Lisa Olding

Year Graduated: 2016
Program/Degree: Teaching English as an Additional Language MEd

I’m the EAL coordinator at a K-12 Christian school in Port Coquitlam.  I completed my BEd in PE and English at the University of Victoria.  When I’m not studying or working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children.

Please tell us how you first discovered your program.

When my administrator approached me about taking on the role of EAL coordinator, I wanted to get some training that would be relevant to my position in my context.  A lot of TESOL programs focus on teaching adults, but when I looked at the SFU website about the M.Ed. TEAL program, it seemed that it would be a perfect fit for me.  So far, my assumption has been correct.

Who is a faculty member you have enjoyed working with and why?

All the faculty I've had classes with at SFU have been excellent. Both Allan MacKinnon and Kumari Beck have been great to work with because they urge their students to pursue lines of enquiry that are personally meaningful.  They are very supportive and encouraging.

What inspires you to learn and continue your education?

I love learning and reading and researching and writing.  Being in classes with instructors and colleagues who push me to think critically and examine my practice is an inspiration.

What would you say to prospective students who are considering graduate school in the Faculty of Education?

Do it!  There will never be a perfect time to pursue a Masters; it will be a lot of work and time away from leisure pursuits, but it is so worth it.  I could never have imagined how much I would grow personally and professionally before I started this program.