On select Fridays during the on-site portion of the TESOL Certificate Program, students work in teams of 3 or 4 to teach a class in our on-site language school. Prior to each teaching session, team members meet with each other and with their senior teaching mentor to create a lesson plan and appropriate materials. Mentors also observe each student in the classroom and provide individualized feedback and support.

Today we would like to introduce you to one of our mentors, Allie!

Name: Allie Hope King

Degree(s): M.Ed in Foreign Language Education, University of Pittsburgh '03; Ed.M in Applied Linguistics, Teachers College, '16; Candidate for Ed.D. in Applied Linguistics

Background in teaching/TESOL:

I have taught ESL in a variety of contexts. I spent several years at Carnegie Mellon University's Intercultural Communication Center working with non-native English speaking Ph.D. candidates, helping them to develop academic language for learning and teaching in their fields. I have also taught ESL in Hawai'i, Virginia, and a number of courses in the CEP here at Teachers College.

What has been your favorite part of mentoring?

I love watching novice teachers grow and helping them to find their voice in the classroom. I think stepping into that classroom for the first time can be daunting. Yet our TCP students always find their voice and figure out what they can bring to the table, even if they have never taught before. It's beautiful to be able to witness the moment when they do this.

What advice do you have for prospective students considering the program?

Carve out the time and space in your life (literal and mental) to really throw yourself into this program. You are afforded a great number of opportunities while you are doing TCP. The more you are able to participate and be present while you attend, the more you can absorb and benefit from this carefully designed program.