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.
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.
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. She dedicated her life to teaching English 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.
Jon Sadler
Owner & Business Development Manager
Having worked and played in many places and spaces around the world, I finally settled in Tauranga with my family in 2004.
I have a BSc (Hons) and MSc in environmental sciences, and a postgraduate diploma in teaching and management. I have been a minor shareholder of Bay Learning Academy since 2012. Having been primarily an educator for 38 years, my mission, since taking over ownership in 2024, is to continue to improve and extend the enriching learning experiences BLA offers.
Julia Vasina
Manager
I have journeyed through 20+ countries and dedicated over 35 years to language teaching. 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.
Anya Egorova
Homestay Coordinator and Marketing Specialist
With a passion for cultural exchange shaped by travels to over 35 countries, I bring extensive experience from the event industry in New Zealand to my role. I focus on creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for our students, managing our online presence, and ensuring a seamless homestay experience.
I’m dedicated to making every student’s journey both comfortable and memorable, connecting them with warm homestay environments that significantly contribute to their educational adventure in New Zealand.
Sandy Hubers
Tutor
ESOL, IELTS, CAE
Teaching has been my lifetime career. I gained my BEd and Dip Teaching at Waikato University. After travelling and teaching in London I returned to NZ to complete my Dip ELT. I have taught students from 8 years to 80 years old in state schools, private schools and language schools. English language is my passion, but I have also studied and taught history. I love working with a wide variety of people, hearing their stories, and watching their confidence and ability in English grow.
Robynne Andrews
Tutor
ESOL, IELTS and TESOL
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. 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.
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.
Yong-Ja
Tutor
ESOL
I completed my MA in Sydney, Australia, and have been working in the field of English education ever since. 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. Thus, I can provide my students with the most effective and engaging learning experiences.
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.