TESL Faculty

Instructors in the WAL/SPU Teaching English as a Second Language program are experienced language instructors and teacher-educators. They also serve as adjunct faculty with Seattle Pacific University through the TESL program.

Pat Gunn, MATESOL, University of Washington

Many years experience teaching ELL in a variety of settings including community college, community-based organizations and youth programs. Presented and published on many aspects of teaching ESL including assessment, curriculum development and using games in the ELL classroom.

Raieda M. Ishak, MATESOL, University of Washington

Grew up with three "first" languages: Arabic, English, and Armenian. At the age of 20, she came to Seattle, completed her graduate studies at the University of Washington and embarked on a deep and rich teaching experience that started and continues at WAL. She has been teaching English and training prospective English teachers for over a decade now in Seattle and in the Middle East.

Heidi LaMare, MATESOL, New York University

Many years experience teaching ELL to adults and children, both in the US and in SE Asia. Currently teaching in Seattle Public Schools as an ELL and Reading Teacher. Of particular interest to Heidi is reading acquisition for bilingual students.

Jill Lenhard, MATESL

Many years teacher training experience in Washington State and Alaska. Formerly Academic Director at Washington Academy of Languages, ELL Department. Currently teaching high school English in Alaska.

Ann Levine, MATESL/M.A. Mass Communication

Currently teaching at Seattle Central Community College. Coordinated ELL/ABE tutoring program at SCCC. Experience in teaching K-12 and adults and in curriculum development.

Aleta Matteson, M.A. Ed. / M.S. Ed. Admin.

Taught and was principal for over 30 years, K-12, in both public and private schools in Chicago, L.A., and Washington State. Currently teaching ELL middle school students in Kent, Washington. Very interested in preserving and using art education and story writing to motivate students and teach English.

Keleigh Muzaffar, MATESOL, Teacher's College, Columbia University

Has more than ten years of experience teaching ELL to students of all ages and proficiency levels, from a wide variety of cultural and academic backgrounds. Has taught in many settings from EFL classes in Taiwan to public schools in the U.S. Has strong interests in East Asian studies, grammar, linguistics and staff development.

Diane Mikhlin, Ph.C.

Has extensive school district and teacher training experience. Presently teaches high school in Tacoma School District. Research interests lie in the area of cross-cultural communication.

Barbara Reisman,  M. A. Adult Ed/TESL, Antioch University

Has taught ESL for the past twenty years in the U.S. and Japan, at both the K-12 and adult level.  She has been a teacher-trainer for the last ten years, and is particularly interested in the learning process throughout our lifetime.

Paul Schneider, Ed.D.

More than thirty years of experience in the fields of Education, English as a Second Language, and Philosophy as an educator, teacher trainer, administrator, educational consultant and cross-cultural consultant. President of WAL

Shawna Shapiro, MATESOL

Has taught English, ESOL, Social Studies, and Spanish at middle school, high school, and university levels. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Language/Rhetoric at the University of Washington, specializing in second language writing.

Rebecca Tesdell, M.A., School for International Training

Over 25 years teaching experience in English as a Second Language. Currently teaches ELL to adult immigrants and refugees at Seattle Central Community College. Has also taught English at the university level in Taiwan and China. Research, materials development and conference presentations on teaching English grammar are her primary interests.

Staci Tuck, BA Spanish Boise State University, ESL/Bilingual Education SPU

Many years teaching Spanish at the secondary and university levels. ELL Literacy instructor for the Marysville school district and currently the Marysville School District ELL TOSA. with responsibilities for teacher training, student assessment and community relations. Professional ELL affiliations include: WABE, NABE, TESOL, and WAESOL.

Karen Wilson, M.A. in History; M. S. in Education; MBA

Has taught ESL to all levels and ages of students in Asia and North America for more than 25 years. Interests include teacher training, curriculum development, content-based language and cross cultural communication.