The Headmistress of the Elizabeth English Academy
Dr. Belinda Elizabeth Serra was born in London, where she grew up. After obtaining her A-levels from Mander Portman Woodward tutorial college, she enrolled at Pisa University to follow an MA Degree course in modern languages and literature. She received a second MA from Jean Paul II in Lyon and went on to study and research her PHD in postcolonial literature at Pisa University.
In the working world she began teaching in various Italian state schools in the province of Pisa, and held the position of English teacher at Worldtalk language school for a decade. She worked as English language assistant at the Economics faculty in Pisa before moving to the language faculty to become a researcher in literature.
She has extensive experience working in International Schools including Westminster International, Pisa.
She opened The Elizabeth English Academy in 2013. The first bi-lingual academy in the province of Pisa and holds the position as Director of Studies.
Prof. Emiliano
Emiliano Lazzeri, graduated with honors in Contemporary History from the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy of the University of Pisa. He has gained many years of teaching experience in teaching the Italian language and mathematical and physical sciences. He collaborated with the Interdepartmental Center for Peace Sciences (CISP) of the University of Pisa. He is the author of various historical-scientific publications.
Miss Karen
Miss Karen gained her B.A (Hons) Fine Art degree from Middlesex University and went on to do her P.G.C.E in art education at the University of London 2002.
Karen previously taught in the U.K for 19 years, with experience of teaching across different age ranges and has supported teachers in their training and professional development.
In the U.K, Karen held the position of Specialist Leader in Education (art) and was nominated for the 2021 Teaching Awards in Essex (U.K)
Since living in Italy, Karen has more recently completed the C.E.L.T.A in teaching E.F.L and is delighted to be teaching at the Academy; inspiring, developing and nurturing the love
and knowledge of art, design and creativity within young learners.
Mr. Joaquin
Mr. Joaquin was born in Caracas, Venezuela where he gained his double degree in Production Engineering and System Engineering. Living in the United States of America, Mr. Joaquin specialized in studying English and gained experience in teaching different languages.
He moved to Italy in 2021, where he worked at the International Office of the University Of Pisa. Currently, he is working on obtaining his Masters Degree in Business and Economics.
Mr. Joaquin has worked in the Academy since 2021. He characterizes himself by his fun learning methods making this a work he certainly enjoys.
Miss Katherine
Miss Katherine was born and brought up in Dorset, UK. She studied at the University of Wales where she was awarded a BSc Econ (Hons) in European Studies. After graduating, she taught for two years in Geneva and Turin and then spent a year travelling in Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, Australia and New Zealand.
On returning to the UK, she completed a post graduate teaching qualification (DELTA) and then taught in Milan and at the British Council in Bologna until 1996when she moved back to the UK to start a family. While there, she taught in Norwich and in Oxford, where she was coordinator of the EAL Department at a well-known independent school.
In 2018, she moved with her family to Lucca and has been teaching at The Elizabeth English Academy in Pisa since 2019. She loves being a part of the academic and personal development of the children in her charge.
