Jo Richardson

Jo Richardson, Lecturer in Education, EFL

Jo Richardson, from Wivenhoe, is a full-time lecturer in English as a Foreign Language (EFL), and a teacher trainer in the subject at Colchester Institute. After starting her career with British Telecom as a clerical officer, Jo went on to teach German and French at secondary schools, putting her A Level qualifications in the subjects to good use.

Jo has now worked at Colchester Institute for eleven years, during which time she has gained a teaching qualification in EFL, the Trinity College Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and completed her Certificate in Education through the College.

Jo told us that she enjoys teaching EFL at Colchester Institute, “I love equipping people with the skills that they need and watching them progress. The difference in their ability in such a short time is incredible and I like seeing them improve their communication skills by becoming fluent in English.”

Every member of Jo’s family has been taught at Colchester Institute at one point in time, so she felt she was very familiar with the College. Although Jo had taught other languages, she told us that she did not get the same job satisfaction as she does teaching EFL.

Outside of work Jo has an interest in travel and plays percussion in a Brazilian samba band.