About Bay Learning Academy

Bay Learning Academy was established, and NZQA Registered, in 2012. We saw a need for a school which believed in small classes and student success and set about building an Academy that was firmly student focused.

We are based in Arataki, Mt Maunganui, close to Bayfair Shopping Centre and the beach, and only a short bus ride from Downtown Tauranga.

Our classes are small so we can offer very personalised teaching in a warm friendly environment. We have wonderful tutors and awesome students. It's fun, friendly and focused on learning!

Our facilities include classes and lecture rooms, a student common room, wi-fi throughout and kitchen facilities. All rooms are well-lit with natural light.

We are an NZQA registered provider and a signatory to the Code of Practice. You can view our latest NZQA External Evaluation and Review (EER) result below.

Bay Learning EER 2020

Our Vision Statement

To deliver the best learning outcomes for a range of educational services that represent the real, contemporary, needs of both clients and the industry.

Our Mission Statement

Bay Learning Academy aims to deliver programmes and courses of real value for the students seeking quality learning experiences and relevant learning outcomes. It strives to attain these outcomes through excellence in teaching delivery and holistic student learning support.

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Our Team

Liz Signal

Founder

Liz began her TEFL journey in Prague, making a profound impact from South Korea to the UK, before establishing Bay Learning Academy in Tauranga. Passionate about English communication, she dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring others. Liz’s legacy continues through the countless students and teachers she empowered. We honour her memory and the indelible mark she left on our community.

Julia Vasina

Manager

I have journeyed through 20+ countries and dedicated over 30 years to language instruction. A staunch believer in lifelong learning, I value the knowledge exchange among us all. Having learned several languages personally, I understand the nuances of teaching them effectively. With a CELTA qualification from NZLC, I'm deeply committed to helping students achieve their best.

Lynne Neal

Assistant Manager

The staff and students are wonderful to work with here at Bay Learning Academy. The different languages and cultures make life very interesting. I enjoy watching the progress of the students.

Gail Moore

Marketing Manager

My working career has always been in the field of education. Initially as a primary school teacher followed by a transfer into secondary teaching. English and Drama were my specialist teaching areas to students aged 13 – 18. However I soon developed a passion for students, of above average ability, who struggled with mainstream curriculum delivery due to individual learning styles or specific learning needs. This lead to further study and an up-grade in my professional qualifications. I have been fortunate to have lived in 3 different countries, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and USA. These experiences lead to teaching opportunities along with first hand observations of the challenges faced in second language acquisition. I have been the Head of ESOL departments in two secondary schools, a wonderful time where I learnt a great deal about international and local students wanting to enhance their English language ability. My last employment was in an Auckland secondary school where I held the ‘Director of International Education’ position for a number of years. Here I worked with agents and students from all around the world. A truly stimulating and exciting position to have held. I now look forward to working at Bay Learning Academy, Mt Maunganui, as the new marketing manager and making my home with my family in the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

Anya Egorova

Homestay Coordinator and Evening Administrator

With a passion for cultural exchange shaped by travels to over 30 countries, I serve as the Homestay Coordinator and Evening Administrator at Bay Learning Academy. My extensive background in the event industry across New Zealand for the past 7 years has armed me with the expertise to create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for our students. From managing our online presence to ensuring a seamless evening class experience, I’m dedicated to making every student’s journey at our academy both comfortable and memorable. I take pride in connecting students with warm homestay environments that contribute significantly to their educational adventure in New Zealand.

Dale Bennington

Tutor
ESOL

I qualified from the Bay Learning Academy’s TESOL course and have since been teaching at the school. It was, and continues to be, a very rewarding experience. Meeting new people from around the world and from all walks of life keeps everything fresh and exciting. Such a great atmosphere to learn and develop. Dale has lived in Thailand.

Sandy Hubers

Tutor
ESOL, IELTS, CAE

With over 20 years experience teaching ESOL to adults and children I have been able to work and experience life in a variety of countries. I love travelling and meeting new people. Helping people to communicate and gain confidence so they can express their views and ideas is what keeps me motivated in my teaching. I see myself as much a learner as a teacher. Recently I have spent time teaching teachers of English in Morocco, Brazil and Cambodia. English really is the language of the world.

Robynne Andrews

Tutor
ESOL, IELTS and TESOL

Yong-Ja

Tutor
ESOL

I completed my MA in Sydney, Australia, and have been working in the field of English education ever since. It brings me great joy to meet people from different countries and learn about their ideas and cultures. Teaching English is a passion of mine, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to help others improve their language skills. Every day, I am inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm to learn. I continually strive to enhance my own knowledge and teaching methods. This enables me to provide my students with the most effective and engaging learning experiences. I eagerly look forward to each day as I continue my journey of teaching English and facilitating meaningful connections between people from all corners of the world.

Louise

Tutor
ESOL

I am proud to be the first Chinese teacher qualified through The Bay Learning Academy’s TESOL course, run by the founder, Liz Signal. Liz not only ignited my passion for teaching but also provided me with the opportunity to gain experience by teaching the Academy’s students. It is both an honor and my destiny to continue her approach to teaching and to help others.

I consider myself both a student and a teacher of English and Japanese. Continuously learning and teaching English keeps me motivated and opens new windows to the world for me. Assisting people in improving their communication and boosting their confidence creates a win-win situation for everyone. Educating and helping others is my joy. Sometimes life is like a mirror, reflecting a younger version of myself and my aspirations to better my life.

I am grateful to all my students for sharing their diverse cultures, memorable experiences, delightful food, and joyful lifestyles. It is the journey of learning English that has united us.

Pirini Ngātote Edwards

Tutor
TE REO MAORI

Meet Pirini Edwards, a distinguished educator with a profound connection to kaupapa Māori, bringing over 20 years of teaching experience to our language school. His journey of learning and teaching reo Māori exemplifies personal growth and community engagement. Pirini is dedicated to guiding students on a path of self-improvement and cultural awareness, fostering an environment where learning is synonymous with healing and empowerment.