I hope that you are ready for a wonderful English language and cultural experience, as I look forward to introducing you to San Francisco, and taking you on one of our many adventures throughout California, and beyond.
- Sina Ghadirian, Director at AEA
Our mission
The mission of Advance English Academy is to provide a high-quality English language program, in a friendly and compassionate learning environment.
Advance English Academy strives to equip students with their desired English competence and to provide an opportunity to develop their lifelong-lasting learning ability.
Through the recruitment and development of qualified faculty members, Advance English Academy endeavors to assist and support students in achieving their educational goals.
By advocating local volunteerism and outdoor recreation, Advance English Academy hopes to expand student knowledge, while encouraging an appreciation and understanding of our community, language, and country.
Teacher directory
Andrew Navarro
Education background
B.A. Performing Arts, B.S. Criminal Justice, San Francisco State University;
M.A. TESOL Texas A&M Commerce
Teaches:
High Advanced
Talk to me about:
English, Food, Travel, History
One interesting place I've traveled to:
I've traveled to Florence, Italy multiple times. I keep thinking I'll go back and explore more of Italy, but the reality is that I love Florence too much to lose a single day somewhere else. I recommend trying some gelato before walking around the Duomo!
Anna Loewenberg
Education background
B.A. Modern Literature, UC Santa Cruz;
M.S., Columbia Graduate School of Journalism;
TEFL in China Certificate; Florida Educator Certificate Training, English 6-12, University of West Florida
Teaches:
Advanced
Talk to me about:
English, Food, Travel, Movies
One interesting place I've traveled to:
I've traveled to the lush mountain lakes of Yunnan China, and from there I went to Shangri La and onto Lhasa, Tibet. In the mountains of Tibet, I explored monasteries and temples that were at such a high altitude, they seemed to kiss the sky. It was a life-changing experience.
Ben Huynh
Education background
B.A. English Literature, UC Santa Cruz; M.A. TESOL, San Francisco State University
Teaches: Beginner, High Advanced
Talk to me about:
San Francisco, English, Travel
One interesting thing you should know about me:
I love being active! On weekends, when I have time, I play basketball with my friends. I also play golf, tennis, disc golf, and I like to go hiking from time to time. If I’m not outside, I like to stay home and watch movies or read (ranging from novels to research papers on just about anything that piques my interest). My favorite novel is A Portrait of a Lady by Henry James.
Casey Laird
Education background
B.A. American Studies, University of California Santa Cruz; M.A. TESOL (in progress) San Francisco State University
Teaches:
High Advanced, High Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Languages, Guitars, Motorcycles, The Bay Area, History
One interesting thing I’ve done:
I was on the TV show House Hunters International when I worked in Vietnam. Don't believe what you see on reality TV. Everything was staged and faked for the show!
Charles
Education background
MA & MLitt in English literature, Middlebury College; BA in philosophy, Illinois Wesleyan University; certificate in TEFL, Global Language Training.
Teaches:
Low Intermediate and High Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Literature, Science, Nature, Films
One interesting place I've traveled to:
I've traveled to 5 different countries. Ask me which five.
Daniel Estay
Education background
B.A. Social Science Ashford University, M.A. Higher Education (In Progress) University of Arizona, TESOL Certificate
Teaches:
High Intermediate, Advanced
Talk to me about:
English, History, Music, my rock band The Crimson Curtains, Science, Theology & Philosophy
One interesting thing you should know about me:
I've been playing in a rock band for 10 years, and I've traveled through Europe (Spain, Italy & France), South America (Argentina & Chile), Africa(Ghana), and the U.S (Visited 22 different states).
Jake Pass
Education background
B.A. Communications, San Francisco City College, Production Internship Program, Paradigm 3 Education, San Francisco
Teaches:
Advanced, Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Japan, Hawaii, World Travel, Movies, Rock 'n Roll
One interesting thing I’ve done:
I traveled, volunteered, and studied in over 40 countries. I ran an educational tour company and an English camp while living in Hawaii, and I lived in Japan for over 20 years and love talking about Japanese society, bilingualism, and biculturalism.
Joanne Garcia
Education background
Ph.D. Educational Leadership of Curriculum and Instruction- Northcentral University: MA Education with Specialization of TESOL- St. Mary's College of California, BA Liberal Studies with minor in Latin American Studies and Child Development- CSEUB, Translation Studies Certificate- Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and The National Hispanic University
Teaches:
Advanced, High Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Life, Immigration, Travel, Health and Wellness
One interesting place I've traveled to:
I have traveled to Mexico, Paris, Rome, Nicaragua, and lived in the jungles of Nicaragua for over 6 months surviving solely on Iguana and Coconut water! We won’t talk about the toilet paper-all-natural leaves! :)
Matt Jaramillo
Education background
B.A. Philosophy – Azusa Pacific University, MA TESOL – San Jose State University
Teaches:
High Advanced
Talk to me about:
Coffee, Jazz Hop, Philosophy, Video Games
One interesting place I've traveled to:
I studied abroad in Lithuania during college. I highly recommend visiting Trakai Island Castle and the Švyturys Brewery. Also, taking the overnight train from Vilnius to Moscow was quite a unique travel experience.
Meredith Melville
Education background
B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in English Language, University of Colorado - TESOL Certificate UC Berkeley Extension
Teaches:
Beginner, Low Intermediate, Mid Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Language, Food, Travel, Music, Backpacking
One interesting thing I’ve done:
One experience I will never forget is the 5,000-mile bicycle trip I took in Portugal, Spain, and France. Traveling by bicycle is a wonderful way to connect with people and places.
I had taken a 9-month sabbatical from the school where I was teaching ESL. As it turned out, I fell in love with the Basque country and ended up spending 3 years in San Sebastian teaching English.
Ted Watts
Education background
B.A. Literature In English, Christopher Newport University, TESOL Certificate
Teaches:
High Advanced, High Intermediate, TOEFL
Talk to me about:
English, History, Music, Art, Literature, and Grammar
One interesting thing I’ve done:
I have recorded independent rock records and performed and toured in support of them. One fond memory is performing in DC at a record release gig. The band's name is The Love Load, and the record was entitled "Three On A Match." It was a fun and happy night!
Tim An
Education background
B.S. Hospitality Management, SFSU, M.A. TESOL, University of SF
Teaches:
Beginner, High Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Dogs, Food, Languages
One interesting thing you should know about me:
My dream is to win a lottery so I can buy some land and build shelters for dogs.
Vijay Darke
Education background
B.S in Business Administration, M.A. in Marketing, California State University
Teaches:
Low Intermediate, High Intermediate
Talk to me about:
Travel, Movies, TV Shows, Sports
One interesting thing I’ve done:
I have traveled to 25 countries and I have lived in 5 countries so far. My favorite place so far has been Machu Picchu and my least favorite place has been Copenhagen. I loved Machu Picchu because of its history and the ancient Inca culture. Also, Peruvian food is AMAZING!