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About Dave Trotter

A teacher who understands the conversation behind the English.

I have taught English full-time since 2017, but I came to teaching after a long professional career in politics, public affairs and business. That background shapes the way I teach: language is not only about grammar and vocabulary. It is about being able to explain an idea, understand another person, respond naturally and communicate effectively when the conversation matters.

Dave Trotter
Dave Trotter · English teacher and founder of Just Say It English
10,000+ One-to-one English lessons
Since 2017 Full-time English teaching
CELTA University of Cambridge
Master Degree McGill University
My Background

Professional experience that strengthens the way I teach English.

Before becoming a full-time English teacher, I spent approximately 30 years working in politics. I began working on campaigns and elections in 1992 and was involved in political work in the United States and Canada, as well as advisory work involving campaigns in Europe.

My work ranged from campaign management and messaging to research and strategy, with a particular professional and academic interest in voting behavior. I have presented research at academic conferences and have published peer-reviewed work in that area.

I also studied public administration and international relations, including a particular interest in Arctic affairs. Earlier in my career I worked in finance, and today I also understand professional communication from the perspective of running my own business.

Education & Qualifications

Academic depth and professional teacher training.

My academic background supports the specialist work I do in politics, policy and professional communication, while CELTA provides the formal foundation for how I teach English.
M
Master's Degree McGill University · Political Science · Montreal, Canada
SIU
Bachelor's Degree Southern Illinois University · Political Science · Summa Cum Laude
CELTA
University of Cambridge CELTA Formal qualification in teaching English to speakers of other languages
How I Teach

Conversation first. Correction where it helps. Structure without rigidity.

I have worked primarily one-to-one since 2017. That allows lessons to respond to the student instead of forcing every learner through the same sequence of material.

I want students to speak, explain, question and react. Grammar and vocabulary matter, but they are most useful when they support communication rather than interrupt it.

1

Real conversation

Lessons are built around active discussion and the kinds of communication you actually want to handle better.

2

Specific correction

I correct recurring problems and explain why something sounds unnatural, unclear or incorrect.

3

Useful grammar & vocabulary

We work on grammar and vocabulary when they solve a real communication problem, not simply because they appear next in a textbook.

4

Continuity between lessons

Shared notes make it easier to revisit corrections, new language and recurring patterns as your English develops.

International Teaching

Years of working with learners across borders.

I have taught online since 2017 and have worked with students from many countries and professional backgrounds. My teaching experience also includes work in Russia, including at Murmansk Language School. That international experience has made me especially aware of how different first languages shape the way students approach English.

One-to-One Since 2017 Long-term experience adapting lessons to individual goals, levels and communication styles.
International Learners Experience working with students across countries, cultures and professional environments.
Professional & General English From everyday fluency to specialized business, political and public-policy communication.
Individual Attention A teaching model built around the person in the lesson rather than a standardized classroom.
Work With Me

Choose the English training that fits what you actually need to do.

Whether your goal is everyday fluency, professional communication, public policy or political English, the starting point is the same: clear one-to-one training built around your goals.

Become a Student