VESL Instructors

• Birth Date: August 7
• Birth Place: Chicago, IL
• Major: Journalism and TESOL
• Hobby: Travel, boxing, and video production
• Languages: English, Spanish, and Korean

“Enjoy high energy, dynamic and effective classes with me!”

Craig Markley is a passionate and dedicated English instructor with 10 years’ teaching expertise. His language training career began in Seoul, South Korea in 2006 as a member of SLP faculty (Sogang Language Program) and expanded into private education program management in the Washington, DC area. He is an Illinois State Scholar, graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, certified TESOL instructor and 2 time recipient of “Teacher of the Year” awards and distinctions.

• Birth Date: October 16
• Major: International Politics, Public Policy, Public Speaking, and TESOL
• Hobbies: Making music with friends, learning about cultures, and camping
• Languages: English, Spanish, and some Arabic

“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” – Paul J. Meyer

Alexandra has been teaching English as a second language for over 10 years and she also teaches math and music. She has always had a passion for teaching and communicating with people. She was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Northern Virginia, she loves to learn about different cultures and has friends from all over the world. She believes that learning from each other is the key to human advancement.

• Birth Date: January 13
• Major: Ph.D. in Linguistics
• Hobbies: Reading, hiking, and traveling
• Languages: English and Persian (Farsi)

“A different language is a different vision of life.” -Federico Fellini

To me, teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs and teaching a foreign language is like opening the door to a new world, a new culture, a new system of life, thought. I started my career as a teacher right after I graduated from university in 1995 and have been teaching EFL/VESL to learners of all ages ever since.
Before I moved to the United States, I worked as an assistant professor in Azad University in Iran. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach VESL here and walk through the amazing path of learning along with my wonderful students with such diverse backgrounds. I’m thankful to all of them who help me learn as I teach.

• Birth Date: January 10
• Major: B.A. in English Literature, TESOL
• Hobbies: Watching movies, cooking, traveling, and listening to music
• Languages: English and Persian (Farsi)

“I do learn in every class as much as my students do.”

I have over 12 years of experience teaching English to adults, young adults, and children. I received my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Isfahan University in Iran and a TESOL certification from Sussex Down College in England. I love teaching as a VESL instructor and meeting new students with diverse backgrounds.

• Birth Date: May 5
• Birth Place: South Korea
• Major: TESOL
• Hobbies: Reading and swimming
• Languages: English and Korean

“I’m pleased to be an instructor at Columbia College!”

Susan Lee received her Master’s Degree in TESOL from University of San Francisco in California and a TESOL certificate from Sookmyung Women’s University in Korea. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and swimming.

• Birth Date: August 9
• Birth Place: Haiti
• Major: Psychology and English
• Hobbies: Puzzles, reading, cooking, and playing badminton
• Languages: English, French, Spanish, and Creole

“I have enjoyed being a teacher of VESL students!”

It is so delightful to be an instructor at Columbia College. Although I have taught in different institutions, I admire the devotion and enthusiasm of the students. When I am not teaching I enjoy cooking, reading and playing badminton.

• Birth Date: October 29
• Birth Place: Saudi Arabia
• Major: English (Linguistics)
• Hobby: Watching movies
• Languages: English and Arabic

“My students teach me something new every day!”

I graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Psychology and a Masters in English. I have been teaching for four year, two of which are at Columbia College. I truly enjoy learning about the students’ diverse backgrounds .I always look forward for more positive experiences in my VESL teaching career.

• Birth Date: November 17
• Birth Place: Senegal
• Major: French, TESOL, and Education
• Languages: English, French, Wolof, and Cape Verdean

“One can never learn enough!”

I am originally from Senegal in Africa. I hold a BA in French pedagogy, and have had over twenty years’ experience of teaching VESL in high schools and universities. I worked as a Director of Colleges in Maryland and in the state of Rhode Island. I am a recipient of three ‘teacher of the year’ awards at schools and communities. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree for TESOL.

• Birth Date: July 28
• Birth Place: New York
• Major: Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Higher Education
• Hobbies: Reading and traveling
• Language: English

“I’m pleased to be an instructor at Columbia College!”

Christina received her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from the City University of New York. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree is in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys reading and traveling with her family in her free time.