academics

ITA Professors

All of our Course instructors possess advanced degrees (Masters Degrees, PhD's or the equivalent) and at least 10 years of teaching & training experience. 

 

Admissions

ITA Admissions Advisors

Before enrolling in a course, all students are provided with one-on-one pre-enrollment advice from expert advisors to determine how they can realistically achieve their goals of working as professional English teachers abroad & online.

 

Student Affairs

ITA Student Affairs Advisors

Following enrollment, students receive lifetime job search guidance through the Student Affairs Department to assist them in navigating the international job market, gaining employment, and preparing to travel and live abroad.