Who we are

Anne brings extensive teaching experience from nearly four years in Korea and additional roles in Europe and Ireland. As Director of Celtic School of English, she manages recruitment, training, syllabus preparation, student accommodation, assessments, and visa requirements, while personally supporting each student’s progress by focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. An early riser, Anne often starts her day with a run or swim, welcoming everyone with scones and hot coffee.

Dan is an experienced exam teacher with a diverse career in international education, including teaching in Japan at a business-oriented conversation school and Nihon University, and later at a large UK residential English school for young learners. He is also a talented musician, skilled with any string instrument, performing occasionally with his former band The Regatti String Band in the UK and more regularly with TradSoftly.com in Kerry.

Deirdre is Senior Teacher at Celtic School of English, with experience in language schools in Ireland and France. Passionate about languages, music, sport, French culture, and baking, she brings creativity and enthusiasm to every lesson. As the school’s exam expert, she designs and oversees Cambridge exam courses, drawing on her recent Delta qualification to support students effectively. Musical herself, Deirdre also sings and plays the ukulele, adding yet another talent to her diverse skill set.

A zoologist by profession, Anne lived in France for over 20 years where she worked as a toxicologist and also earned a diploma in French. Anne is a people person, she is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge. Her interests include tennis, walking, cycling, fashion and all things French!! She is our Student Liaison Manager and students love her warm, friendly manner.

Peter is our Junior Centre Manager and ensures the smooth running of our summer programme. He coordinates the junior activities programme, taking students on exciting excursions and organising sporting and fun activities each afternoon. Peter has been an EFL teacher for many years, having taught in New Zealand and Japan and he is now happily teaching at home in Ireland. Peter has a great rapport with the students and staff and enjoys being part of a vibrant team.

Colin teaches General English and Cambridge Exam classes at Celtic School of English and also works with Masters in Nursing students at MTU. A long-time native of Tralee, he is a great resource for students eager to explore the town. Joining the school in 2021 after teaching in Cork and Killarney, Colin brings a broad range of skills and qualifications to the classroom, helping students overcome their fear of speaking English. His engaging teaching style makes complex grammar easy to understand through fun, practical conversations.

Ronan is a Tralee local and former student of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Irish and Geography from the University of Limerick in 2022. Before joining the team, Ronan taught English and Social Studies internationally in the UAE, where he managed everything from curriculum design to final exams. Now back in Kerry, he focuses on building student confidence and making the classroom a great place to talk. When he isn’t helping students polish their fluency, Ronan is usually found on a football pitch, a basketball court, or caught up in a game of chess, and he loves to travel whenever he gets the chance.

Francesca, originally from the beautiful Tuscany region in Italy, is the Activities Organiser and Social Media Manager at Celtic School of English. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Pisa with a degree in Graphic and Multimedia Design and later specialised in Marketing and Social Media Management. She is passionate about creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere both in person and online. When she’s not working or drawing, Francesca loves swimming, and, like any good Italian, she never says no to a good cup of coffee.