I’ve always been drawn to teaching, languages, and learning about other countries and cultures, and TESOL combines all three of these interests. It seems like the perfect fit in hindsight, but it took me some time and trying other paths to find this field. I really value the tangible impact that learning another language can have on someone’s life.

Could you share some of the educational and professional experiences that led you to your current position?

I started out at WEC as a volunteer, and this cemented my desire to teach English as a career. I joined AU’s MA TESOL program, and this program and my professors opened so many doors for me. I had the opportunity to present at WATESOL, teach English in AU’s ELTA program, and to work as a writer contributing to Intercambio’s textbook series. I never imagined I would end up on the WEC staff, but a job opened up at the right time, and I have now been here eight years.

As the Director of Programs, what are some of your regular responsibilities and duties?

On the TESOL side, I evaluate and select the class textbooks, create the class syllabi, and develop and lead teacher training workshops. I also observe classes, provide teachers with constructive feedback, and teach myself as needed. On the administrative side, I supervise the Programs Team, and oversee student and volunteer outreach and retention, community programming, and partnerships. This part of the role involves a lot of logistics and strategic planning. We’re a small nonprofit, so everyone wears many hats.

What changes have you observed in the field since you first started teaching?

The rise of online instruction, precipitated by COVID-19, had a huge impact. WEC had no online programming prior to COVID, and now post-pandemic, more than half of our students choose to remain online. As a result, thinking through what effective instruction looks like in this context has been important.

I’ve also noticed less frequent use of terms like “non-native English speaker.” More people have embraced asset-based framing and the idea of multilingual teachers and learners. Finally, generative AI of course brings new considerations to TESOL, which I think we are still discovering and discussing as a field.

What advice do you have for new or prospective English Language teachers?

I have also found relationships and community to be so important for my professional development, and for feeling less alone in the field. Whether that’s staying in touch with peers from your TESOL program, finding other teachers at your school you can talk to, or joining a professional organization like WATESOL, it’s so valuable to have people with whom you can reflect, share classroom challenges, and brainstorm new ideas.