Todd M. Beard, Director
| Todd M. Beard, M.Ed. has been in education for over 20 years, teaching and leading programs in the USA, Germany and the UK. Before coming to UT Knoxville, he was the director for an intensive English program at a private higher education institution in Nashville, Tennessee. His strengths are with ideation, innovation and being a catalyst for strategic change. He enjoys taking action in areas to stimulate growth and learning that elevate the student experience. He has led presentations, program development and student recruitment in Europe, Central America and South America. Actively involved in international education, he has served on the NAFSA Region VII Leadership Team as the International Enrollment Management Liaison, the board of Study Tennessee as co-chair and as a member-at-large on the TNTESOL board. Todd is excited to welcome students at the English Language Institute! |
Email: tbeard9@utk.edu |
Contact Information: Doug Terry, Teaching Associate
Doug Terry, MA TESOL Education, is a teaching associate at ELI. Deeply interested in helping UT become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus, he also coordinates the Academy for Global Scholars in addition to his teaching work at ELI. The Academy helps first-generation college students—students who are the first in their families to attend college—travel abroad and see the world. Before joining ELI, he worked with Knox County Schools and Pellissippi State Community College’s Adult Education program.
What do you enjoy most about working at ELI?I always say that I’m so blessed to have the best job in the world because I get to work with the best people in the world – our students! Whether they are at a basic, intermediate, or advanced level, I’m continually impressed by how much our students teach me through sharing their life experiences and cultures. Additionally, I’m always in awe of their courage and resilience in taking on the challenge of advancing their English language skills. What advice do you give to new ELI students?I encourage our students not to be shy. I tell them to let any of us faculty or staff know how we can be of service to them—we can always do our very best to help! In terms of language learning, I let students know that learning a language is not a linear process, where every day you can obviously tell that you are improving. Instead, I tell them to think of their English language development as learning to incorporate a healthy habit. Some days may seem to be more of a struggle than others, but over time, you can truly see growth. What is your favorite spot on campus?I love The Hill, where Ayres Hall, with its clock tower, looks down on a lush green hill that slopes downward to Cumberland Avenue. This is the spot where I asked my wife to marry me. What is something you love about Knoxville?I love living in a small city that has access to so many wonderful places to go hiking and experience the outdoors! We’re very close to the Smokies, various scenic state parks, and, of course, Ijams, our urban wilderness! What are a few of your favorite books?Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby, and the Harry Potter series. What are some TV shows you enjoy?Most of my favorite shows are older ones such as Parks and Recreation, The Office, and early seasons of American Idol. Do you have a podcast recommendation?Conan O’ Brien Needs a Friend is a good choice if you’re looking for something funny, O’Brien, the host, interviews famous people. Another is Fresh Air if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of politics, entertainment, or other aspects of U.S. culture. EducationDoug Terry earned his MS in ESL Education from the University of Tennessee in 2003 and has been teaching international students for almost 20 years. Terry also earned his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 1995. |
Email: dterry1@utk.edu |
Contact Information: Joseph Edward Garlington, Instructor
| “I grew up and went to high school in Knoxville, went to UTK for BS in Communications/Advertising. Later got a Masters in Teaching from Carson Newman I have four grown children. I’ve lived abroad much of my life. I have lived and taught for many years in Spain, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. I enjoy languages and speak Spanish, French and Moroccan Arabic.
My wife and I enjoy being back in East Tennessee, where we can enjoy being with family and the beautiful mountains and lakes of the area.” What do you like to be called?“Ned” Where are you from?“Knoxville, Tennessee” What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?“Morocco” How do you enjoy spending a day off?“Having a leisurely breakfast.” Favorite food or snack?“A good steak and potato” Hobbies?
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Email: jgarlin1@utk.edu |
Contact Information: Amanda Dascomb, Instructor
Where are you from?I am from Everett, WA (near Seattle). Did you study abroad in college?I studied for a semester at a language school in Grenoble, France during my undergraduate studies. What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?I had the opportunity to visit the Galápagos for work. What amazing wildlife! How do you enjoy spending a day off?An ideal day begins with an open water swim in the Tennessee River, then taking my two boys hiking in South Knoxville and ending the day at a brewery or food truck park. Favorite food or snack?Baked goods and tea. Hobbies?Reading, paddleboarding, open water swimming, hiking, camping, and baking. EducationB.A/ M.A French and Francophone Studies, University of Florida (Go Gators!) Ph.D. Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville |
Contact Information: Email: adascomb@utk.edu |
Yesenia Ensminger, Instructor
| For 15+ years, Yesenia has taught English to adults of diverse backgrounds. Some of her professional experience includes curriculum and material development, as well as training other instructors on how to develop materials of their own.
She has lived abroad, traveled extensively, and studied 12 languages. Her work is concerned with the intersection of culture, learning, and psychology, and she brings a passionate microscope to language and identity. Where are you from?The Bronx, New York City. Did you study abroad in college?I spent a summer studying Italian Cinema and Literature on the Adriatic coast in Pescara, Italia. What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?Hmm…MOST interesting?? Being raised bilingual, I appreciate the distinct bilingualism of Quebec, Canada, and Hong Kong. How do you enjoy spending a day off?Discovering new places on foot (basically walking all day), then going home to devour something funny. Favorite food or snack?Wake me up to a respectable cappuccino and croissant! I could eat Cantonese, and Korean food every day. Hobbies?Animal watching, cooking, pet sitting, reading anything non-fiction, searching for new music and listening to old goodies, watching comedies and sitcoms…to name a few. What do you enjoy most about working at ELI?Getting to meet new people all the time. What advice would you give to new ELI students?Come to class on time, give effort both during and outside of class, and learn to play with the language. What is something you love about Knoxville?How small and peaceful it is. Oh, and the groundhogs! What are a few of your favorite books?Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain, A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost, 12 Rules for Life and Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson EducationB.A. Italian Language and Civilization, & Film Studies, CUNY Hunter College CELTA—Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, University of Cambridge Certified Intercultural Training Practitioner—Crossing Cultures with Competence (CCwC), The Interchange Institute |
Email: yensming@utk.edu |
Contact Information: Cara Hurley, Instructor
I’m excited to work together to help you achieve your goals! Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for help whether with schoolwork or other struggles. We have experienced culture shock too, and we care about you.
Where are you from?I was born near Chicago and have lived in that area for the past twenty years. However, I was lucky enough to be raised in Indonesia, mainly in the Maluku provinces. Did you study abroad in college?No, although my passport country, the United States, felt like a foreign country to me for many years, especially in college. What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?HI love the island of Halmahera, in North Maluku, Indonesia. It’s still so wild and natural, with strong, humorous, musical, and warm people. Papua is even wilder, and is also one of my favorite places. How do you enjoy spending a day off?I like hiking in the Smokies with my husband Brian or curling up with a good book. Favorite food or snack?Besides Indonesian food and chocolate? Seafood, Thai Panang curry, and Indian samosas Hobbies?Backpacking, gardening, reading, knitting. EducationM.A. TESOL and Intercultural Studies |
Email: churle14@utk.edu |
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