I am currently teaching ESL classes at Jefferson Community & Technical College, in Louisville, Kentucky. In the developmental program, there are courses in reading, writing, and grammar at low-beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Our students complete the ESL program and then start for-credit classes.

A current teaching interest is to find ways to add aspects of pragmatics to grammar instruction. Rule-based instruction isn't very effective. Also, everyone in the classes speaks English--i.e. they are "fluent," but the fluency is not an academic one that will ensure success in school. So we have students who speak English but have no idea of grammar terms or rules. Trying to remedy that doesn't work too well, but adding real context and authentic situations can make the reason for the grammar clear.

When not teaching, I enjoy time with my family. We enjoy beach vacations. Everyone loves the sun and the ocean. Snorkeling and diving are goals if we can ever get to the Caymans.

I've taught in Venezuela and Saudi Arabia and in the USA at the University of Louisville and the University of Tennessee. Go Cards! Go Vols!

I'm looking forward to the October 2016 SE-TESOL meeting, which is in Louisville, Kentucky this year.