We are proud to introduce the following teachers and tell you something about their backgrounds and what special skills and experience they bring to the classroom. All teachers at OISE Sydney hold a minimum of a graduate degree and the industry standard CELTA or Trinity TESOL qualification for teaching English as a Second Language.

Claire Jaynes - Principal

Claire Jaynes has been the Principal of OISE Sydney since 2007.  Originally from Wales, Claire has lived in the UK, France, Spain and Argentina  where she worked as a teacher, trainer and manager. With a Diploma in language teaching and an MA in Linguistics, Claire has over 17 years of industry experience including 8 years in ESL management. Claire has also been an IELTS and Cambridge examiner and is a member of OISE's Academic Development Board.

John Yates - teacher

John has taught for 8 years following a successful business career in science research and management. During this time, he lived and worked in various different countries.  He  has specialised in small group and 1-1 teaching both in Germany and Australia. John emigrated to Australia from the UK in 1960s and has worked at OISE Sydney for the last 5 years.  John has a keen interest in current affairs, finance, the economy and is an intrepid traveller.

Helen Ayers - teacher

Helen joined us in February 2009 after a career in sales and marketing, across the corporate and small business sector in London and Sydney.  Originally from England, she settled in Sydney in 1991. Helen's particular language focus is in  developing student confidence through building skills in communication, expression, opinion and debate.

Tim Axelsen - teacher

Originally from Canberra, the capital of Australia, Tim has lived and taught ESL in both Spain and Latin America for over 8 years.  While in Europe, Tim specialized in teaching for the Cambridge suite of exams. Tim worked as a Park Manager  and has a keen interest in horticulture. He has studied Creative Writing and uses this knowledge and interest to help focus students on language accuracy. He also has a particular interest in improving students' pronunciation. Now based in Sydney, Tim has been with OISE since March 2009.

Karen Donovan - teacher

Karen has been teaching English for 7 years, both in Australia and Sweden. Before that, she held the position of auditor at two leading  international finance companies for 11 years. Karen's in-depth working knowledge of the finance industry allows her to focus on the needs of both the employers and employees in accountancy and finance. Karen comes from far western Australia but has called Sydney home for the past year.