òòò½ÎÑ

I was born and raised in Toronto and spent the first part of my career working with international students at the University of Western Ontario. I started teaching at òòò½ÎÑ in 2001 in the ESL Department. It has been a privilege working with students from such diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Outside of work, my family and I have enjoyed travelling to areas in South East Asia and West Africa volunteering in different capacities. In Kelowna, I enjoy the many things that the region has to offer such as hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and skiing.

Credentials:
MA, Applied Linguistics, University in Springfield Central, Australia

Credentials:
MA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Adult Education, Cultural Studies, & Community Development)
BA, Applied Linguistics (Teaching English as a Subsequent Language)

I began teaching at òòò½ÎÑ in 1997 (then called Okangan University College). As a passionate teacher, I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all my students since I believe that the foundation of effective education is built upon respect, inclusivity and empathy. My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that when students feel secure and valued, they are more likely to thrive academically and personally. Creating a safe learning environment is not just a pedagogical goal for me; it's a core value that guides my teaching practice.  

Credentials:
MA, English Language and Literature, University of Debrecen

I joined òòò½ÎÑ as an ESL instructor at the Kelowna campus in 2015 after teaching overseas for 17 years. During those 17 years, aside from teaching EFL classes, I instructed and mentored MA students in material development for EFL instruction, trained EFL teachers with a focus on technology in the classroom. Much of my interest has focused on young learners of English and the development of emersion type instruction in EFL environments.

Credentials:
M.Ed, Computing Education (TESOL), University of South Africa
B.Ed, West Kootenay Teacher Education Program, University of British Columbia
BA, History, Okanagan University College
TESOL Diploma, Vancouver Community College

I have been teaching in the English Language Programs at òòò½ÎÑ since 2019 and joined the Department of Communications in 2024. My research interests include exploring aspects of intercultural communication in academic and professional contexts. I enjoy working with emerging scholars on their communication skills and previously supported graduate students and faculty at UBC Okanagan’s Centre for Scholarly Communication. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors in the Okanagan and podcasting.

Credentials:
PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of British Columbia
MSc, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Aston University (UK)
BA (Advanced Double Major), Dalhousie University, International Development Studies and Political Science

I have been teaching English for about two decades. My interest and passion to know more about other cultures and countries pushed me towards learning other languages at an early age. Before I knew it, I graduated from university with a degree in English language and started teaching. I know three languages and am still interested in both teaching and learning languages.

Credentials:
M.Ed, TESL, University of British Columbia

I first joined òòò½ÎÑ at the Kelowna campus in 2009, but was seconded to teach in Vernon English language program from 2010 to 2012 before returning to Kelowna. I currently teach English as an additional language for international and domestic students who need to improve their English language skills (both more general and academic English language skills) within Arts and Foundational programming. I additionally teach on the TESL certificate in Continuing Studies to those who want to teach English as an additional language. My work related interests include fostering cross-cultural communication, student engagement and creative thinking.

Credentials:
M.Ed, TESOL and Educational Technology, Manchester, UK
Cert/Dip, TEFLA Cambridge, UK

Hey! 

 I’m Ronan and I am from a small town called Sligo. If you are ever in Ireland, check it out and make sure to go for a surf. 

I have been teaching English as an additional language since 2013. I began my English teaching career in Norway and have worked in countries like the Czech Republic, Spain, Ireland, and now Canada.  

I recently completed my Master of Arts in Education and feel what I have learnt in the past two years of studying combined with my prior experience of teaching English has equipped me with more than enough skills to create a solid learning platform in every class I have. For me, having a community of learners is essential and that is why I always want to help create a classroom community and help foster independent learning.  

When I’m not teaching, you might catch me up some mountains, or sipping coffee by a lake, or maybe just wandering trying to find a secluded camp spot for a night. 

I taught various levels in Tokyo before being fortunate enough to teach at Korea University in Seoul and at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai.  Those teaching experiences prepared me well to return home to British Columbia and continue my teaching career at òòò½ÎÑ.

I believe in creating a safe learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.  Without mistakes and failure there is no learning.  For this reason, I'm passionate about teaching academic writing as this is a tangible way to see students overcome their fears and improve quickly.

When taking a break from teaching, rock climbing and skiing keep me happy locally while planning my next surf trip. 

Credentials:
MA, ELT, University of Technology - Sydney
BA, Education, U of A