EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Magdalena Gałaj | President | president@iatefl.org.pl
Since September 2025, she has been President of IATEFL Poland, bringing nearly 30 years of academic expertise from Lodz University of Technology and the College of Computer Science and Skills to the leadership of our association. A graduate of Lodz University and the prestigious University College London (UCL) Master’s of Teaching programme and a specialist in Andragogy and Coaching, she is dedicated to elevating professional standards for teachers across Poland. In her work, she focuses on the frontier of ELT, specifically on integrating Artificial Intelligence and new technologies to create more motivated, tech-empowered classrooms. As an experienced materials designer and events coordinator, she combines a deep understanding of global trends with a commitment to the “direct contact” and networking that defines our community. Outside of her professional roles, she is a traveler and salsa enthusiast who believes that personal passion and creativity are essential to being an inspiring educator.
Rob Howard | Vice-President | vice@iatefl.org.pl
Rob Howard is the owner of the Online Language Center and Business Language Training Institute and founder of EFLtalks and the Independent Authors & Publishers. He is a teacher, writer and frequent worldwide speaker and trainer for Business English, Entrepreneurship, Teacher Development, EdTech, and teaching online. He is the former IATEFL Poland president and past Joint Coordinator and Web and Online Coordinator of the IATEFL BESIG. Rob has presented for Gallery Teachers Masterclasses, iTDi’s TOEFL course, EdYOUfest, Britannica Education, IATEFL BESIG, LTSIG, MAWSIG, TDSIG, YLTSIG and TESOL CALL-IS, as well as Macmillan, Express, and ELI publishers, to name a few.
Anna Gębka-Suska | Treasurer | treasurer@iatefl.org.pl
The founder and director of 4ELT, a passionate teacher, teacher trainer, materials writer, and game designer.
Many years ago, I co-founded the very first private English school for children in Poznań, where I discovered that children learn best when they listen and act. That was why I created Hop4ELT for Kinect, Hide-and-Seek – an app for mobile phones, and Playground – a set of games for interactive floors that teach English through movement.
I have been volunteering for our association for most of my professional life, serving in different roles. I co-organised two IATEFL Poland conferences, sat on the board for many years, twice as president, and now I am the treasurer. I can honestly say that everything I know about teaching I learned at IATEFL Poland.
Joanna Leszkiewicz | Secretary | secretary@iatefl.org.pl
A graduate of University of Wrocław with an MA in English Philology, she is a senior lecturer at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. She teaches General English, EAP and ESP to full-time students, Doctoral School participants, and international students attending preparatory courses. From 1991 to 2015, she also lectured at the Foreign Language Teacher Training College in Wrocław, where she taught practical language subjects and courses in British history and civilisation. An active member of a professional IATEFL Poland for over 30 years, she has served in several board roles and organised numerous training events and conferences.
Born in New Zealand but was brought up in the Middle East and the UK. He has been teaching English in Poland for 24 years and is also an academic manager and teacher trainer. He has written several articles for The Teacher and The IH Journal magazine and loves presenting on the conference circuit. He has given workshops in many countries such as Belarus, Bulgaria, Colombia, Italy, Moldova, Myanmar, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, the UK and many more.
Marta Bujakowska | Liaison Officer | liaison@iatefl.org.pl
A freelance teacher and teacher trainer from Poland specializing in intercultural
education. She earned her MA in Teaching from the School for International Training in Vermont, USA, where she developed a strong interest in reflective teaching and learner autonomy. Throughout her career, she has taught students of all ages and levels. She currently focuses on training teachers while also teaching teenagers and adult English learners. Marta has volunteered for IATEFL Poland since 1994 and serves as Liaison Officer, promoting international cooperation and continuous professional development.
Anna Laura Kowalska | Conference, Website & Newsletters Coordinator | media@iatefl.org.pl
English Philology graduate with 18 years of experience in ELT. Translator, teacher, and instructor across all education levels. Experienced in NVC communication and building relations in the classroom. Passionate about neurodidactics, she blends modern, brain-friendly methods with practical expertise to support effective language learning and student development. Connected with IATEFL Poland since 2025. Currently a military university teacher in Warsaw.
REVIEW COMMITTEE
Danuta Sołtyska | Review Committee | danuta.soltyska@iatefl.org.pl
I live and work in Warsaw.
I graduated from the Faculty of English Philology at the University of Warsaw. My M.A. thesis supervisor was prof. Jan Rusiecki, one of the founders and the first President of IATEFL PL. I joined IATEFL Pl at the very beginning as I took part in the very first meeting with Alan Maley held in Warsaw in 1991 when IATEFL Poland was started. This means I have been an IATEFL PL member for 35 years. For about 20 years I was the treasurer, then I became a member of the Review Board.
For 45 years I was teaching students of Warsaw University of Technology. For 21 years I was the Head of WUT Language Centre. We organised three IATEFL Pl conferences. Now I teach Seniors of WUT. I love teaching, but I also love being an active part of our Association.
Ewa has been with IATEFL Poland for 30 years, as a member, conference organiser,
member and then the Head of the Review Committee. Professionally, a senior lecturer at the Department of Foreign Languages at Wrocław University of Technology. Privately, the mother of three and grandmother of two.
EFL teacher, teacher trainer, neurodiversity coach , IATEFL trustee and treasurer, IATEFL Poland in-service coordinator.
With over 15 years of experience gained across few different countries she is committed to making language education engaging, equitable, and effective while addressing the diverse needs of learners.
Inside the classroom, drawing from her deep understanding of language acquisition and differentiated instruction, she strives to empower both students and teachers to reach their full potential.
Beyond the classroom, Viola actively supports teacher development by providing training and guidance to educators on best practices in ELT.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Lucyna Wilinkiewicz-Górniak | Webinars Coordinator | lucyna.wilinkiewicz-gorniak@iatefl.org.pl
Michael Doherty | South Region Representative | michael.doherty@iatefl.org.pl
ADMIN STAFF
Anna Rogalewicz – Gałucka | Chief Administrative Officer | office@iatefl.org.pl
Wojciech Berek | Personal Data Protection Representative
OUR PATRON
Prof. Jan Rusiecki
OUR IATEFL POLAND AMBASADOR
Alan Maley
HONORARY BOARD
- Maria Birkenmajer Honorary President
- Małgorzata Bukowska-Ulatowska Honorary President
- Anna Gębka-Suska Honorary President
- Danuta Rurańska Honorary President
- Marta Bujakowska Honorary President
- Jarosław Kawałek Honorary President
- Sławomir Nowikowski Honorary President
- Elżbieta Jarosz Honorary President
- Joanna Leszkiewicz Honorary President
- Grzegorz Śpiewak Honorary President
- Anna Gwardyś Honorary President
- Andrzej Obstawski Honorary President
HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Bożena Czarniak Honorary Committee Member
- Marzenna Rączkowska Honorary Committee Member
OTHER
- Colm McGivern – The British Council Director in Poland
