Elisa Fortin

Elisa has been teaching English for almost 15 years. Her experience includes teaching children in kindergartens and schools, as well as teenagers and adults in both private and group lessons. She has also taught English in company settings and has worked with learners in business and professional contexts, both in person and online.

Her lessons cover general English, grammar and vocabulary, conversation, reading and writing, pronunciation and listening. She also teaches practical Business English for customer care, tourism and real-life workplace situations.

Elisa was born in Milan and developed an interest in English and other foreign languages from an early age. She attended a language-focused secondary school and graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan in 2007, specialising in English and French.

She also spent periods living and studying in London, where she attended the Callan School and particularly appreciated its emphasis on speaking, repetition, pronunciation and vocabulary. Alongside teaching, Elisa has worked as a translator and in customer care, sales and administration, experiences that give her a practical understanding of how English is used in professional life.

Elisa describes her teaching style as friendly, empathetic, patient, encouraging and practical. She combines theory with practice so that students understand the language they are learning and can then use it naturally in everyday situations.

Creating a relaxed atmosphere is especially important to her. She encourages students to speak even when they are unsure, correcting grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation progressively rather than allowing fear of mistakes to stop communication. In group lessons, she uses pair work and role-play to make speaking more informal, useful and enjoyable. She also encourages learners to make English part of everyday life through films, news and podcasts.

Outside teaching, Elisa enjoys cooking, reading, watching television and walking. She practises Japanese and Thai walking as a way to keep fit and manage stress.

She especially enjoys spending time with her daughter Rebecca, who plays the violin and sings. They often share their interest in English through conversation, films and television series. Elisa’s own passion for English began at the age of twelve, when her determination to understand the songs of her favourite band encouraged her to discover what the language could open up.