WHO WE ARE

Committed to First-rate English Language Education

ELSA believes that the greatest obstacle to school improvement is professional isolation. As widely varying in structure and style as our member institutions may be, we share the challenges and opportunities of conducting education in France, and our commitment to first-rate English language education means that we have much to learn from one another.

Become a member

ELSA France provided a much needed network and professional support when I first started teaching here, and I want you to know the importance of the role you have in the development of international teachers.

Vision

Connect, Communicate, Cultivate and Collaborate.

Our vision is to inspire and support our member schools through educational and networking opportunities and to set a standard of reference that ensures high quality teaching and learning in English in France.

Mission

To facilitate and encourage communication, cooperation, and collaboration

To create a dynamic network of administrators, teachers, and students

To coordinate interscholastic activities for students

To offer inspiring professional growth opportunities

To share innovative resources and to provide opportunities to share resources

To liaise with regional, national, and professional entities in France.

Our Story

An informal organisation called ELSPA (English Language Schools of the Paris Area) has existed for the last twenty years acting as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas on English schooling in the Paris region. In 1996, in response to the desire of many ELSAPA member schools to enlarge the scope of the organisation, ELSPA decided to become an 1901 Association with a electd board, a budget and an office with secretarial support. In 1995, a successful one-day Teach-in for in-service teacher training was held at the CIEP, soon to become the TDD: Teacher Development Day.

Meet the Board

Liana Colas

President,

Head of Languages Collège-Lycée La Tour

David Johnson

Vice President,

Head International School of Lyon

David Henry

Treasurer,

Head International School of Paris

Anne-Claire Malherbe

Secretary,

Head Malherbe International School

Nancy Willard Magaud

Special Advisor to the Board,

Former Inspectrice Générale Déléguée and OIB American Option Director of the American Section,
Lycée International de St. Germain-en Laye

Daniela Bruneau

Executive Secretary,

Director American School of Paris Extension Program

Become a member

I wish to join the association

Become a member

Volunteers:

Antony McDermott

TDD Program Committee, Poetry by Heart High School Coordinator

Jenny Lawson

TDD Program Committee

Anne Clow

TDD Program Committee

Kate Freile Hickey

TDD Program Committee

David Hanson

TDD Program Committee

Chelsea Kaspereit

Poetry By Heart Middle School Coordinator

Anne-Claire Malherbe

Poetry By Heart Lower School Coordinator

Dannielle Gadd

Social Media for Elsa France

ELSA's Latest News

Poetry by Heart – The Story

Oct 5, 2023

ELSA Poetry by Heart France is now into its 10th year and what a year it has been. The competition here in France has continued to grow since we began way back in 2015 with just a handful of Parisian schools taking part in the High School competition. We now have more schools involved than ever...

New Member School Union School

Oct 5, 2023

Union school in Paris joins ELSA on 2023. We are pleased to welcome the head of school, Barbara de Baudry d'Asson, and her team to our network.

Become a volunteer for our 2023-2024 events

Sep 14, 2023

Join a vibrant community of dedicated professionals in international education, grow professionally and share your expertise.To apply, fill in the online form on the "Become a volunteer" page. To volunteer in 2023-2024, please write to: info@elsa-france.org

Speaker applications for our Teacher Development Day event 23 march 2023

Sep 14, 2023

The TDD Program Committee is accepting speaker submissions for the March 23rd 2024 annual conference. Please submit proposals including a brief bio and abstract to Antony McDermott: a.mcdermott@ejm.net Deadline October 15th 2023

Introducing new school leaders in 2023

Sep 14, 2023

Brian Brazeau, Head of the American Section, Lycée International St. Germain en Laye Rachel Leonard, Head of International School of Toulouse Adam Rickards, Kingsworth International School

AGM and Heads’ Luncheon, October 13th 2023

Sep 14, 2023

Every year, leaders of member schools convene with the Board for ELSA’s AGM and Lunch.

2023-2024 School Membership Renewal

Sep 14, 2023

Member schools have been invited to renew their membership for the school year. Please be sure to do so before the end of September so that you can attend the AGM and Lunch.