2020 Ambassadors
Aubri Schultz
Madi Farstvedt
Eve Sypien
Tamera Tanalski
Maddie Cummins-Freund
2021 Ambassadors
Rebekah Leighton
I just finished my fourth year at CMU, where I've been studying Elementary Education with a major in Language Arts and a minor in ESL. I've known that I wanted to teach since I was in the fourth grade. Specifically, I wanted to work with ESL students, because I became literate in English through such a program. I am determined to make the most out of my time in school and cannot wait to apply what I learn.
Christa Rwakayija
I am currently a senior in the elementary education program. I will be graduating with a double major in psychology and language arts, as well as a minor in English as a second language. I am very passionate about volunteering and have a profound commitment to working with children of different ages. I have volunteered for three months at a children’s orphanage, La Pouponnière de Dakar, located in Senegal and have also taught English language learners in Rwanda and Burundi. I love traveling as well which allows me to adapt to new situations and learn about new cultures!
Featured Alumna
Madison Veneklase '18
Madison Veneklase is a CMU graduate as of 2018 from Grand Rapids, Michigan. During her time at Central, Veneklase majored in Secondary English Education and minored in English as a Second Language. For her pre-student teaching, she was able to go to Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. Additionally, she student taught English at Farwell High School and in Immokalee Middle School in Florida.
Upon graduation she was hired by Cedar Springs as a long-term substitute teacher with a post-graduation contract. Veneklase currently teaches English Language Development for 6-12th graders. As an English Learner coordinator for the district, she plans WIDA testing, communicates with teachers and administrators, and designs EL curriculum.
In Veneklase’s own words, “My favorite parts of teaching ESL are learning about my students and their cultures and being a part of a monumental moment in students’ lives while they are learning a new language and experiencing a new culture.”
Related programs offered by Central Michigan University
Second Degree in ESL For more information contact
Dr. April Burke
april.burke@cmich.edu
Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages