Jennifer Spencer
English Language Support Instructor and Assessment Coordinator
Jennifer Spencer is an English language support instructor and assessment coordinator at Washington Connections Academy. She began teaching in 1989 and joined the school in 2019. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Seattle University and a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Ms. Spencer shares more about her experience below:
“I became a teacher because I wanted to be able to travel around the world and be able to work anywhere I wanted. I love to learn from people and watch people grow.
“I’m very excited by the positive energy and dedication I’ve seen from other teachers. I’m really excited to help English language learner (ELL) students who have chosen our school. I’m hoping to use my experience and expertise in English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign Language/Early Assessment Program (ESL/EFL/EAP) online curriculum design and teaching and linking with content classes.
"I’m excited to meet your family and help you navigate our school."
— Ms. Spencer
“I love to learn about new cultures and places and have consistently been an advocate for ELLs no matter which language nor which country they come from. I get what it’s like being in a completely new culture with people speaking a different language than my native language. I understand how that feels, the challenges that come as well as the excitement of realizing I just understood everything that was said. When that comfort in the language and culture comes, it’s amazing. I’m excited to meet your family and help you navigate our school.
“Teachers at Washington Connections Academy are connected and supportive of each other, with students’ success as their main focus. The school has a ton of positive energy, [and] the administration team is excited and very helpful. Students get a chance to get to know each other outside the online classroom by going on fun and engaging field trips.
“At Washington Connections Academy, students work at their own pace, so we can focus on specific skills that individual students need help with. Students learn to be responsible for their own learning and become experts at working online. Most colleges have blended learning and/or online classes, so Washington Connections Academy students will be prepared for this type of learning.
“If your children need a place where they will fit and be cared about and can have a Learning Coach at home to help them manage their work, this is the place for your family. We make a lot of effort to call you to connect and listen to what you and your child have to say about your needs, opinions, and what is working well. LiveLesson® sessions are offered and can be given on an individual basis as needed.
“I grew up in Seattle and Vashon Island and absolutely love the Pacific Northwest (though I seek sun midyear!). I was a Peace Corps Volunteer [PCV] in Morocco and learned to speak Moroccan Arabic (I have forgotten it, however). I was also a PCV in Thailand and spoke Thai (I can still speak a little).”