
Debbie West, UC Berkeley grad, brought up in a military family, has done almost everything from teaching French to being International Student Advisor in the United States to now teaching English to all levels and ages here in France. An educator at heart, she sees education as broader than in a classroom and is definitely not very traditional in her methods. With a love for developing programs and an ever-present bank of ideas, there never seems to be enough time, energy and money to do everything. Being single helps and sometimes doesn't. Here in France she is an independent (after all the accountants were just "trying to help") and teach English and do a bit of translation. Debbie is a Representative for the International Business Program at UC Berkeley Extension, and is trying to develop a Total Summer Immersion English Program (in August). She tries to do her part in developing people's English skills.
Vice President

With over 25 years of experience teaching English across Vietnam, Australia, and France, I am dedicated to advancing English Language Teaching (ELT) globally. My academic journey, which includes a Ph.D. in English as an International Language (EIL) from Australia and a Master's in ESL and Curriculum Development from the United States, has equipped me with a deep understanding of diverse teaching methodologies and research skills.
As a former Dean of the Foreign Languages Department and an accomplished author
of two books and multiple articles on teaching EIL, I bring a research-informed
approach to both classroom practices and teacher training. My passion lies in
mentoring educators and empowering them to create dynamic, globally minded classrooms that
prepare learners for an interconnected world.
Volunteering with TESOL France, I am committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the ELT community. Let’s unite teachers, educators, and researchers to build a powerful network that will elevate English language education in France and beyond, shaping a brighter future for all!
General Secretary

Alexandra Donnez's journey into teaching stemmed from a desire for a more fulfilling career after a decade of commuting to a job that had lost its appeal.
Transitioning into teaching presented its own set of challenges as she encountered the rigidity of the "one size fits all" approach prevalent in many schools. Adapting a rigid curriculum to accommodate radically different skill levels was initially daunting until she replaced the top down method requested by a fully learner-focused approach.
As her expertise expanded, Alex ventured into teaching adults, where she could finally offer tailor-made learning experiences that incorporated storytelling and collaborative games—strategies that have since become her hallmark.
A few years ago, she co-founded a training center with two friends. The business offers comprehensive programs in language training, management, IT literacy, and HR/payroll training, among others.