My name is Enna Morgan. I was born in the UK, and am thus a native English speaker. After completing high school, I migrated to the USA, where I completed my higher education. I currently reside in the USA, and am an American citizen. Since my early education was in the British system, and later education was obtained in American universities, I am thus able to bring this knowledge to the classroom, and guide the individual student in the curriculum of their choice.
I have travelled to 52 countries, and have resided, studied, and worked in about 19 of them. This global experience includes the field of technology (Tsinghua University, in China); hospitality & tourism (Beijing Hospitality Institute, an extension of Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne); and various other corporate business fields, such as business, entertainment, medical, legal, military, social work, marketing, and design.
My experience in pedagogy extends beyond the conventional classroom, to include such areas as Teacher’s Training Programmes, Theatre Education, Public Speaking, and The Art of Refutation (Debate), and those clients range from The Beijing Education Commission, to CEOs at Fox TV; and from Veraz Equifax, to the United World College, and even a few notable celebrities.
In addition to an assortment of relevant certifications, and diplomas, I graduated from the University of Washington with a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy & International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, with a minor in International Relations, and a concentration in South Asian Studies. Seattle Art Institute is where I completed an Associates of Applied Arts degree, in Fashion Design & further studies in Millinery. A full purview of my education and extensive work experience can be viewed under the appropriate tabs, pedagogy, performance, design, and real estate.
What is your experience in teaching?
My teaching career spans two decades and a few continents. Even in my early years as a student, I was hired as the teaching assistant while attending the programme. This served to lay a solid foundation for my later decision to teach professionally. I am therefore quite experienced and comfortable with teaching a variety of subjects, inclusive of performing arts, design, and a myriad academic courses.
Beginning in 2008, I began teaching in higher education, colleges and universities, and it is in this area that I specialise and continue to focus my time. Over the last two decades, I have taught various subjects, internationally, at several universities, corporations, and organisations, with levels ranging from Freshman to PhD, and corporate to teachers’ training. The subjects range from Business English, Public Speaking, Acting & Theatre Techniques, College Writing, Listening & Speaking, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for a Specific Purpose (ESP), and Oral English, to Tourism English, Hospitality, Debate, College Interview & Preparation, Exam Strategies, Curriculum Development and Classroom Management.
What makes you unique as a person?
I listen. Period. That in itself makes me exceptional. But I’ll continue. I listen to not only hear the words, but to understand the speaker’s meaning an intention. Additionally, I am keenly perceptive and insightful, and I employ these abilities to obviate problems, rather than wait to solve them. My ability to adapt to then environment would make a chameleon blush. As a cultural savant and relativist, I am not only comfortable in any environment, but am extremely adept at creating an atmosphere of ease and involvement for those around me.
What would your colleagues say about you?
Well, I’ll quote what many of them have already said…that I am pleasant, always cheerful, resourceful, innovative, brilliant, confident, professional, diplomatic, well-dressed, sophisticated, reliable, committed, and passionate.
Can you share some of your students’ feedback about you?
Certainly! You want the feedback before of after I pay them? Just kidding! Some of the things I’ve been consistently called (there are a few others we won’t talk about) are: Magical, funny, caring, smart, an amazing teacher, friendly and approachable, inspirational, strict, professional, well-prepared…did I say magical? Some say they love my “drive, ease, and unapologetic flow of energy,” and others say that I motivate them with my “strong and enviable presence that command attention.” Many have intimated that my classroom is their “happy place,” and that I “give them the confidence to do things they never dare before,” because in my presence, they feel “safe.”
What do your friends say about you?
Friends? Hmm! I don’t have too many of those, but the few I have go back a long time. And their feedback is: strong, driven, independent, extremely intelligent, brave, dependable, confident, (overly) passionate, resourceful, inspiring, bold, diverse, super talented, intense, artistic, helpful, always pleasant, assertive, very social and cultured.
Do you have any experience teaching exam courses?
I have a ton of experience teaching and proctoring exams in the USA, Argentina, and China. I have worked in both academic institutions and corporations, training both students and corporate executives in exam courses, such as TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, CAE, and FCE, and College Entrance Examination & Interview. Additionally, functioning as an Education Counselor & Consultant for a few years, I have been instrumental in placing students in various Western universities.
What is your approach to teaching
I have a very non-conventional, student-centered teaching style, and arrange my courses more like a workshop than a classroom. This is because I believe in the dialectic more than in the lecture. I believe that every individual has their own unique thoughts, abilities, and pathway towards their goal, or any specific objective. As such, I am more interested in encouraging each student to access that pathway, and to explore and augment it; hence, I see my role in the classroom as more of a facilitator than that of an instructor. I create the environment that is consistent with trust, patience, and cooperation.
Additionally, I believe that more is accomplished by working collaboratively than individually, for this reason, my curriculum is typically follows more of a team-style orientation. My success is measured more by the growth and accomplishments of the students than in the praise or accolades I’ve acquired; although, it never hurts to be reminded of one’s influence on others.
But while we are on the topic of accolades, I have a proven track record of dedication and excellence in the wake of my employment at every institution. Moreover, I have at many institutions made history by being rated the top teacher, and in others have received recognition and awards in excellence.
What makes you unique as an instructor?
Well rumour has it that it is because I am so groovy, but I believe it is because I am an excellent listener and a prudent facilitator. And because I listen, I am not only relatable to the international community, but also I have keen insight into their inner workings, to how to approach them, and how to tease out of them their best (and often latent) abilities. This serves to strengthen their confidence, and to reinforce their resolve to attain their goals. Due to the fact that I have invested a lifetime in the study of language, cultural habits, and system of thought, I am afforded the enviable position of being both perceptive and flexible enough to modify my curriculum and approach to what best suits the specific habits and perspective of the group and/ or the individual.
Aside from pedagogy and scholastic inclinations, I am among other things, an artist, a writer, blogger, designer, theatre coach, actor, and film director. I therefore integrate innovative and engaging ways to deliver language studies material within the classroom to access the students’ full sensory range. This comprehensive and engaging approach works to improve not only the acquisition of the language, but also its retention. And when students can measure their growth, especially in short short periods of time, they are more inclined to commit to the course.
What do you like the most about teaching?
My greatest joy in teaching, is witnessing the moments of transformation when a student’s potential is awakened and released, not through the repetition and inculcation of my words and thoughts, but through the access and actualisation of theirs. As such, I consider my role more of a facilitator and conduit; one who can motivate others to action, and lead them to release and realise their own potential. It is from this student-centered approach that I see the fruits of success as not necessarily being evaluations and awards, but as being evidenced by the students’ growth, achievements, and their ultimate success.
Do you speak other languages?
Textbook or survival? Well, let’s start with the basics. I am a native English speaker, and also speak American English. I speak Spanish at an intermediate level, Italian at a quasi-intermediate level, and survival Mandarin, and Portuguese. I was trained in Arabic at the Presidio (Defense Language Institute), but being that was some time ago, I have remaining a handful of sentences that I can mumble through.
What is your impetus?
I’ll answer that first from a professional standpoint, and draw on my travels and experience thus gained. Amidst the aridity of human existence, I believe in the inherent good of mankind, so I push through the defensive walls of indignation. Despite post-modern society’s unwavering quest for individualism, I believe in the power of synergy, thus I endorse collaboration. And in the face of all the attending forces that work to denigrate the individual will, I believe that confidence, and the will to prevail are the paramount elements to keep us buoyant throughout all adversity, and deliver us safely to the furthest reaches of our aspirations.
My lifework is therefore focused primarily on reaching into the depths of each individual and bringing them face to face with that which inhibits their path to individual enrichment and self-advocacy; my ultimate goal invariably, with each individual, in every endeavour, is to construct and cement paradigmatic structures of self-confidence.
But if you’re asking what gets me jumping out the bed every morning? Knowing that I am a catalyst, and there is a purpose and every day that becomes more refined and emphatic.
What are your best features?
Well, I’ll have to say my nose….Oh, you mean professionally, ah! That would have to be my drive, insatiable thirst for knowledge, communication (code word for ‘listening’), and the one I never leave home without…Confidence!