Open to opportunities

Liza Sweetnam

@lizasweetnam

Message

Experienced and results-driven online ESL teacher focused on confident, personalized student progress.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role where I can deliver personalized, engaging online English lessons, develop learning materials, and support student progress in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

I am an experienced and results-driven online ESL teacher who creates personalised, engaging lessons and e-books to help students gain confidence and achieve measurable goals. I design materials for a wide range of learners — from young children to adults — focusing on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and exam preparation such as IELTS and KET.

My teaching approach is patient, supportive and interactive, incorporating games, storytelling and singing to boost engagement. I also bring strong organisational and communication skills from prior customer-facing roles in optical services, ensuring timely follow-up, clear feedback and well-structured learning resources.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Online ESL Teacher

Current

Freelance

Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 10 months)

Provided 1:1 and small-group online ESL instruction for children and adults, creating personalised e-books and materials that improved student confidence and exam readiness (KET, IELTS). Incorporated games, storytelling and targeted pronunciation practice to boost engagement and progress.

ESL Curriculum Design IELTS Preparation KET Preparation Lesson planning Educational E Book Creation

Optical Assistant

Specsavers

Jan 2015 - Jan 2020 (5 years)

Performed pre-screening tests (visual acuity, tonometry, auto-refraction), managed bookings and provided customer support, and guided patients on lens options and aftercare to ensure high-quality service.

Screening Tonometry Auto Refraction Patient Scheduling Customer Support Aftercare

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

CLWU-Nicekid

ESL Teaching / Classroom Methods

2020 - 2023

Activities and societies: Delivered 1-1 and 1-2 IELTS and ESL classes for ages 5–12; created interactive learning materials

Completed coursework or training on 'Introduction to new thinking for classroom' between 2020 and 2023 focused on classroom techniques for ESL teaching.

Specsavers Optometrists

Optical Assistance / Healthcare

2015 - 2020

Grade: Completed Optical level 1-5 with full colours

Activities and societies: Pre-screening, visual acuity, tonometry, auto-refraction pre-tests, managed bookings and patient aftercare

Completed Optical level 1–5 training while working as an Optical Assistant from 2015 to 2020, gaining pre-screening and patient-care experience.

Unknown

Bachelor's Degree, English / ESL / Psychology

Grade: B Distinctions

Activities and societies: Created e-books and personalized materials; prepared students for KET and IELTS exams; incorporated games, storytelling, and singing in lessons

Completed secondary education (matriculated) and pursued a bachelor's degree; studied subjects related to English/ESL and psychology with TEFL/TESOL certification and IELTS preparation experience.