Opening the door to adventure!
Students from all over the world have opened doors to study English as a Second Language with me at universities, community colleges, vocational/technical institutes, private language centers, and corporate settings in Michigan or France. Together we have studied language and culture in a welcoming, engaging classroom environment whether face-to-face, in a traditional classroom setting, or as part of a virtual experience. My greatest joy is to celebrate their successes! The formula S + L2 = ∞ expresses my dedication to being the "plus" in a learning experience, leading the second language learner to infinite opportunities.
My students have taught me many aspects of their native languages (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Persian, Russian, just to name a few), but my second language is French. Professionally, the reading/writing connection, adult and family literacy, identity, grammar, and vocabulary development are areas of interest for my research or development of instructional materials.
My recent time in Paris, France provided me the opportunity to work as a corporate trainer, pivoting my focus from academia to the workplace. Clients ranged from Human Resource Directors and Managers, Engineers, Quality/Audit Specialists, Health Safety, and Environment Supervisors, Sales and Marketing Representatives, to Production and Line operators and Administrative Support. Due to the global health crisis, my methodology became much more individualized, and more just-in-time. Many of my clients experienced factory shutdowns, so their focus on change management, motivation and engagement, and preparation for career change was essential. Interactions with these learners motivated me to explore new opportunities, expanding learning and teaching opportunities. Now, I am pursuing a new career in instructional design.
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My life is enriched by my wonderful husband, who is from Brittany. He and his family and our French and Breton friends provide us with insights and humor that continually inspire me to improve my language abilities. My life is also enriched by the diverse music produced, mixed and mastered by my son, Thibault, and the stimulating conversations about art, literature, and the natural world that I have with my son Hugo - especially endangered fresh water river mussels.
After receiving the gift of saffron from a dear friend, Persian cuisine has been one of my culinary curiosities. With my arrival in the City of Lights, of course, I'm trying new aspects of French cuisine. Korean cuisine is my new cooking challenge. To bring new perspectives to the way I see the world, I enjoy a long walk in the woods, taking in good movies, reading in French, dining out, and traveling to discover new cultures.
I hope to have the opportunity to talk with you soon about your latest language adventures!
Susan taught me reading skills which enhanced my English knowledge. As a result of these strategies, my life path has changed and made me a successful student. This instructor changed my life.
Gelareh R.
During the last four years, I have learned so many things. Your classes were very useful for me. I got a lot of academic skills. I think the ESL classes are even more useful than the major classes"
Robbie O.
Thank you so much for helping me in improving my English skills! I passed the IELTS test with the score that I was looking for! Appreciate all your efforts.
Manar A.
Student testimonials
Professional Experience
Online Language Instructor. Developed course curricula and engaging learning experiences using Google Classroom. Facilitated virtual lessons via Zoom for adult corporate learners and international university pathway students. Initiated benchmarking for writing curriculum.
Michigan Language Center. Ann Arbor, Michigan
July 2021 to December 2021
Corporate Language Trainer. Developed customized course curriculum in Google Classroom and facilitated instruction via Zoom and Skype. Trainees included Human Resources management, Quality Assurance specialists, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing teams, Engineers, Safety-Health-Environment Trainers, and Administrative Managers.
2019 to 2021
DRL Conseils et Formations. Paris, France
Assistant Director - ESL Testing and Placement.
Full-time Lecturer II, IELTS USA Line Manager, ISRC Supervisor. Managed departmental placement and achievement testing to align courses with CEFR/ACTFL proficiency levels. Contributed to CEA Reaccreditation Team resulting in 10 year accreditation to 2029. Supervised administration of IELTS Test cent for the Great Lakes Region. Led team to earn 94% rating for 2018 annual audit. Supervised and trained graduate assistants providing strategies to develop quality academic writing and other language skills. Developed curricula for all language skills and all proficiency levels from foundation level to graduate students. Facilitated engaging learning experiences in blended learning (via Canvas LMS) and instructor-led learning. ESL Director Recognition- Outstanding Dedication to Student Academic Success 2017.
2013-2018
Eastern Michigan University. Ypsilanti, Michigan
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Adjunct Instructor. Developed curricula for all language skills and all proficiency levels from foundation level to Level 4. Facilitated engaging learning experiences instructor-led learning environments. Supplemented learning via Desire2Learn LMS. Designed TOEFL preparation course and provided writing strategies as Writing Consultant in Academic Skills Center. Nominated by students -Finalist-Outstanding Adjunct Teacher.
2002-2017
Oakland Community College-Orchard Ridge. Farmington Hills, Michigan
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Adjunct Assistant Professor - ESL and Writing
ESL Writing Lab Supervisor-Writing Center Specialist. Developed curricula for all language skills and all proficiency levels and created online writing course via Blackboard LMS. Facilitated engaging learning experiences for international students, undergraduate academic writers, and MATESOL course in Second-language writing. Developed online writing composition course via Blackboard LMS. Served as mentor teacher for MATESOL graduate student. Managed ESL Writing Lab and trained writing consultants. Provided training for University Writing Center tutors and tutored university writers in all domains.
2002-2012
Madonna University. Livonia, Michigan
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Local Coordinator. Developed specialized curriculum and provided instruction to air traffic controllers at three airfields including, Brest-Guipavas and Quimper. Ensured air safety by improving pronunciation and communication skills.
1997-1998
Civil Aviation West- Brest International Airport - Guipavas, Brittany, France.
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Language Instructor - English, Program Developer. Developed curricula for adult learners and facilitated engaging instructor-led lessons for DCN-French Naval clients, and clients in the tourism, banking, automotive, and scientists in the ocean sciences.
1993-1997
CIEL - Centre for International Language Study.
Le-Relecq-Kerhuon, Brittany, France.
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Language Instructor -English. Developed curricula and instructional materials for certificate bearing diplomas in BAC-Pro, BP, and BEP Electricity at this vocational training institute. Facilitated compelling lessons to apprentices increasing achievement outcomes enabling learners to advance and service future clients using English.
1991-1997
CFA-BTP - Centre de Formation du Batiment et des Travaux Publics. Quimper, Brittany, France.
Professional Testimonials
Susan is an excellent facilitator of language learning...[she uses] a student-based approach which promotes greater motivation and engagement in learning. It is enjoyable to [have] an instructor who is passionate about her students and who clearly enjoys teaching.
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Kim Anderson
ESL Program Director
Eastern Michigan University
Susan understands the daunting obstacles that ESL students face when trying to acclimate to a new language, a new culture, and new attitudes. Susan's kindness and acceptance make ESL students feel welcome.
Frances Fitzgerald
Writing Center Director
Madonna University
Susan is enthusiastic in incorporating new materials and techniques in her courses in order to create interesting and effective classes. We will never find anyone as devoted, hardworking, and conscientious. She was greatly appreciated by the students... and was able to adapt to a variety of situations.
Patricia Le Joncour - Lynch
Director of Studies in Foreign Languages.
Susan has taught a wide range of courses and proficiency levels in our program...without hesitation she is an excellent instructor. Her work in the classroom is exceptional.
Mike Khirallah, PHD
Director, ESL Program
Oakland Community College
Orchard Ridge Campus
Research Testimonials
Susan's dedication to both attending and presenting at our statewide professional conference is unparalleled. [She] is adept at synthesizing and assimilating current research, and I'm inspired by her drive to do so.
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Sarah Lemelin - ESL Faculty
Oakland Community College-Auburn Hills Campus
I love this kind of research. What you guys are looking at is REAL language, and your work is the kind of research that I wish we saw much more of in TESOL. Why? Because it can have a direct impact on teaching and learning.
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Dr. Keith Folse (March 30, 2017 email correspondence in reference to TESOL 2017
"With great insight and skill she developed a TOEFL preparation course that met the specific goals of our college ESL program. In each session, she created a learning environment where non-native speakers could become familiar with the test format while developing skills and strategies to improve their exit test score."
Christine Francis - Faculty
Oakland Community College - Orchard Ridge Campus
Dedicated to Life-Long Learning
