Meet Our Instructors
Our team includes more than 50 experienced linguists, with instructors based here in Charlottesville and across the U.S. and around the world. Together, they bring language, culture, and real-life experience into every lesson, creating learning that’s personal, engaging, and human.
English/Communication: Joyce McClure, B.F.A.
Joyce has a certificate in ESL from the New School in New York City and one in paralegal studies from Boston University.
English: Liz Launer, M.A.
Meet Elizabeth Launer, Speak!'s Administrative Coordinator and English Program Leader. Since joining the team in 2012, Liz has helped connect thousands of students with the right instructors while supporting Speak!'s international teaching team and English programs.
German/English: Helga Hiss, M.A.
Helga has studied and taught in multicultural environments throughout her life, including in Great Britain, Italy, and the United States.
Speak! is about CONNECTION!
Many of our favorite moments happen when teachers and students learn, laugh, and connect beyond the lesson.
