Response to Karina´s Question

Hi, Karina.

You asked three questions. Here they are, with my responses.

Q: When did you start teaching English?

R: I began teaching English in 1972 while I was studying for my MAEFL (Master's in English as a Foreign Language) degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. From 1972 to 1990, after I received my degree, I taught ESL in Oklahoma and Texas, then worked in ESL/EFL teacher training, textbook editing, and materials development in California and Oregon. In 1990, I moved to Arizona. While here, I returned to ESL teaching and from 1990 to 2001, I worked in a private high school and in the ESL program at Arizona State University. In 2001, I began to work at Estrella Mountain Community College, where I work now.

Q: How many languages do you speak?

R: I used to speak Spanish well, but for many years I didn't have the opportunity to use it very much, so I forgot a lot. My Spanish has improved, however, since I moved to Arizona. I also know "bits and pieces" in many other languages because I try to learn simple words and phrases in the first languages of all my students.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

R: I like to read, cook, and play with my computer. How about you?