Post prepared by LTS student Emma Snyder
Hello and welcome, Anthony, to the first of our LTS student spotlights for the year 2022-2023! Thank you for joining us; please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I am a graduate student on the 15-month track for the Language Teaching Studies program. Before UO, I double majored in Linguistics and Spanish from Michigan State University and graduated in December 2021. I’m originally from Cleveland, OH.
Anthony leading a group of English learners in the LT 537 “Talking with Ducks” practicum class at the American English Institute at UO
Excited to have you here with us in Oregon! What first brought you to language teaching? To the U of O?
I have always been interested in languages since I was a young kid, however, when it came to actually studying and doing something with language, I didn’t know if I wanted to teach or work somewhere in the government. I had already had some teaching experience due to my internship in 2019 teaching Business English in Buenos Aires, whereas government work would be a new adventure. Eventually I ended up searching for schools that had programs for teaching languages and the rest is history! What drew me to UO in particular was the background each student in the cohort brings to the table in terms of teaching and language experience, as well as the amazing professors and beautiful PNW scenery.
The scenery is definitely a big plus! Now that you’ve gotten your footing in the LTS program, what would you say has been a highlight of the program for you so far?
I would say a highlight of the program so far is being able to design and implement our own lesson plans in LT 537 with the AEI students. So far it has been super fun!
Fantastic to hear that you are enjoying your opportunities to plan and apply lessons. Is this something you look forward to in the future? How do you see yourself interacting with the language teaching field in the future?
In the future, I hope to work abroad teaching English for at least one year before considering PhD programs that focus on language and culture!
It sounds like you have some fascinating travels ahead of you! Finally, what is something outside of LTS that you are passionate about, or a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
Outside of language teaching, I love doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and enjoy competing when I have the time!