American TESOL Institute (ATI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh Blanchard as its new Executive Director. With operations in the USA, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, ATI is confident that Leigh’s visionary leadership will further advance its mission of empowering educators and shaping the future of English language instruction worldwide. Leigh brings a distinguished background in education, extensive international experience, and a deep passion for fostering global connections to this esteemed role, ensuring continued excellence and innovation at ATI.
A Louisiana native, Leigh Blanchard’s journey began with an educational scholarship to Louisiana State University, where she graduated with honors, paving the way for a lifelong career in education and cross-cultural learning. Her commitment to fostering global connections was evident early on when she chose to live and teach abroad, spending a transformative year teaching English in Shanghai, China. This experience not only deepened her appreciation for language and culture but also inspired her to empower others to pursue international teaching opportunities.
In 2004, Leigh co-founded the American TESOL Institute, with a mission to make teaching English abroad more accessible to Americans. Over the past two decades, she has played an instrumental role in helping thousands of Americans secure fulfilling teaching positions around the globe. Her dedication and leadership have cemented ATI as a trusted name in TESOL certification and education.
As Executive Director, Leigh will continue to champion innovative TESOL programs that prepare educators to thrive in diverse cultural settings while expanding ATI’s reach and impact worldwide. All are welcome to collaborate with like-minded peers, access valuable resources, and gain insights into the dynamic field of TESOL as you embark on a rewarding journey of teaching and learning. Become a part of the American TESOL Network committed to shaping the future of English language instruction worldwide.
