TESL Alumni
Graduates of Webster University's MA in Teaching English as a Second Language have found themselves teaching all over St. Louis, throughout the USA, and throughout the world. At the K-12 level, we have Webster TESL students and graduates at St. Louis Public Schools, Parkway School District, Ritenour School District, Webster Groves Schools District, Lindbergh School District, and Chicago Public Schools. Around St. Louis, you can find Webster TESL graduates teaching at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis University, St. Louis Community College, Lindenwood University, Fontbonne University, and Webster University (including at our Bangkok campus). Current students and Webster TESL alumni have been teaching in Colombia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China, Laos, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. Here are some of our program's graduates and what they are up to!
Please come back to learn about more of our great alumni and the work they are doing.
Dear TESL graduates: Please send updates for us to add or change on this page.
Alison Wexelman
MA in TESL Graduate from 2014
Currently in Chicago, Illinois
Where do you currently work? I am currently an English Language Program Teacher (ELPT) in Chicago Public Schools.
What are you up to? I provide English as a Second Language (ESL) services to students in grades K-8 that speak over 14 different languages. I also help support teachers and administration throughout the schools with all things ESL.
How did Webster help prepare you? Webster’s TESL program helped prepare me by teaching me theories on how people learn a new language, the importance of understanding cultural differences and multiple strategies to help students succeed in their English learning journey.
Amanda Hanson
MA in TESL Graduate from 2014
Currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Where do you currently work?
I currently work for Diplomatic Language Services (DLS), a private language services company based out of Arlington, VA. I’m an English Language Instructor teaching the ALC (American Language Course) curriculum to soldiers in the Emirati military. My company, DLS, is subcontracted by the AFSAT (Air Force Security Assistance Training), part of the U.S. Department of Defense. For AFSAT, DLS supports the Defense Language Institute Detachment in the UAE by providing instructors to work with the DLI team. For more information on the Defense
What are you up to? My company, DLS, and DLI work in partnership with AFADI (Air Force and Air Defense Institute) English Language Section, part of the Emirati Air Force. I have the privilege of teaching all branches of the Emirati military so my students are in the Land Forces, Air Force, Navy, Presidential Guard, etc. The ALC curriculum is created and owned by DLI, and consists of 30 books, beginning with basics like the alphabet in Book 1, and ending in Book 30 with advanced grammar. This curriculum is test-based, with each book covering a 2-week period, culminating in a Book Quiz. Additionally, all members of the Emirati military can take the ALCPT (American Language Course Placement Test), which is a 100-question exam covering the entire 30-book curriculum. Depending on students’ ALCPT scores, they may be eligible for a promotion in rank (i.e. from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant). Thus, student motivation for the ALCPT is very high. Lastly, the primary focus of the ALC curriculum is vocabulary and grammar, with an emphasis on practical military uses of English.
How did Webster help prepare you? Webster’s TESL program absolutely prepared me for my current role in the UAE. This is the first job where I’ve explicitly taught grammar, and my grammar course at Webster helped guide me in how to tackle explaining the mechanics of the English language to non-native speakers. Additionally, the Webster TESL program’s emphasis on intercultural awareness is vital to teaching Muslim Arab men (though I do teach a few women who are in the military here). I think Webster as a school in general really cultivates international awareness and international education, which makes Webster a shining star in the St. Louis higher education community. I’m so grateful I was able to matriculate from Webster’s graduate education not once, but twice!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hanson-30938660/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.g.hanson
Instagram: amandahanson5746
Rebecca Rittmann
MA in TESL Graduate from 2016
Currently in St. Louis, Missouri
Where do you currently work? Adjunct instructor for INTO St. Louis University and St. Louis Community College – Forest Park.
What are you up to? After a long and persistent job search, I have been with INTO SLU for over a year. I work with a great group of people and teach a diverse group of students and classes. I received a lot of positive support as a newer teacher, and I’ve learned the importance of collaboration. During the 2017-2018 school year, I was also given the opportunity to work in the Webster School District as an ELL Aid serving 12 students in 3 different Webster Schools. It was quite a contrast from higher education and an introduction to the Special School District. The experience taught me a lot, including that I prefer higher education. So this year, I will also be teaching evening classes at STLCC-Forest Park, in conjunction with INTO SLU. My future goal is to teach overseas, and I am currently working on making that a reality.
How did Webster help prepare you? Webster’s TESL program and it’s professors prepared me in every way possible to teach in different environments, and help students from various backgrounds, English language abilities, and other special needs. Webster University was and is a very supportive environment. That support extends after graduation and I am grateful for the network it has helped me develop. Webster University is a special place.
Yanjie (Phoebe) Li
MA in TESL Graduate from 2016
Currently in St. Louis, Missouri
Where do you currently work? I am a doctoral student majoring in Applied Linguistics in the Department of Education at Washington University in Saint Louis.
What are you up to? I have just finished my first year as a PhD student at Washington University and about to start the second year this fall. My research interests include second language acquisition, L2 reading, L2 writing, L2 assessments, Psycholinguistics, and Neurolinguistics. So far, I have been investigating the effects of working memory on L2 reading and the effects of adjunct questions on L2 reading. In addition, I have been intensively taking high-level theory courses and doing independent studies.
How did Webster help prepare you? I think I have done better than “surviving” my first year PhD study, and I credit all my aces to the high-quality training that I received at Webster University! First, the active discussions consistently pushed me to think critically and challenged my “firm” beliefs. Also, the well-designed course load, high expectations of the instructors, and fun learning activities made sure we learned the content knowledge we should know! Both the good learning habits and content knowledge helped me adapt easily to my doctoral program!
Maggie Wigger
MA in TESL Graduate from 2014
Currently in St. Louis, Missouri
Where do you currently work? Lindbergh School District: Kennerly School Grades K-5
What are you up to? I am the ELL teacher at Kennerly Elementary for Grades K-5. This is my 6th year teaching ELL and my 14th year teaching. I LOVE my job! They best part of my job are the connections I make with my families.
How did Webster help prepare you? Webster helped me to understand the importance of teaching pragmatics and social language.