Meet the Member is a new column in the PAIS Newsletter; we look forward to learning more about our colleagues in program administration in this forum. We are very pleased to share the first interview, conducted with Dr. Marjaneh Gilpatrick, executive director of educational outreach and chair of the Master of Arts in TESOL at Grand Canyon University.

If you are interested in being interviewed or wish to suggest a colleague you think we should include, please contact our Meet the Member column editor, Linda Wesley.

How did you get started in the TESOL field?

English is my second language. I am fluent in Persian (Farsi), and I've always loved to learn about English as well as other languages. My master's degree is from San Diego State University (Master of Arts in education with an emphasis in policy studies in language & cross cultural education). And, my teaching experiences, in K–12 as well as in higher education, have all been with students for whom English is an additional language. So, once I completed my doctorate degree in educational leadership, accepting my current position as chair of the Master of Arts in TESOL fit in with all of my training and experiences.

Tell us a bit about your current program.

The GCU Master of Arts in TESOL is designed for teaching professionals with an interest in working with ELLs in or out of the classroom. The format and courses of this regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the working educator possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of linguistics, second language acquisition, and curriculum development. All courses are directly aligned with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium and the Standards for the Recognition of Initial TESOL Programs in P–12 ESL Teacher Education (TESOL). Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program, but particularly in TESOL field experiences and a practicum that guide students through 110 hours of observational and practice-based experiences. Graduates of the program may be eligible for the ESL and/or the BLE endorsement in the state of Arizona, and are prepared to become leaders in ESL/BLE/TESOL at the P–12 classroom, school, and district levels (32 credits).

How do you describe your job to someone who is not in the field?

I help our faculty prepare teachers to work effectively with students for whom English is an additional language. That includes designing a program of study that addresses all aspects of what it takes to be a highly effective teacher.

What do you consider your top five responsibilities in a “typical” week?

a) Training and development of faculty who teach in the TESOL program.

b) Addressing the students' concerns.

c) Collaborating with colleagues within the university to design and/or enhance our courses in the program.

d) Collaborating with colleagues from external agencies such as departments of education and/or specialized professional associations. In my case, I have built relationships with key people in the Arizona Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition Services who have been supportive and helpful with approving courses in our programs.

e) Writing proposals for presentations or publications.

What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?

Most rewarding: Seeing the impact that our graduates make on the academic achievements of their learners. For example, one of our most recent graduates, Jerrold Story (MEd TESOL, ’11) is the founder and CEO of Snap-Teach (innovative reading apps for school aged children).

Most challenging: This may sound too cliché, but I really love what I do! So, there isn't anything that I find to be too challenging.

What is your advice for those interested in moving into program administration?

My advice is to be well versed in the program and the issues. If possible, teach courses in the program and offer to serve as a subject matter expert for the courses. Also, build and cultivate relationships with key individuals within various organizations.

What hobbies and other interests do you have?

I love to spend time with my husband, our three children (who are all grown and leading very busy lives), my brother and my nieces and nephews. Most recently we all were together spending a fun filled Labor Day weekend at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure!  Additionally, I collect children's and adolescent books. These come in very handy when I give presentations on the Art of Storytelling.