Our History

In 2005, uLeap Learning cofounders Jeffrey Jones and David Mahler met while teaching English at the same institute in Chile. Both shared a desire to improve their teaching methods and eliminate the shortcomings they had simultaneously identified in the current methodologies of language training.

Jeffrey and David were aware that, also in 2005, Latinos became the largest minority population in the United States and that the US Census had calculated that by 2050, 1 in 4 Americans will be of Latino descent. They felt the dramatic influx of Latinos into the American workforce does and will continue to represent a significant market for Spanish to English and English to Spanish language training.

At the time they formed uLeap Learning, Jeffrey Jones and David Mahler identified three key problems many companies were experiencing with current language training methods being offered for this demographic. They were:

• Typical one-size-fits-all approach to language training lacked focus and relevant objectives.
• Valuable time and effort expended on learning grammar, verbal communication skills or writing skills not pertinent to a specific employee’s day-to-day tasks.
• Available methodology did not give equal weight to the employer’s need to begin seeing results quickly so employees can be more and more productive on the job, right from day one of the language training program.

To assist companies in solving these problems, uLeap Learning became the first language training firm to create an industry-specific language training program that is customized to meet an organization’s goals and teaches using methods that enable students to put their new skills to work almost immediately.

Our Philosophy:

In this age of e-solutions and tailored online products and services, there is no longer any reason to settle for a one size fits all approach that lacks focus and relevant objectives. We do not believe a client is best served through an "off-the-shelf" program. uLeap Learning ensures that your language training program is completely customized for your specific needs and business goals.

Director Bios:

Human interaction and communication empower and connect us. They create the human foundation upon which all great businesses rely.

Jeffrey Jones adopted this philosophy following his graduation from Lynchburg College (LC) in 2003 and the discovery of his passion for a career in training and development. The value of communication was understood early on in his college career, when he elected to major in International Relations and Spanish, two disciplines which inherently deal with our capacity to communicate and interact with others.

His interpersonal skills and innate ability to relate well to others were further cultivated while working as a corporate trainer with Accenture in New York City. His training experience and love for teaching were a perfect fit, and in 2005 he set out to teach English as a Second Language in Concepcion, Chile where he would gain invaluable international experience honing his Spanish skills while teaching both children and adults.

He soon began to notice a common thread among all students he taught. No matter which discipline one studies in school or which career path one follows, everyone is connected through an interminable resolve to improve themselves. Good communication skills are the foundation on which these improvements can be made. The result: in late 2005, Jeffrey and his colleague David spawned the idea of uLeap Learning that would focus on imparting crucial language skills to businesses and individuals in an industry-specific, interactive learning environment.

After graduating from Dartmouth College in 2004, David went to work with the Princeton Review. Although he had little formal teaching experience before he joined, he soon found the role of teacher a natural fit for his interpersonal skills and belief in the ability of people to better themselves through education.

Out of a desire to broaden his perspectives and immerse himself in another culture, David made the decision to find work in another country. He earned his TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages), and accepted a position at a language institute in Chile. It was there that he met Jeff Jones, and began working on what would eventually become uLeap Learning.

Experience in teaching a variety of subjects, including Math, Chemistry, standardized test preparation and, of course, ESL, has given David many different resources from which to develop his teaching style and methodology. He's excited to bring his perspective, as well as his creative energy and vision, to uLeap, and to make it a company founded on delivering a product of the highest quality, that anyone can be proud of.

Contact us today and learn how our customized language programs can help your tri-state area business. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your company’s specific goals and business needs.