Next Magazine Faculty Spotlight: Rachel Tease
There are 7.442 billion people in this world, 6,500 languages, and 4,200 different religions. Our world is full of diversity, yet most will experience very little of it in their lifetime.
Moraine Park Technical College works to build culture and diversity into the everyday lives of student and staff, and English Learning Language (ELL) instructor, Rachel Tease, is one person to do just that. Her role at the college is so much more than helping individuals navigate a foreign language, land, and culture. She also works to educate students and staff on diversity and welcomes individuals into her classroom just as they are.
“I have my dream job,” Rachel said. “Every day I get to learn about different cultures, customs, and religions. I love what I do.”
Rachel found this career passion during her college study abroad experiences in Spain and Chile. It was there that she first volunteered to teach English and through that experience, she gained so much knowledge about our world.
“We are all human,” Rachel said. “This world is a big place and small place, all at the same time. Regardless of our cultural differences, we have many more commonalities.”
Rachel encounters many different languages in her classroom. At any given time she could be teaching a class with a half-dozen different languages. For this reason, she creates an environment that encourages the students to work together to overcome English-speaking barriers.
“We have many different ELL class types to fit just about any need,” Rachel said. “We offer classes focused on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We also offer a bilingual GED class for students who are hoping to earn their high school credential.”
The students and staff rave about the ELL classes on all three campuses, which are free to the community.
***Rosy Samou, the feature story from our NEXT magazine, took ELL classes as well as a computer-based program that helped her study terminology specific to her nursing program.**
For more information on the services offered through the Student Success Center, visit morainepark.edu/student-success-center.
