Hello, I’m Brian, the teacher and course designer behind Ositos English

I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. After completing my undergraduate studies in History at the University of Manitoba, I traveled to the Dominican Republic for my first extended stay in Latin America. What began as travel quickly became something much more significant [note : I didn’t like the word “deeper” here].  I worked briefly as a journalist, immersed myself in the culture, and began building the foundation for what would become a lifelong connection to the region.

I later pursued a Master’s degree at Concordia University in Montreal, specializing in Latin American history. In 1997, I spent nearly a year in Cuba researching my thesis. After completing my degree, I moved to Buenos Aires in 1998.

In Argentina, I formally began teaching English while also documenting the country’s 2001–2002 economic and political crisis. That work became a two-hour documentary capturing a pivotal historical moment: an experience that shaped both my perspective and my approach to education

From Argentina to Mexico, back to Cuba, and then to Miami, teaching remained a constant thread through years of movement, projects, and cultural immersion. Along the way, I became fluent in Spanish and gained invaluable experience working with learners from diverse backgrounds.

After Miami, I spent several years living and working in Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Panama, where I eventually opened a small beachside grill.

In 2017, I returned fully to teaching, this time working with children online for Chinese ESL companies In 2021, I brought together decades of teaching, travel, and independent project work to establish Ositos English, named after my beloved dog, Bear (Oso or Osito in Spanish)

Ositos English reflects both my teaching philosophy and my life experience. It combines structured learning with creativity, cultural awareness, and real-world perspective. The lessons are built to support serious progress while keeping students actively involved in the process.

I am fluent in English and Spanish and currently studying Mandarin. My background in history, travel, food, sports, and global events naturally informs the way I teach, helping students connect language learning to the wider world.

To explore my live online classes and see a detailed breakdown of levels, teaching approach, and curriculum, visit the Online Lessons page

If you are an ESL teacher looking for ready-to-use materials, you can view the collection of lesson series and story units available for purchase on the PowerPoint Lessons For Sale page.

I look forward to working together.