Jaana Sirel

I graduated from the Tallinn Pedagogical University in 2001 with a degree in Russian language and literature. I also acquired an additional specialty as a teacher of Estonian as a second language.

After graduation from the university, I immediately started working as a language teacher, and thanks to this, I have already achieved extensive practical experience. During my years of teaching, I have trained adults and taught both schoolchildren and pre-school children. For a long time, I have been teaching Estonian at a general education school with Russian as the language of instruction. In the framework of the project announced by the Ministry of Justice, I conducted Estonian language education at levels A2 to B1. I successfully prepared students for the Estonian language proficiency examinations. I have taught Russian as a foreign language in both individual and group settings. From 2017, I have been working as a teacher of Estonian and Russian in the Multilingua Language Center. I also like to teach through Skype – with our fast pace of life, this kind of learning method can save time and is suitable for people with an intense work schedule.

I am inspired by many textbooks and study materials, but there is no definite preference. I adapt the existing teaching materials based on the needs of specific learners and I also constantly create new teaching materials. In the classes, I prefer to use a communicative teaching method that places emphasis on communication courage. My main goal is that the learner will start speaking already in the first lessons, I encourage them to interact in the language being taught, re-creating daily life situations and playing language games. My lessons are well-systematized, dynamic and fun. I believe that a sincere smile and the right choice of voice will open all the doors and conquer all hearts.

As an adult educator, I: 

• identify the needs and expectations of the study group; prepare and adapt learning materials based on the curriculum/training programme;  

• base my approach on the learners’ needs and adapt learning stages or working methods as required; support the learners, notice and recognise changes in the learners’ development, and respond to situations in the learning process in a supportive manner; 

• analyse the learning process, assess learners’ learning outcomes, and inform both the learner and the contact person at Multilingua about the results of the language learning; 

• pay attention to my physical, mental, and emotional well-being, maintain a healthy work-life balance; engage in continuous professional development; update training content and teaching methods, revising and modernizing them as needed; 

• use relevant information and communication technology (ICT) tools (e.g., interactive smartboards, online platforms such as Zoom and/or Teams, ML information system, cloud services such as Google Drive and/or OneDrive, e-learning platforms, etc.) in the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of the teaching and learning process, as well as for supporting my own professional development; am able to create, use, and share web-based learning materials. 

I have participated in Erasmus+ learning mobility programme, job-shadowing at EOI Estepona, in October 2025.  

I have compiled study materials tailored to learners’ needs. These include flashcards (e.g. Quizlet), various grammar exercises, and tests. I also use simple language games and practical communication scenarios so that the learners can use the language confidently outside the classroom as well.