A national body has recognized a University of Missouri faculty member for her efforts in helping prepare educators to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
The TESOL International Association selected Nikki Ashcraft PhD for her contributions to shaping the future of both the association and the TESOL profession.
Ashcraft is the primary instructor in the online TESOL program offered by the MU College of Education’s Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum.
"I enjoy teaching online since it allows me to work with TESOL students all over the world,” Ashcraft said. “Our online program is truly international in scope."
Ashcraft has worked for 24 years in the field, teaching English and training ESL/EFL teachers in Chile, Kuwait, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. She has provided TESOL methods training to Fulbright English Teaching Assistants assigned to the Middle East and North Africa.
Ashcraft formerly served as chair of the TESOL International Association’s Teacher Education Interest Section. Her books include “Teaching Listening: Voices from the Field” (2010) and “Lesson Planning” (2014), both published by TESOL Press.
Ashcraft and other recipients will receive their honors at the TESOL 2016 International Convention and English Language Expo, April 5–8 in Baltimore.
“This is an amazing accomplishment, and it recognizes Dr. Ashcraft's talent, commitment and amazing work ethic in TESOL,” said Rachel Pinnow PhD, associate professor and coordinator of the TESOL program.
Ashcraft has been with MU for five years. She and her colleagues in the TESOL program help scholars and practitioners use theory and research to enhance their work.
“Everyone at the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum is proud of — but not necessarily surprised by — Dr. Ashcraft's achievement,” Pinnow said. “It is further testimony to our department’s tradition of excellence in addressing pressing issues for English language learners and the teachers who work with them.”
Graduates of the department go on to become some of the most sought-after, successful and best-prepared classroom teachers within Missouri, nationwide and around the globe.
The TESOL program at MU offers three options for students who want to pursue a career teaching English as a second language: a master’s degree (M Ed), a graduate certificate, and a certification preparation track for teachers seeking Missouri ESOL certification.
All three programs are completely online — no campus visits are required. And students pay in-state tuition, regardless of where they live and study.
Are you looking for advanced education in ESL/EFL teaching and learning? Or are you a certified K-12 educator seeking ESOL certification? Learn more about MU’s online TESOL program today.