The ESL Nexus

I specialize in creating low-prep, academically engaging resources for English Language Learners in Mainstream and ESL classes. Over a period of 25 years, I taught English Language Learners of all ages and proficiency levels at universities in Asia, private language programs in the US and finally at a public school in Massachusetts where I began by teaching Grades K - 8 and ended up teaching students in Grades 3 - 8. I taught English Language Development as well as Content-Based ESL that focused on Social Studies (Ancient History, World History, American History, World Geography); I also did push-in and pull-out Math and Science lessons for ELLs.

I loved helping adolescent English Language Learners develop their language, critical thinking and technology skills. I had high expectations for my students and I knew that with support, they could all be successful. I worked hard to create an atmosphere where students felt comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions because I believe that fostered their motivation and desire to learn. I embedded technology in my lessons as much as possible, but it was the human connection I made with each individual student that was most important to me as a teacher. I also really enjoyed collaborating with other teachers and helping them provide effective instruction to the English Language Learners in their classes. Some of my most rewarding experiences as an educator came from co-teaching lessons. I shared ideas with other teachers and implemented cross-curricular activities for students whenever possible to enhance their learning.

ING Unsung Heroes Award in 2010; interviewed by Voice of America in 2008 about an online journal I founded and published for ELL teacher trainers; Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Award to India in 2007; nominated for Disney's American Teacher Award in 2001; presented at educational conferences in the US, Canada, and China; published articles about teaching English Language Learners in professional journals and books.

B.A. Brown University (anthropology); M.A. School for International Training (intercultural administration); M.A.T. School for International Training (teaching English to speakers of other languages); numerous courses, workshops and in-service trainings on all aspects of teaching English Language Learners; studied French in an intensive summer program in Quebec; high school exchange student to Sweden for one year.

Other interests include photography, the Old West, culinary history, and playing table tennis. You can follow me on The ESL Nexus Blog, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.