Liza Thomas

Enthusiastic, committed, and results-oriented Business Communication and English Language Specialist with over 20 years of leadership in learning, development, and international assessments. Expert in designing and delivering engaging face-to-face and digital training programs utilizing traditional and modern learning methodologies. Adept at managing diverse learner profiles, balancing corporate and academic expectations, and implementing robust evaluation frameworks that drive measurable proficiency outcomes.

English Language Assessor / Item Writer (IELTS, Aptis Online Tests) - BRITISH COUNCIL - India & UK

(2012-01)

• Evaluate candidates' English language proficiency through standardized written and oral examinations, consistently maintaining high institutional marking standards.
• Collaborate on periodic research projects and quality assurance initiatives to analyze the efficacy of digital test resources and optimize standard operational procedures for online assessments.

IELTS Examiner - IELTS USA - NY & NJ, USA

(2019-03 - 2025-12)

• Conduct face-to-face speaking interviews using standardized global formats and rubrics to precisely assess candidate communicative competence.
• Execute strict operational procedures for records handling, ensuring total adherence to the principles of test validity, reliability, and security.
• Assess test-taker writing scripts by accurately applying complex band descriptors and guided scoring criteria.

Instructor – Adult Literacy Center - NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - New York, NY, USA

(2022-04 - 2025-12)

• Delivered Literacy, ESOL, and Life Skills instruction to adult learners from diverse socio-political and economic backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment for student engagement.
• Designed research-based, contextualized lesson plans integrating multimedia resources and realia to bridge academic curriculum with real-world English application.

Adjunct Faculty – Arts & Sciences Department - LIM COLLEGE - New York, NY, USA

(2019-08 - 2023-04)

• Guided graduate and undergraduate students in academic and business language proficiency by developing two specialized pathway programs: The Language of Business and Support Lab.
• Instructed students on rhetorical patterns, analytical frameworks, and common business conventions with a heavy emphasis on critical reading and executive writing skills.
• Facilitated student-centric lessons leveraging case study analysis and research methodologies across hybrid delivery models (Blackboard and Canvas).

Facilitator – English Language & Communicative Skills Workshops - BRITISH COUNCIL - India & UK

(2004-01 - 2018-12)

• Designed and delivered high-impact workshops on business communication and linguistics, driving a 50% increase in audience engagement compared to peer facilitators.
• Partnered with institutional administrators and trainers to audit, modify, and successfully implement a revised, interdisciplinary language curriculum.
• Managed stakeholder queries regarding language acquisition best practices, maintaining a 95%+ client satisfaction rating that secured consistent repeat partnerships.

Mentor and Master Trainer – Teacher Training Programs - CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH - India

(2014-01 - 2018-12)

• Spearheaded a comprehensive State Government teacher training initiative funded by the Tech Mahindra Foundation CSR branch; established a self-sustaining instructional model aligned with regional educational goals.
• Served as a subject matter expert, delivering group training sessions and targeted one-on-one mentorship via material-mapping exercises and classroom observations to optimize delivery.

Faculty – Business Communication Skills, MBA Program - LOYOLA INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (LIBA) - India

(2004-01 - 2013-12)

• Conceptualized, structured, and implemented a modernized curriculum, syllabus, and assessment matrix for the specialized module Business Communication and Skills for the Workplace.
• Introduced innovative, task-based instructional methods utilizing real-world business case studies to strengthen students' social, behavioral, and cognitive capabilities.
• Co-launched a targeted after-school tutorial framework for underperforming students, successfully boosting student morale and improving academic achievement benchmarks by a record 70%.

MPhil - English (2012-01)

Post Graduate Diploma - English Language Teaching (PGDELT) (2010-01)

Master of Arts - English Literature (1989-01)

Bachelor of Education - Education (B.Ed.) (1990-01)

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature (1987-01)