The Salisa Language School TEFL Journey - Blog # 23

​By Paul Lambert

“Improving lives through teaching.”

Every journey begins with a first step — and ours began in September 2014.

Back then, the Salisa Language School launched its TEFL program under the guidance of instructor Cillian Hayes and a licensed curriculum: the Text and Talk TEFL Course, originally created by James Parmalee. With passion, vision, and commitment to quality, our very first cohort stepped into the world of teaching.

When James sadly passed away in 2017, it marked not just the end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter. It became clear that it was time for us to stand on our own. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and inspired by James’ legacy, we developed the Salisa Language School (SLS) TEFL Program — a course rooted in practical training, cultural awareness, and professional excellence.

By early 2018, following an official accreditation and licensing process through the Chonburi Provincial Education Authority (part of Thailand’s Ministry of Education), our very own SLS TEFL program was born.

Since then, we’ve been proud to train and graduate teachers from all over the world — and our numbers tell a story of growth, diversity, and purpose:

49 graduates completed the original Text and Talk TEFL course

186 graduates have completed the SLS TEFL Program to date

That’s 235 graduates in total, representing 38 countries

Of these:

145 were Native English Speakers (NES)

90 were Non-Native English Speakers (NNES) — including 11 Thai nationals

Approximately 70% were male, and 30% female, based on registration

What started as a modest program has grown into a community — a network of educators who are now making a difference across classrooms, continents, and even in careers outside of teaching. Whether our graduates have gone on to teach professionally, volunteer abroad, or apply their skills in other fields, we’re incredibly proud of their journeys.

And through it all, Cillian Hayes has remained our dedicated TEFL trainer, guiding every cohort with experience, enthusiasm, and heart.

At Salisa Language School, we believe in more than just education — we believe in empowerment, opportunity, and transformation. Every teacher we train carries with them the power to change lives — including their own.

Here’s to the first 235. And to many more to come.

Paul Lambert - Dated August 1, 2025