Mike Williams

Academic Support Coordinator

Education:

M.A. TESOL–University of Northern Iowa
M.A. Mental Health–University of Northern Iowa

International Experience :

• I began teaching at the CIEP in 1998 while I was earning my MA in TESOL at UNI. I graduated in May 2000 and my assistantship ended. Then I taught in the UNI English Department for three semesters. I returned to teach fulltime at the CIEP in 2001.
• Before I came to the CIEP, I taught ESL at the University of Iowa and EFL in China (1993-1995) and Taiwan (1990). Before and during  that time, I worked for many years in mostly agricultural journalism. My BA is in Journalism from the University of Iowa.
• I have presented a few workshops on English teaching/learning methods at MidTESOL Conferences and at the Taiwan TESOL Conference.
• I also have an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from UNI and the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.
• I have traveled to a few countries in the Pacific Rim, South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and of course neighbors, Mexico and Canada.  I enjoy traveling with my wife and son,  exercising, and working in our family’s garden.

Why do you enjoy working with international students?

•  I enjoy assisting students in learning and improving their academic English reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Language learning is key to learning a people’s culture, ways of thinking, and behavior. Learning another language like English today especially helps students advance in their education and career goals. Finally, I find working with international students not only helps me learn more about my students, their cultures, and countries, but also more about myself.