ALI teachers are experienced professionals holding masters' degrees in TESOL (and related fields) combined with specialized teaching experience in English as a Second Language as well as in other fields, including business, computers, and linguistics. ALI staff have extensive knowledge of other cultures. They have lived, worked, and studied abroad, so they understand the cultural and language problems their students are experiencing. Our instructors function as administrators, advisors, and curriculum developers. This management by teachers ensures high quality programs sensitive to the needs of students. Many of our teachers have published textbooks used extensively in the instruction of English as a Second Language. Each year several of our faculty present at local and national TESOL conferences, making significant contributions to their colleagues' professional development.

Meet some of our teachers:

B.J. De Busschere
Universities and degrees: BA, English, Ohio State University; MA in TESOL, United States International University.
Years of teaching experience: 27
Special interests: I operated and owned the "English School" in Tehran, Iran for three years. I have taught all subjects and levels of ESL, from elementary school to university. Currently I am teaching TOEFL preparation classes, intermediate writing, reading, speaking, and oral communications in the EAP and IEC programs.

Kyle Conroy
Universities and degrees: BA, Linguistics, CSU Fullerton; MA, Linguistics, San Diego State University.
Years of teaching experience: 26
Special interests: Advanced structure, TOEFL preparation, and U.S. history.

Grace Damiano
Universities and degrees: BS, New York University; MBA, San Diego State University.
Years of teaching experience: 18
Special interests: I coordinate the Certificate in Foundations of American Business Program, the Certificate in Contemporary Business Methods Program, and various special programs. I also teach advanced business classes and adore fine French cheese.

Margit Dupree
Universities and degrees: BA, French Language and Literature, Humbolt State University; MA, Applied Linguistics, San Diego State University.
Years of teaching experience: 10
Special interests: I am the Structure Core Teacher and Low Level Comprehension Core Teacher in the International English Communications Program. I have a strong interest in curriculum writing and give workshops on using authentic videos in the classroom.

Van Hillier
Universities and degrees: BA, University of California at San Diego; MA, Rutgers University.
Years of teaching experience: 18
Books or articles written: Running a Computer Lab in an Intensive Language Institute.
Special Interests: I am the ALI's Computer Assisted Language Learning Coordinator and a summer program coordinator. I am interested in literature for ESL students, academic writing, and using technology for oral skills improvement.

Cindy Hofbauer
Universities and degrees: M.Ed., Reading, San Diego State University; MS, Education, Central Michigan University.
Years of teaching experience: 25
Books and articles written: Adventures in Conversation, Switzerland, The English Only Question.
Special interests: I am the Reading Core Teacher and Elective Class Coordinator for the International English Communications Program. I also write curriculum and give presentations on subjects including conflict resolution, directed activities, peace education, cooperative learning, and using authentic videos in the classroom.

John Neyenesch
Universities and degrees: MA, TESOL, Hunter College; Ph.D., Spanish, New York University.
Years of teaching experience: 34
Special interests: I specialize in teaching and communications and teach an elective class in Western Dance.

Rob Shaffer
Universities and degrees: BA, English, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); M.E., ; Secondary Credential, UCLA; MA, American Literature, UC San Diego.
Years of teaching experience: 13
Special interests: I coordinate special programs for teacher training, have developed GMAT software for the computer lab, and have developed curriculum for advanced seminar classes, G-TELP and TOEIC.

Robert C. Stipp
Universities and degrees: BA, Creative Writing, San Diego State University; M.Ed., TESOL, Temple University.
Years of teaching experience: 27
Books or Articles Written: Debriefing the Scenario.
Special interests: In the area of language studies, I am most interested in the styles of usage in spoken interaction and in analyzing grammatical structures.

Marc Tannenhaus
Universities and degrees: BA, Political Science, Arizona State University; MA, TESL, Eastern Michican University.
Years of teaching experience: 27
Special interests: I am the Student Relations Coordinator and the Oral Communications Core Teacher in the International Communications Program.