Through a virtual meeting on 03 February 2025, Saint Louis University’s School of Advanced Studies (SLU SAS) officially welcomed Prof. Leah Carmona, U.S. Department of State English Language Programs Virtual Educator and Assistant Professor of Bergen Community College (BCC) in New Jersey, to its roster of faculty in the Master of Arts in Education, Major in Language Education (MALED) program this second semester AY 2024-2025.
As a DOS English Language Programs Virtual Educator, Prof. Carmona will also be conducting teacher trainings to Louisian pre-service teachers, as well as in-service teachers in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Professor Carmona has over 15 years of experience teaching ESL Grammar, Reading, Writing, and TOEFL, focusing on effective methods that engage students. At BCC, she provides faculty training through various formats and collaborates with high schools and universities as the Higher-Ed Representative for NJTESOL/NJBE to address ESL student needs. Her goal is to develop strategies that support both students and instructors in secondary and higher education, easing the challenges of mastering academic language skills.
Among those present in the meeting were SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, Phd; Dean of SAS, Faridah Kristi Wetherick, PhD; Graduate Program Coordinator for Teacher Education, Geraldine Wakat, PhD; Director of the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs, Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD; and RELO Cultural Affairs Specialist Ms. Conchita Chico.
This Virtual English Language Educator program was made possible through the guidance and support of the Regional English Language Office (RELO) Manila, US Department of State, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines through RELO Jeff McIlvenna.
This collaboration reinforces the University’s dedication to advancing internationalization and fostering global perspectives in education, particularly through its Internationalization of Formal Education framework and the Internationalization at Home (IaH) program. The extensive experience and training of Virtual Educators and English Language Fellows provide Louisian students with enhanced learning opportunities. Notably, SLU has hosted two virtual English Language Fellows during the pandemic and an English Language Fellow for AY 2023-2024, further enriching its educational offerings. (Article and Photos from the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs)
