Teach. Exchange. Empower.

Teach to Learn brings educators together across cultures to teach, exchange ideas, and empower one another—strengthening language and literacy education to uplift both teachers and the students they serve.

Our Purpose

We close equity gaps in language and literacy by empowering educators. Through cultural exchange and professional learning, we connect Australian and Filipino teachers to improve practice and support multilingual learners.

A Letter from the Founder

I was born in the Philippines and migrated to Australia at 15—navigating a new language and culture while trying to hold on to who I was. That journey shaped me and taught me the power of language, belonging, and connection.

Teaching isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling. I believe in the power of the arts to unlock language and identity, especially for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners who are finding their voice in new and unfamiliar spaces.

Over the years, I’ve worked alongside educators and communities across Australia and the world to help create inclusive, creative, and culturally rich classrooms where every student feels seen.

This work is deeply personal—a responsibility to give back to the communities that shaped me—and I hope it inspires you to do the same, in whatever way you can.

— Cindy Valdez

Founder and CEO, TeachtoLearn

Our Vision

We envision a world where every child—regardless of background or language—has access to high-quality, inclusive education. We strive to create global learning communities where empowered educators transform classrooms, enrich student learning, and champion language and literacy development for all.

Our Values

We are guided by equity, inclusivity, and collaboration, believing every child—especially multilingual learners—deserves access to high-quality language and literacy education. We empower educators through evidence-informed practice and sustained professional learning, working together to build thriving, culturally responsive communities where all children can succeed.

Meet Cindy

Cindy Valdez is the Founder and CEO of Teach to Learn and currently an EAL/D Education Leader with the NSW Department of Education. With over 20 years experience in education, she has worked extensively across schools in south-west Sydney, supporting teachers and multilingual learners.

  • Her work focuses on leading EAL/D strategy, embedding trauma-informed practice, and building leadership capacity to ensure inclusive, high-impact teaching for all students.

    Cindy has co-authored chapters in PETAA publications, including An EAL/D Handbook and Talking the Talk, collaborating with leading academics to translate research into practical strategies for mainstream classrooms. Her work is grounded in a strong evidence base, drawing on current research, classroom practice, and the lived experiences of both students and educators.

    She is a past President of ATESOL NSW and was recently awarded life membership in recognition of her significant contributions to EAL/D education through both ATESOL and ACTA. As Founder and CEO of Teach To Learn, Cindy brings together her personal journey, professional expertise, and deep belief in the power of education to transform lives—across cultures, communities, and classrooms.

Contact Us

Be part of a community of educators, sharing in inspiring teaching, learning and cultural exchange.