Derrick (far right) with some LTS students at the Oregon coast

Derrick is a current student in the LTS program who was a Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant at UO the year before he joined us.

First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Derrick Mosagwe, and I am excited to be part of the LTS community. I am originally from Kenya, where I grew up surrounded by vibrant cultures and different languages. I have always been passionate about languages and connecting with people through cultures. During my bachelor’s degree in communication, I was a very good storyteller, and I realized I could teach and engage with people through languages. As a Fulbright scholar at the University of Oregon in 2023, I embraced the wonderful chance to share my language and culture.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?

I am a huge fan of nature. I can lose myself in a stroll through the woods and beautiful landscapes. I forget the world and deeply connect with the earth’s beauty. I also like traveling to see the beauty of nature. I also love God, and serving him too thru various activities like singing, and taking part in other religious activities.

At a Fulbright conference with Kenyan colleagues in Washington DC

Hanging with fellow FLTAS in Corvallis

You started your journey in 2023 at UO as a Fulbright program student. What was it like to help teach Swahili classes, and why did you decide to stay to pursue an MA degree in language teaching?

Teaching Swahili at UO was an incredible experience. I loved watching students connect with different cultures through language. I used Kenyan stories and traditions to make the lessons lively. It felt like bringing Kenya to the University of Oregon. I decided to stay for the MA in Language Teaching Studies because of the welcoming and inclusive community UO has offered me. I also saw the positive impact of how much I could grow as an educator at UO. I want to inspire current or future educators to love languages as much as I do.

Derrick at the shores of Lake Victoria, Keny

In what ways do you think you have you changed or grown over the last 2 years at the University of Oregon?

The last two years have shaped me positively. I have sharpened my teaching skills and become more confident navigating new cultural environments. Living in Oregon has exposed me to a new and different way of living and given me a different perspective on the world. I have become more independent and open to stepping out of my comfort zone.

What advice would you give to students who are considering coming to Oregon to study?

To anyone thinking about joining UO, jump in without hesitation. UO is a game-changer with its supportive faculty and diverse cultures that make it very special. The community is such a welcoming place, and don’t shy away from asking for help because they are always ready to lift you. The University of Oregon provides endless opportunities for you to grow.

Derrick with the Duck at a UO volleyball game

Derrick leading a Swahili language circle

Summer Festival in Japan wearing yukata

Miranda is another one of the fantastic group of international students this year in the LTS program. We are happy to have this post from her!

First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Miranda Guevarra, and I’m originally from the Philippines. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, majoring in General Education, from Silliman University in 2014. Silliman is the oldest American-founded university in Asia and is recognized as one of the top 10 universities in the Philippines.

Since graduating, I’ve gained teaching experience in a variety of contexts. I spent four years teaching elementary students and working as an ESL instructor in the Philippines. Following that, I spent six years in Japan, where I taught English at both the elementary and junior high school levels.

I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Language Teaching Studies here at the University of Oregon. I speak Visayan, Tagalog, English, and Japanese, and I’m currently relearning Korean, a language I first studied during my undergraduate years. In all the places I’ve lived and taught, I’ve come to appreciate how every experience, big or small, teaches us something. I try to carry that mindset with me, staying open to learning, growing, and connecting with others wherever life takes me.

What inspired you to be a language educator?

Although I had always planned to become a teacher, it wasn’t until my senior year of college that I discovered a true passion for language education. While training as an elementary school teacher, I worked part-time as an English tutor for Korean students in the Philippines. What began as a way to apply what I was learning in class quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of my undergraduate years. I found joy in helping students express themselves and grow in confidence. That experience showed me that language learning isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary, it’s about fostering connection, deepening understanding, and helping learners find their voices.

Miranda with Tokyo Tower as her background

After graduation, I taught both young learners and international students at an English academy in the Philippines. Through that work, I became more aware of how English is often viewed as a symbol of status and academic success in my country, sometimes creating unnecessary pressure or discouragement. I want to help shift that mindset and show that language should be a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and meaningful communication. To me, language education is about creating spaces where learners from all backgrounds feel respected, heard, and encouraged to grow.

How has teaching in the US been similar or different to your teaching experiences in Japan?

One of the most noticeable differences I’ve experienced is in classroom participation. In Japan, many students tended to be more reserved, so I had to be intentional about creating a supportive environment that allowed confidence to grow gradually, starting with low-pressure activities like pair work, games, and structured tasks. In the U.S., particularly at the University of Oregon, students are generally more accustomed to open discussion and often feel comfortable voicing their thoughts and questions. This contrast has helped me grow as an educator, pushing me to adapt my teaching style to different classroom dynamics and learner expectations.

At the same time, there are meaningful similarities that have shaped my perspective. In both Japan and the U.S., I’ve seen how much students value a classroom where they feel supported and encouraged. While the ways students engage may differ, the underlying need for connection and thoughtful instruction remains the same. My experience in Japan taught me the importance of structure, patience, and cultural sensitivity, while teaching in the U.S. has helped me embrace more open-ended, student-centered learning. These experiences have helped me become a more adaptable and reflective educator, committed to creating learning environments where all students feel respected and motivated to grow.

What are some things you have learned this year in LTS that you will carry with you into your future career?

One of the most transformative insights I’ve gained from the LTS program is a new understanding of the role students’ first languages can play in the classroom. Before coming to LTS, I had always been taught, that using the target language exclusively was the most effective way to learn. But both as a language learner and a teacher, I’ve experienced the challenges of this approach. I remember the frustration of trying to learn without being able to rely on my own language, and I’ve seen my students go through the same struggle, feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or discouraged. Through LTS, I’ve come to appreciate the value of translanguaging as a way to support learners, not hinder them. I now see how allowing students to draw on their full linguistic resources can help them process meaning, build confidence, and feel respected in the classroom. It’s something I will carry forward with purpose in every teaching context.

hiking with my boyfriend around Tumalo creek trail

In addition, LTS has helped me grow into a more reflective and responsive educator. I’ve learned how to design lessons and assessments that center student needs, foster real-world communication, and encourage critical thinking. The program has pushed me to think more deeply about how language, identity, and power shape our classrooms, and how important it is to create inclusive spaces where all learners feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s through curriculum design or pragmatics I now approach teaching not just as instruction, but as a way to empower students and build meaningful, supportive learning communities.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?

A fun fact about me is that I have a very dedicated relationship with Korean dramas. I always tell myself, “Just one more episode,” and somehow it’s suddenly 2 a.m. and I’m emotionally invested in characters I just met five hours ago. LOL

On the flip side, I really enjoy being close to nature. My boyfriend and I love spending time outdoors, going on walks, camping, or just relaxing under the trees. It’s how I recharge (and recover from all the drama-induced heartbreak from all the Korean shows I watch).

This month’s LTS blog spotlight is on Morayo Abere, from Nigeria. She is a current LTS student.

First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Morayo

Hi! I’m Morayo. I’m from Nigeria, and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Language Teaching Studies here at the University of Oregon. Back home, I studied German at the University of Ibadan as an undergrad, and I have always liked how languages connect people. I speak English, Yoruba, and German. When I am not buried in schoolwork or teaching, you will find me exploring new places, shopping (retail therapy to the rescue always), or trying out recipes from different cultures – even though my taste buds are pretty unique, and they tend to repel new foods. Anyway, food, shopping, and learning new ways to teach languages share the same special place in my heart.

Did you have any experiences as a language learner that helped you decide to work in language education?

Absolutely! Learning German as an undergraduate was really eye-opening. Honestly, it was pretty challenging, first because it is an entirely different language system with rules different from those of the other languages that I already spoke. Different sentence structures, grammar rules, and gender articles – things English does not make us worry about too much. Secondly, the mode of teaching was pretty traditional with rote memorization and textbook instructions. It was pretty hard learning a new language with an entirely new system that way. I thought to myself, there should be other ways to do this. Scratch that, better and even fun ways to do this, even in the classroom. That struggle made me realize how important good teaching methods are, and it inspired my pursuit of this degree, to seek more knowledge in the area of language teaching and education, to help others navigate the language learning journeys with more ease, maybe fun, to make their learning process enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

Tell us a little about the curriculum you designed for Yoruba language and culture this year. Why did you choose to focus on Yoruba?

I am really proud of the Yoruba curriculum I designed 🙂 It is geared toward heritage speakers and anyone interested in Yoruba culture. I think that many heritage speakers/learners may feel disconnected from their roots, especially since they are far from home and maybe even rarely visit home. So, I built a course that is focused not just on language skills but explores Yoruba traditions, history, and modern culture. I chose Yoruba because it is my mother tongue, and I genuinely love sharing its beauty and depth. It’s my way of helping students reconnect and find pride in their heritage.

Has there been anything surprising about what you have learned or experienced here in Eugene, Oregon, or the US in general?

Oh yes, definitely. Coming from Nigeria to Eugene, I was pleasantly surprised by how “laid-back” and welcoming the community is. I did not expect strangers to casually smile and strike up conversations, sometimes about the most random things like weather or whatever. Also, the beauty and serenity of Oregon (read Eugene, Springfield, and Salem) have been breathtaking. I never imagined myself loving outdoor activities, but Eugene definitely changed that.

What would be your dream job in 5 or 10 years?

Poster Presentation

In five or ten years, my dream job will be teaching and designing language curricula at various levels, specifically in Nigeria. The language teaching curricula require an overhaul, and I see myself playing a vital role in that. Eventually, maybe even pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational leadership, because I see myself influencing education policy and improving language teaching curricula. Basically, a job where every day I help students and language learners enjoy their language learning journey, that would be ideal for me.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?

Haha, here goes. A fun fact about me is that I love making silly mashup videos of my friends and family. Recently, I created a hilarious birthday video for my boyfriend, compiling clips of him doing all sorts of goofy and embarrassing stuff. I enjoy capturing funny moments and literally any moment because that is the best way to keep memories alive.

As the spring flowers bloom and the small green leaves unfurl all around campus, we are talking with Cameron Sage, who is one of our current LTS cohort members.

Hello Cameron! First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

While I have more recently been living on the Oregon coast in Tillamook, I am originally from Terrebonne Oregon and previously a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Oregon. Although I originally received my degree in history, the summer after graduation I decided to move to China to teach English for a year as a means to travel and experience another culture before returning for further education in History. However, I enjoyed teaching and living abroad so much that I decided to stay which continually fueled my passion for language teaching and traveling all over the world. More recently I decided to enhance my language teaching experience and qualifications by joining the LTS program in order to give myself more language teaching opportunities.

Cameron at the colosseum in Rome

You have already had some good experience teaching language – tell us a little about what you did before LTS.

Before entering the LTS program I had been working in education and in language teaching. I spent 3.5 years in Beijing China teaching English to middle and high school students before returning to Oregon during COVID and working at a Tillamook Bay Community College in Tillamook Oregon. While at the community college I mainly worked in the library but was still able to work with and teach a few ESOL classes. I was also able to work in a wider range of areas at the community college which gave me experience in other facets of education, such as in testing, tutoring, admissions, and other areas which has cemented my want to continue working in educational settings.

What have you been learning in LTS that has deepened or broadened your understanding of language teaching?

While I feel I have gained many different skills and knowledge throughout the LTS program that will make me a better teacher and educator, two areas are most prominent in my mind. First of which is practice and experience I have gained in creating and analyzing curriculums for language courses. Gaining a wider understanding of what an entire curriculum entails, and how to make one has helped me evaluate classes on a wider scope in what can and should be accomplished in a longer period of time instead of on a class by class or unit by unit basis. Another learning experience which has caused me to reflect on previous teaching experiences is that of the context behind why students are learning a language. In particular understanding that using these contexts should drive lesson planning and engagement in the classroom, in particular understanding the multiple contexts and motivations of students is something that I hope to take moving forward to create better learning experiences for my students.

What do you hope to do after you graduate this Summer? What would be your dream job in 5 or 10 years?

After I graduate, I hope to be able to find an English teaching position abroad, preferably in a college or adult setting. I have taught younger students for most of my teaching experience and would like to teach in a somewhat different setting with students who are more likely to be taking classes because they want to rather than because it is compulsory. My dream job would be working in higher education as well in the future, potentially at a community college or in community language learning settings in the US, after I may no longer want to live abroad. This way I could assist students who have a great need for learning the language and in these places which generally have cheap enrollments for these types of classes, many more students will have the ability to join and learn.

Cameron at a video game Tournament in Shanghai

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?

Something that some people may not know about me is that I used to play some video games (Super Smash Brothers) competitively and was taken to and paid (small amounts) to go to some events in China in order to promote and compete. These were different expo events about video games which hosted competitions or exhibition events. While it wasn’t ever something that would have turned into a full-time job or career I felt very lucky to have that experience.

First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Wei and Elijah in California during a Spring Break Trip

Hello everyone! I am Wei Tang, an educational explorer from Shanghai, China. I am also a mother of a 3-year-old boy. For the first 30 years of my life, I never left China because I had to take care of my elderly grandparents. In 2016, with the passing of my grandparents, I decided to see the world. This journey around the world completely changed my thinking. In the UK, I was amazed by the history behind the afternoon tea etiquette. In the tea ceremony experience in Japan, I realized the preciousness of “Ichigo Ichie”. The passion of Spanish Flamenco and the tranquility of the Blue Mosque in Turkey were a wonderful contrast. And the smiles everywhere on the streets of Thailand made me understand that happiness can be so simple. Every country I visit is like reading a three-dimensional cultural encyclopedia, which makes me truly appreciate the diversity of the world. In the end, I chose to stay in the U.S. because it is like a small United Nations, bringing together people from all over the world. Later, I majored in Global Studies and Education while studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

What inspired you to want to teach Chinese to young learners?

I have been passionate about teaching since I was young, but due to family reasons, I did not immediately embark on the path of education after graduation. My study experience at UCSB aroused my strong interest in cross-cultural education, especially how to enable students from different backgrounds to better understand and appreciate diverse cultures. Discussions with classmates from different backgrounds in class often spark surprising connections. However, after becoming a mother, I rethought my career direction. I have experienced the power that language brings to people. I hope to not only teach my own children Chinese, but also help more young learners get in touch with this beautiful language. Chinese is not just about Chinese characters and pronunciation, but also about thousands of years of history, culture and way of thinking. I hope that my language class is a place where students can truly feel the charm of Chinese through stories, music, festivals and even food.

Wei first arrived in the U.S. at Wall Street.

You have been participating in an internship at the Chinese Immersion School here in Eugene. Can you describe your experience there? What have you been doing?

This internship experience at the Chinese Immersion School has given me a lot of new insights into education. Beyond what I learned in my graduate classes, actual experience with young students gave me more intuitive insight. I originally thought that teaching was about passing on knowledge to students, but every day here refreshes my thinking. I remember the first time I walked into the classroom, the lively atmosphere made me both surprised and nervous. The teaching method here is completely different from the traditional Chinese teaching method. In China, the teacher is the leader, teaching continuously, and the students listen carefully. There are many activities in the classroom here in the U.S. Watching the children speaking Chinese naturally in a game, I suddenly realized that language is not taught, but grown in real communication. This reminds me of the process of my own child when learning to speak. No one deliberately taught him grammar, but he mastered the language naturally in daily life. What touched me most was seeing those non-Chinese students expressing themselves in Chinese. A little girl blurted out “I like to eat bao” during a role-play. At that moment, I felt the sense of accomplishment of being a teacher. This made me understand that the most important thing in language teaching is not to correct pronunciation or grammar, but to protect the learners’ enthusiasm for expression. When I was helping to design teaching activities, I often thought if this was my child learning Chinese, how would I want him to learn? This idea changed all my assumptions about teaching. I began to focus on creating real communication situations, allowing students to use language naturally when expressing their real ideas. This internship experience made me rethink the meaning of being an educator. I am no longer just a transmitter of knowledge, but also a companion in the students’ language development journey. Every day I see students make breakthroughs in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

Elijah waiting for Wei after class

What do you hope to do after you graduate this Summer? What would be your dream job in 5 or 10 years?

After graduation this summer, I hope to be a teacher in a Chinese immersion school or bilingual program in the United States. My short-term goal is to gain more experience in the classroom and explore how to make language learning more vivid and closer to students’ interests. In 5 to 10 years, my dream is to design a Chinese course that integrates cultural experiences, such as combining traditional Chinese festivals, calligraphy, and even food making, so that students can learn the language in a real situation. It would be even better if I could open a “Chinese storytelling” or a parent-child Chinese club!

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?

Actually, I wasn’t very good at cooking at first. But since I had a child, I began to study cooking seriously, especially Chinese food. I hope that my son will remember “the taste of home” when he grows up. Food has become a unique link between my cultural memory and future expectations. Those seemingly ordinary home-cooked dishes are cultural codes for me. It is the cultural anchor I created for my child, so that he can instantly find a sense of belonging through taste no matter where he is in the future. Perhaps just like language, the taste of food is also a mother tongue that does not need to be translated, and it defines the concept of “home” in the most direct and profound way. Now I am integrating this understanding of food and culture into teaching. Because I believe that real language education should also be like the taste of home, natural and friendly, with the warmth of life, so that people can remember the emotions and stories contained in it while learning skills.

As we move into Spring, we are thrilled to share a spotlight on a current LTS student, Kes-e-loh McQuillen, member of the Yurok Tribe.

First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Aiy-ue-kwee’ ke-lew! Nek’ n-ew’ Kes-e-loh McQuillen. We-go-noy-ek’ Kese. Tue-rep ‘e-see ‘En-chwoh ‘ne-mew’. Eugene Okw’. ‘Ne-check ‘w-ew’ Buffy McQuillen. ‘Neyp-sech ‘w-ew’ Raymond McQuillen. ‘Nee-nee chey ‘ne-le’y ‘w-ew’ William McQuillen. ‘Ne-cheech ‘w-ew’ Tey-wu-lauw McQuillen. ‘Ne-kue-chos ‘w-ew ‘aa-wok Betty McQuillen ‘e-see ‘aa-wok Pam Mitchell. ‘Ne-peech-o-wos ‘w-ew ‘’aa-wok Jim McQuillen Sr. ‘e-see Tyrone Mitchell.

Kese at the coast

The translation in English is: Hello, everyone! My name is Kes-e-loh McQuillen and my nickname is Kese. I am from the village of Turip on the Klamath River and the village of En-chwoh along the Smith River. Currently, I stay in Eugene, OR which is on the homelands of the Kalapuya llihi peoples. I am an enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe and I am of Yuki, Northern Pomo, and Nomolaki descent. My mother is Buffy McQuillen and my father is Raymond McQuillen and my younger brother is William McQuillen and my younger sister is Tey-wu-lauw McQuillen. My grandmothers were poor Betty McQuillen and poor Pamela Mitchell. My grandfathers are poor Jim McQuillen Sr. and my grandpa is Tryone Mitchell. A Yurok introduction is typically taught first to Novice learners and consists of your name, the village you’re from, where you live and your lineage. I graduated from Ukiah High School in 2018, attended Santa Rosa Junior College to play soccer and softball, and then graduated with a BA in Native American Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt.

What inspired you to focus on teaching and developing the Yurok language curriculum?

Kese next to the TEPP sign

My inspiration to focus on teaching and developing curriculum comes from the past, current, and future generations of Yurok teachers and learners. The Yurok community has greatly contributed to the survival and resurgence of the language not only in the home but in the education system. During the isolation of COVID-19, I spent time learning and practicing vocabulary & phrases from the Berkeley Yurok Dictionary and ‘aa-wok Georgiana Trull’s Yurok Language Conversation Book, and once the Yurok Language Program’s Workshops started up I attended as often as I could. While attending Cal Poly Humboldt, I worked for the Yurok Tribe’s education department as a part-time tutor, and in this position I was able to get my first hands-on experience in the classroom, which had contributed to growing my confidence in teaching the language. In pursuing this degree, I continuously find inspiration and motivation to complete this program because of the support system I have back at home and at UO.

What have been some of your past experiences with Yurok language teaching? What did you enjoy about it?

Kese at the coast in her uniform

For my Yurok language teaching experience, I have spent time teaching formal Yurok 1-4 classes at McKinleyville and Eureka High Schools in Northern California. Each experience was filled with opportunities for growth, sharing cultural knowledge, and developing community advocacy for language revitalization. In a different context, being an employee for California State Parks in cultural interpretation, I have had multiple educational programs and presentations about Yurok ethnography, Yurok language, etc. to the Yurok/local community and the K-12 education system all throughout California in collaboration with Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Program (PORTS).

In LTS, students are focusing on various languages and language learning contexts that are mostly very different from yours. How do you feel this diversity is helpful, and also how are you needing to carve out your own path in the program?

The diversity within this cohort is incredible and creates an atmosphere of home. Although most of the cohort is developing curriculum in a majoritized world language, a few of my classmates share their culture/teaching experiences of their Indigenous languages. In carving out my own path in the LTS program, each course in the four terms has adaptable assignments/projects that I can conform to my own content & context. This flexibility has supported my aspirations to create Yurok materials that fit the learner’s needs and the upcoming Yurok language curriculum.

Two bundles of grass on a classroom desk

What are you hoping to gain from your experiences at the UO? What do you hope to do after you graduate this Summer?

I hope to gain experiences with designing curriculum, to gain knowledge about teacher and learner strategies, and develop an awareness in classroom management that has a student-centered approach. After graduation, I plan to return back home to continue working with the Yurok Language Program in various capacities.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?

A fun fact about me is that within recent years I have rediscovered a love for beadwork. It started as creating a designed felt hat for my mom’s birthday and now I am slowly growing my small Instagram business called Tribal Creations by Kes. As a kid, my mom, aunties and cousins would teach myself and others how to make earrings, necklaces, etc. and this has grown to be my creative outlet.