Michaël Casajus

Experience

After having worked in France, in Belgium, in England, in Hungary, in the United Stated, and in Quebec, I started teaching French in Alberta in 2017.

Did you know that only 5% of earthlings had English as a mother tongue? If you heard someone speaking English with an accent, it would mean that they do master at least another language. If you are tempted by such an rewarding experience, you are more than welcome to sneak in my class. Fine grammar, precise vocabulary, and origins of expressions have always been a delight for me. I may use all sorts of strategy to make anything clear(er), so come enjoy the trip!

Education

• MA (TESOL, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Université de Sherbrooke (Quebec), 2016
• BA (Language, literature, and civilisation of the UK and the USA, with a minor in teaching French), Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (France), 2008
• Anglia certificate of Business English, Chichester College (England), 2006
• Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology (France), 2003

Interests

• Having been practising partner dance for more than 30 years, I now teach swing, aerials, ballroom, Latin, and musette dances.
• I play the drum kit and the bass guitar, ranging from Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder and Jamiroquai to Oasis, Deep Purple and Nightwish (it is my secret anti-stress therapy).
• Fond of rock and jazz music and history, I created and hosted a weekly show, called “Voulez-vous danser?” on Radio-Cité, the Edmonton francophone community radio (2018-2019).

When not producing pedagogical material, taking care of my treasured child, dancing, or playing music, I may be reading a dictionary (yes, what?), a grammar book, or an umpteenth book about jazz.

Research

• Jazz history
  Not related to French grammar but to French history, jazz is still my main interest beside teaching French. From its origins to the 60’s, jazz has all my attention. I have already read from cover to cover and annotated more than 20 books, so I should now have a descent understanding of the matter. As a former big band drummer and a swing dancer (my professions when I was in Europe), studying jazz is a great pleasure and I do have a publication project aimed at swing dancers. A problem though: the more I read, the more I need to read; it is endless, as answers bring questions…