Completed a Master of Arts in Linguistics with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at the University of North Texas. This program provided advanced training in second language acquisition theory, curriculum design, assessment methods, and cross-cultural communication.
Completed an intensive teaching practicum as part of the graduate program, gaining hands-on classroom experience under faculty supervision. Developed lesson plans, delivered instruction to ESL learners, and received feedback to refine teaching methodology.
Volunteered as an ESL instructor at a Denton church, teaching English to adult learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This experience reinforced my commitment to community-based education and provided opportunities to work with learners of varying proficiency levels.
Taught English at the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) at UNT, working with international students preparing for academic study in the United States. Developed curriculum for multiple proficiency levels and helped students build the language skills needed for university success.
While enrolled in the graduate program, also served as a Japanese language instructor at UNT, teaching undergraduate students. This dual role as both a graduate student and language instructor deepened my understanding of language pedagogy from multiple perspectives.