ESL & VESL Instructors

• Birth Date: September 13th
• Major: Master of Science in International Affairs, the University of Utah
• Hobby: Traveling, Reading, Yoga, Fashion
• Languages: Romanian, Russian, French

“As an avid apprentice of different languages and a devotee of International affairs, my passion for teaching ESL stems from my multicultural background, work experience with refugees and asylees, and desire to help others. I started my journey as an ESL instructor at the Lumos Language School in Utah, teaching TOEFL preparation, and continued at Salt Lake Community College with ESL and Academic English classes. Since I moved to D.C., I have searved as an ESL adviser for the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium INC. in Bethesda, Maryland, and as an ESL Instructor for the English for Refugees and Asylees Program at the Prince George’s Community College. In my path at Columbia College, I strive to achieve excellence in meeting the learning needs of each student and aim to make a difference in their lives.”

• Birth Date: November 17
• Major: French, MA in TESOL
• Hobby: Music, Soccer, Swimming, Basketball
• Language: English, French, Wolof, and Cape Verdean

“One can never learn enough!”

Antonio is originally from Senegal in Africa. He holds a B.A. in French pedagogy, a Master’s in TESOL and has over twenty years’ experience of teaching ESL in high schools and universities.

He worked as a Director of Colleges in Maryland and in the state of Rhode Island. Antonio is a recipient of three “Teacher of the year” awards at schools and communities.

• Birth Date: January 24th
• Major: Theology
• Hobbies: Scrapbooking, discovering new music, hiking, traveling, trying new foods
• Languages: English and Spanish

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” – Benjamin Franklin

“Graduated from Eastern University with a major in Christian Theology. Began teaching refugees online 2020. In 2023 I started resettling newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Seattle, WA. I began enrolling and teaching students at World Relief and during my time there I studied to receive my certification to teach ESL. I have always enjoyed learning about the world around me and teaching ESL has allowed me to not only help students that want to improve their English, but has also given me the privilege of learning about them, their culture, and even a bit of their language.”

• Birth Date: October 16th
• Major: Science, TESOL
• Hobbies: Cooking, Reading
• Languages: English and Korean

“I am a passionate English teacher who loves inspiring students to develop their language skills with confidence. I believe learning English should be interactive, meaningful, and fun, so I create engaging lessons that encourage curiosity and communication. With a strong background in language education, I strive to support my students in reaching their full potential. My goal is to make every lesson an opportunity for growth, creativity, and real-world application. I look forward to guiding and motivating my students on their English learning journey!”

• Birth Date: January 13
• Major: Ph.D. in Linguistics
• Hobbies: Reading, hiking, and traveling
• Languages: English and Persian

“To me, teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs and teaching a foreign language is like opening the door to a new world, a new culture, a new system of life, thought.

I started my career as a teacher right after I graduated from university in 1995 and have been teaching EFL/VESL to learners of all ages ever since.

Before I moved to the United States, I worked as an assistant professor in Azad University in Iran. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach ESL here and walk through the amazing path of learning along with my wonderful students with such diverse backgrounds. I’m thankful to all of them who help me learn as I teach.”

• Birth Date: March 17th
• Major:French, German, CELTA for Teaching English
• Hobbies: Tap Dancing, Classical Music, Watching Movies
• Languages: English, French, German, Italian

“I’m pleased to be an instructor at Columbia College!”

After teaching English for many years in many different countries, Valerie Cirns is pleased to be an instructor at Columbia College’s Tysons campus. When she is nmot teaching, she is tap dancing, listening to classical music and enjoying foreign and independent films.