AU TESOL

Congratulations to our MA TESOL graduates of Fall 🎓✨📚

Your dedication, growth, and commitment to language education have brought you to this milestone. Wishing you continued success as you begin the next chapter of your professional journeys.

It’s finally here! 🎉✨
Come celebrate with us as we enjoy our students’ wonderful presentations—showcasing all their hard work and projects—and as we say goodbye to our graduating class of 2025, TESOL Program. 🎓💛

See you tomorrow, December 4 for our;
► End-of-Semester Celebration at 4PM
► Student Conference at 5:30PM

We can’t wait to see you as we close the semester strong

Happy Thanksgiving from AU TESOL! 🍁🦃✨
We’re wishing all Eagles and our entire community a restful, joyful break. Tell us what you’ll be up to—traveling home, celebrating Friendsgiving, or simply taking time to recharge.

Save the Date:
Our End-of-Semester Celebration & Student Conference is coming up on December 4. We can’t wait to gather as a community and close the semester strong!

́adeaccióndegracias American University

Teaching beginner-level learners is both challenging and deeply rewarding. In ELT 1, Bárbara reflects on how understanding literacy and pronunciation from her own experience as an English learner shapes her approach in the classroom. She’s committed to helping her future students reach those meaningful moments that build confidence and open doors.

Interested in Teaching English Around the World?
Join us for a Virtual TESOL Info Session hosted by the TESOL Program and the Office of Graduate Admissions at American University’s College of Arts and Sciences!
📚 Learn about:
✔️ TESOL degree options (MA, Certificate)
✔️ Program structure & career pathways
✔️ Funding opportunities
✔️ Q&A with faculty

🗓️ Session 1:
Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 PM (ET)
With Dr. Sarah Knowles

🗓️ Session 2:
Friday, Nov. 21 at 12:00 PM (ET)
With Dr. Polina Vinogradova
🔗 Scan the QR code or Visit the home page to find the registration link.

Whether you're just starting or ready to advance your TESOL journey, we’d love to meet you!

COIL Virtual Exchange 2025 Connecting Across Cultures!

Dr. Kidwell had an incredible seminar “Why Learn World Languages?” with first-year students, who joined an online exchange with peers from Vienna, Austria, and Salatiga, Indonesia. Together, they explored Multilingualism and Religion, gaining fresh insights into how language and faith shape societies—and built friendships across continents! ✨

🇺🇸🎓 Honoring a true Veteran: Patrick MacMahon

From Navy deployments in Japan to graduate studies in TESOL, Patrick MacMahon’s path reflects deep commitment to service, language, and global connection. A proud AU alumnus and veteran, Patrick returns to American University to pursue his MA in TESOL—guided by mentors and fueled by a passion for teaching English abroad.

His story bridges cultures and communities, reminding us how military experience and education can shape powerful new chapters.

🇺🇸

Ronald, one of our TESOL Certificate students, is a volunteer teacher at Washington English Center. He shares a thoughtful reflection inspired by Tomita (2018), one of the readings in our English Language Teaching (ELT 1) class this semester. He’s been applying powerful strategies in his classroom, helping students connect English grammar to their first language through metalinguistic awareness.

Want to explore the theory behind this approach? Check out Tomita, Y. (2018) "Second Language Acquisition: Connecting Theory and Practice" for insights on linguistic markedness and cross-linguistic influence.