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HEY THERE

I’M IRENE MCCANN-BRAUN


I'm from Seattle, Washington, USA.

I have been teaching for over 20 years in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. My family and I currently live in Bali, Indonesia, where we are continuing our adventure.

My U.S. teaching certification includes a reading and writing Masters of Education degree.

I began my career teaching 20 years ago in the International Schools in Asia. I fell in love with wandering the lively streets, eating delicious foods, and meeting new friends.

One of my first experiences living abroad was when I walked into a store.  I had practiced everything I would say in the store- in Chinese until it was perfect.  I can't remember what exactly I wanted to say, but after I said it, a group of locals began laughing.  I felt embarrassed because I must have sounded really funny to them.  That same group later became my friends and tutors, helping me with pronunciation and teaching me so much!  I know how scary it can be to try and speak a language that is not your first.

My classrooms have always been filled with students from ALL over the world.  Some were very brave and outgoing, ready to try English even though they had never tried before.  Others spent almost 6 months quietly listening, not ready to speak out loud yet.  Then, one day, they began to try their new language.  These were beautiful moments for me, as a teacher.

HEY THERE

I’M IRENE MCCANN-BRAUN


I'm from Seattle, Washington, USA.

I have been teaching for over 20 years in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. My family and I currently live in Bali, Indonesia, where we are continuing our adventure.

My U.S. teaching certification includes a reading and writing Masters of Education degree.

I began my career teaching 20 years ago in the International Schools in Asia. I fell in love with wandering the lively streets, eating delicious foods, and meeting new friends.

One of my first experiences living abroad was when I walked into a store.  I had practiced everything I would say in the store- in Chinese until it was perfect.  I can't remember what exactly I wanted to say, but after I said it, a group of locals began laughing.  I felt embarrassed because I must have sounded really funny to them.  That same group later became my friends and tutors, helping me with pronunciation and teaching me so much!  I know how scary it can be to try and speak a language that is not your first.

My classrooms have always been filled with students from ALL over the world.  Some were very brave and outgoing, ready to try English even though they had never tried before.  Others spent almost 6 months quietly listening, not ready to speak out loud yet.  Then, one day, they began to try their new language.  These were beautiful moments for me, as a teacher.

When COVID hit, I decided to leave the teaching profession.  As a classroom teacher and special needs specialist, it was a huge joy to be a part of each student’s growth.  I found extreme joy in those lightbulb moments and found that when students received extra tutoring or coaching, these moments of growth and success came more often.  This success led to more confidence.  This confidence grew as one successful experience led to another. 

Schools do a great job of teaching children a range of skills but there is limited time in the school day for teachers to work one-on-one with students' individual needs, both academic and social.  And academics, of course, take precedence. Leaving the classroom allowed me to work with students, one-on-one as their coach and tutor.  

I’m proud to say that’s my job!

Learning a new language and moving to the next level requires persistence and daily practice.

Use this daily planner to schedule your language practice.

A little more about Irene...

Irene is a U.S. certified teacher and special needs specialist.  In addition, she has spent countless hours designing individual curriculum based on student’s needs and goals.  This gift in curriculum designing led to a Masters in curriculum development from Lesley University.

She has worked with over 500 students and their families across Europe, Asia, U.S., and Middle East in classrooms, on the soccer field (as their coach), and online.

She lives in Bali Indonesia and Seattle, Washington and is Mom of 2 teenagers (one preteen!) and 8 year old twins, and a Bali street dog.

She has over 100 hours of coaching experience.  A graduate of JST Coaching- 

A certified member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  This is a prestigious coaching organization that governs and ensures the highest quality, most ethical coaching practice.  Backed by research, and the success of 1000’s of coaches and their students, this means I’ll always reach for the highest ethical standard, and use the very best training out there!

CONTACT IRENE

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Irene's ability to help distill goals, thoughts, road bumps, and reframe them and communicate them back in a way that makes them both tangible and manageable to address. Additionally, she was a measure of added accountability amidst a turbulent and inconsistent time, which was huge."

 
Ted

FREE RESOURCES 

Try these easy & quick starters  to support your self-motivation and confidence. Wouldn't that feel great to grow more independent with confidence and not struggle alone with anxiety over stuff not going their way?

 

English Language Success Planner

If you do not plan out your daily practice, you feel stress and anxiety. Use this planner to stay organized and reach your goal.

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NEXT LEVEL Action Step Planner

Learning a new language and moving to the next level requires persistence and daily practice. Use this daily planner to schedule your language practice. At least 30 minutes a day!

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Watch this 15-minute video guide and ace Your Job Interview (in English) or speak in front of the group. 

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