MaryAnn Kates-Hammer
English as a Second Language Instructor
and Writing Instructor
St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs Campus
I moved to Spring Hill, Florida, from Charleston, South Carolina, where I taught English as a Second Language (ESL), English Composition, Humanities, and Developmental Studies in English and reading at Trident Tech College. Since 1987, I have also taught at colleges and universities in Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia. My husband’s job with the U.S. Government has afforded me the opportunity to visit many interesting cities and to meet people from a variety of cultures right here in the United States. Each time I moved, it was difficult to say goodbye, but I always looked forward to experiencing new adventures and meeting new friends.
I have a BA in English and Business Administration from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to my teaching duties, I have also designed and coordinated workplace education programs in ESL, English, and reading, developed cross-cultural training programs for business and industry supervisors, and designed and taught K-12 teacher re-certification and critical thinking courses. Additionally, I have served as a college site coordinator and manager of academic and industry training programs. Over the years I have also served as a volunteer in community refugee resettlement programs and children and family programs for migrant workers. Here at SPC I am teaching English Composition and ESL.
I have been teaching in the college and university sector for over twenty years, and I still consider myself fortunate to have found such a rewarding and enjoyable avocation. As a teacher, I strive to facilitate a learner-centered environment where students are encouraged to set individual goals and objectives in addition to those of the course curriculum. I look forward to each semester as an opportunity to not only meet new students but to also continue my own learning experience.
