ABOUT ME
Hello! I’m Tracey Chang and I have been teaching post-secondary ESL since 2012. I'm a native of Los Angeles where I currently reside.
The path which led me to work with international students as an ESL teacher might be unconventional but my collective experience in many fields has certainly prepared me well for teaching. My journey began at UCLA where I majored in English and American Literature with a concentration in American film. At that point the idea of teaching was just terrifying to me. Working for five years on the production side of TV commercials and music videos for clients such as Gap, Green Day, Metallica, and N’SYNC, I learned how to work with people of varied backgrounds, to consider the audience, and to manage the logistics of an event. Studying graphic design in London for three years reinforced my audience awareness and developed my skill of presenting information in digestible form. Perhaps more importantly, it gave me firsthand experience of the struggles and major culture shock faced by international students. Back in the states, volunteering in an organization to help international students adjust to American life contributed to my decision to pursue English teaching and complete my master’s degree in TESOL. I’m amazed how my perspective has changed and how my journey has led me full circle back to English. It definitely has not been the conventional route but I’m glad it’s the life path God chose for me. These experiences have enriched my life and, I hope, my teaching as well.
The path which led me to work with international students as an ESL teacher might be unconventional but my collective experience in many fields has certainly prepared me well for teaching. My journey began at UCLA where I majored in English and American Literature with a concentration in American film. At that point the idea of teaching was just terrifying to me. Working for five years on the production side of TV commercials and music videos for clients such as Gap, Green Day, Metallica, and N’SYNC, I learned how to work with people of varied backgrounds, to consider the audience, and to manage the logistics of an event. Studying graphic design in London for three years reinforced my audience awareness and developed my skill of presenting information in digestible form. Perhaps more importantly, it gave me firsthand experience of the struggles and major culture shock faced by international students. Back in the states, volunteering in an organization to help international students adjust to American life contributed to my decision to pursue English teaching and complete my master’s degree in TESOL. I’m amazed how my perspective has changed and how my journey has led me full circle back to English. It definitely has not been the conventional route but I’m glad it’s the life path God chose for me. These experiences have enriched my life and, I hope, my teaching as well.
ABOUT THE PHOTO
This yellow paper boat represents the hope of students going out into the real world. (The full photo appears on the home page.) I created the image on the Thames River near Kingston University outside London for a graduation commencement poster competition. The poster was shortlisted.
CURRICULUM VITAE
cv_traceychang_may2015.pdf | |
File Size: | 71 kb |
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