EDUCATION
MA TESOL, Teachers College Columbia University
BS Fashion Merchandising, University of Rhode Island

RECOGNITION
Nomination: The New School’s Distinguished University Teaching Award 2020                                                                                              Nomination: The New School’s Distinguished University Teaching Award 2019                                                                                  Nomination: The New School’s Distinguished University Teaching Award 2017

MY STORY
My professional experience started in the fashion industry and grew into corporate training, teacher education, and English instruction. At The New School, I teach courses in the Certificate in Teaching English program, in The New School’s faculty-training initiative, and in the Intensive English Program.

I’m a New York City native, so you’ll find that the city inspires much of my work. My other passions include playwriting, acting, and meditation. Teaching and learning occupy most of my days.

My Story in a few more words
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in fashion merchandising, my professional experience began in New York City’s fast-paced fashion industry. I held various positions in merchandising, sales, planning, and production, and I often partnered with international affiliates and trained new hires.

As I was exposed to many facets of the industry, I was drawn to cultivate my task-oriented nature, my interest in intercultural communication, and my strong desire to serve. With a bit of courage, I moved forward with a daunting career change—I earned a master’s degree in TESOL from Teachers College Columbia University and drew on my corporate experience.

At The New School, working mainly with students bound for Parsons School of Design, I developed a niche in teaching English to international students studying design and performing arts.

I simultaneously navigated among a variety of business settings. I began training native and non-native English speaking professionals in various fields, including the financial, marketing, design, nonprofit, and environmental industries. Through Pace University’s Professional Education department and through my private corporate clients, I developed tools to assess needs and offer immediate customized support across contexts.

As my enthusiasm for exchanging ideas and creating meaning in the field intensified, my piqued interest in educating teachers later evolved into a passionate drive, one that continues to push me forward. Teacher training—both in NYC and internationally— leads my pursuit towards greater professional depth.

I am committed to refining my craft as I collaborate with my students, colleagues, and clients to design flexible, customized, goal-oriented courses.

Contact me to discuss scheduling a workshop contact@theresabreland.com