Introduction

Hello all,

My name is Amber Whalen. This is my 12th course in the TESL specialization. I'm very excited to finish because I've been slowly working towards my MEd for the past 5 years! I teach adults, English as a second language at Bow Valley College here in Calgary. The program is called LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada), within this program I teach in the practical stream, which is for learners with usually less than 8 years of education in their first language or with interrupted education. A large part of the course is literacy and strategy learning.

Prior to coming to BVC in 2006, I taught English to kindergarten students in Torreon, Mexico. After coming back from Mexico, I decided I wanted to build on my linguistics background with a more solid teaching education and began courses at UofC in the MEd TESL program.

My husband, Trent and I live in Okotoks, which if you don't know, is about 20 minutes south of Calgary. In my free time, I love reading, practising yoga, gardening, and bike riding (leisurely!!).

I'm excited to learn new ways to incorporate technology in the classroom!