IELI - Instructors

IELI was founded in the summer of 1999. The program has two purposes. One is to provide an intensive full time English Language study option for International students to prepare for College entrance in the United States. The Intensive Program meets 20 hours each of 14 weeks per semester (two five week sessions in the summer), enabling students to practice listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar and to prepare for success in an academic classroom.

The second purpose is to provide classes for those who wish to practice English Language part time, either during the day or evening sessions that meet for 2 1/2 hours on two days a week. These students take classes to improve their personal, professional, or academic use of English.

Specialty classes are also offered in subjects including Preparation for the iBT TOEFL Test and Pronunciation.

IELI is part of the Graduate and Continuing Education Program, overseen by Dr. William White, Associate Vice President of Continuing Education and Outreach and Dean of Graduate Studies.

Our instructors have a broad range of experience in teaching English, and also bring their varied life experiences to the classroom. Some have earned advanced degrees in teaching ESL, while others hold certificates, but they all have in common their love of teaching, and their dedication to the PRACTICAL instruction of English.

Teacher Biographies - Day and Evening Classes

All of our teachers are good-humored, creative, dedicated professionals who love their work. Our teachers average 14 years experience.

Bayda Asbridge began teaching ESL in 1990. She has taught in the U.S. and internationally. Bayda has completed course work for her PhD in applied linguistics and has a Masters of Arts in TEFL/TESOL. Varied teaching techniques and high energy make Bayda an excellent instructor.

Ildiko Barthos has taught ESL in many capacities for over ten years in the U.S. and internationally. Ildi has many certifications including a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English. Because of her competence, Ildi was in high demand for tutoring before she became an instructor in our program.

Chris Derr is a practiced teacher of ESL both in the classroom and in her home. Her students appreciate her quiet demeanor, her particular ability to help with pronunciation, and her knowledge of the English language. She possesses both an undergraduate degree and advanced courses in her field.

Cathy Goodwin possesses strong credentials with a Master of Arts Degree in TESOL and a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages. Her students appreciate her strong command of English and her energetic teaching style. Cathy has taught ESL for over twenty years both internationally and in the U.S.

Tom Gribbons holds two Masters Degrees and over 80 additional graduate credits. He has been involved in education for over 30 years as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and high school principal. Tom has lived outside the U.S.and traveled extensively. His students appreciate his dedication, thorough preparation, and serious teaching style.

Leah Guzman’s ability to engage her students in useful activities in which they can learn English is legendary. Her students appreciate her sense of humor which helps them remember and understand the skills they are learning. Leah holds two Bachelor's Degrees one of which is in English Literature. She also has considerable administrative skills and works now as Program Coordinator for the Community Classes for IELI.

Brian Johnston holds a Master's Degree and a C.A.G.S. and has taught for over30 years. He recently joined the Worcester State College group of ESL instructors and has rapidly become a teacher whom students seek out. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Worcester Community to our program.

Vannga Tran holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Linguistics and Language Education and a Graduate Certificate in teaching ESL. She has over 20 years experience in teaching ESL in Viet-Nam and in the United States. She is a hands-on instructor in our program, as well as an active member of the local and international community.

Katey Palumbo has taught ESL in the US, Turkey and Australia, where she earned her RSA Certificate of English Language Training. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Katey is an experienced ESL teacher as well as ESL Program Director. She is an ETS certified iBT TOEFL trainer.


	Home Schedule Homestay Program Application Process - Full Time Program Application Form Part Time Classes FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) History & Instructors Our Students English Help Community Contact Us	Our History IELI was founded in the summer of 1999. The program has two purposes. One is to provide an intensive full time English Language study option for International students to prepare for College entrance in the United States. The Intensive Program meets 20 hours each of 14 weeks per semester (two five week sessions in the summer), enabling students to practice listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar and to prepare for success in an academic classroom. The second purpose is to provide classes for those who wish to practice English Language part time, either during the day or evening sessions that meet for 2 1/2 hours on two days a week. These students take classes to improve their personal, professional, or academic use of English. Specialty classes are also offered in subjects including Preparation for the iBT TOEFL Test and Pronunciation. IELI is part of the Graduate and Continuing Education Program, overseen by Dr. William White, Associate Vice President of Continuing Education and Outreach and Dean of Graduate Studies. Our Instructors Our instructors have a broad range of experience in teaching English, and also bring their varied life experiences to the classroom. Some have earned advanced degrees in teaching ESL, while others hold certificates, but they all have in common their love of teaching, and their dedication to the PRACTICAL instruction of English. Teacher Biographies - Day and Evening Classes All of our teachers are good-humored, creative, dedicated professionals who love their work. Our teachers average 14 years experience. Bayda Asbridge began teaching ESL in 1990. She has taught in the U.S. and internationally. Bayda has completed course work for her PhD in applied linguistics and has a Masters of Arts in TEFL/TESOL. Varied teaching techniques and high energy make Bayda an excellent instructor. Ildiko Barthos has taught ESL in many capacities for over ten years in the U.S. and internationally. Ildi has many certifications including a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English. Because of her competence, Ildi was in high demand for tutoring before she became an instructor in our program. Chris Derr is a practiced teacher of ESL both in the classroom and in her home. Her students appreciate her quiet demeanor, her particular ability to help with pronunciation, and her knowledge of the English language. She possesses both an undergraduate degree and advanced courses in her field. Cathy Goodwin possesses strong credentials with a Master of Arts Degree in TESOL and a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages. Her students appreciate her strong command of English and her energetic teaching style. Cathy has taught ESL for over twenty years both internationally and in the U.S. Tom Gribbons holds two Masters Degrees and over 80 additional graduate credits. He has been involved in education for over 30 years as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and high school principal. Tom has lived outside the U.S.and traveled extensively. His students appreciate his dedication, thorough preparation, and serious teaching style. Leah Guzman’s ability to engage her students in useful activities in which they can learn English is legendary. Her students appreciate her sense of humor which helps them remember and understand the skills they are learning. Leah holds two Bachelor's Degrees one of which is in English Literature. She also has considerable administrative skills and works now as Program Coordinator for the Community Classes for IELI. Brian Johnston holds a Master's Degree and a C.A.G.S. and has taught for over30 years. He recently joined the Worcester State College group of ESL instructors and has rapidly become a teacher whom students seek out. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Worcester Community to our program. Vannga Tran holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Linguistics and Language Education and a Graduate Certificate in teaching ESL. She has over 20 years experience in teaching ESL in Viet-Nam and in the United States. She is a hands-on instructor in our program, as well as an active member of the local and international community. Katey Palumbo has taught ESL in the US, Turkey and Australia, where she earned her RSA Certificate of English Language Training. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Katey is an experienced ESL teacher as well as ESL Program Director. She is an ETS certified iBT TOEFL trainer.

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