Jessica Montgomerie, Adjunct Lecturer

• B.A., Theatre Arts and Literature, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
• M.A. TESOL, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

Welcome to Denver. I am not from this area originally, but in the few months I have lived in Colorado, I have already fallen in love with this part of the country. I grew up in Central Illinois, which is a flat and humid area. It is quite different from the dry mountain region! Besides the landscape in and around Denver, I’m also enjoying the community, the culture, and the people at the ELC.
Though I am happy to teach English as a Second Language now, I did not always expect this to be my career. As an undergraduate student, I studied Theatre Arts and English Literature. I did not think I would be a teacher because it seemed like too much hard work! So how did I become an English teacher? I was interested in language and in cultures besides my own, so when I learned that I could teach English in Taiwan after graduation, I took the opportunity. I traveled and learned that people seem dissimilar at first, but our differences are far outweighed by our similarities. I also learned that teaching was a lot of work, but it is also very rewarding. I wanted to learn more about teaching English effectively, so I earned my graduate degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

I am glad to be teaching again on a university campus. I benefit from being around international post-secondary students because of the varying experiences and enthusiasm that you bring to classes. I wish you all luck as you begin your studies here. Studying abroad is a valuable experience for your academic and personal growth. I studied in London as an undergraduate, and my memories of that time remain relevant now as I work with students who are adjusting to campus life in a new country. You will learn a lot and you will share a lot with others. See you in class!