Jean Kirschenmann
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Kirschenmann, Jean M.A.
Program Chair, BA TESOL Program
Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics
Graduate: University of Hawai'i at Manoa Center for English Language Programs Office
Jean Kirschenmann, Assistant Professor of ESL, has been teaching at Hawaii Pacific University since 1986. She teaches a variety of English as a second language (ESL) and teaching English as a second language (TESL) courses. She frequently teaches courses on ESL/EFL reading and writing methods, assessment in ESL, and teaching English to children. Jean is co-advisor of HPU’s Intercultural Teachers Organization (ITO), a student organization dedicated to fostering professional development in pre- and in-service teachers. Jean enjoys teaching both ESL and TESOL courses at HPU because her present and former students keep her in touch with people and events all around the world.
Jean grew up in small towns in the Midwest. She earned B.S. degrees in elementary education and secondary math education from Minot State University in North Dakota. Later, she joined the Peace Corps and worked for four years as a middle school teacher and teacher educator on the Micronesian island of Yap. In 1980, she earned her M.A. in English as a Second Language with a concentration in bilingual education at the University of Hawaii. Before coming to HPU, Jean taught in a variety of schools and programs in Honolulu, from high school math to teacher education. She has also taught one year each in Romania, China, and Japan.
In addition to teaching, Jean has experience in ESL program administration and materials development. She is also editor of the Tips for Teachers section of the TESL Reporter. Her own publications focus on lessons learned the hard way, which she hopes will be of use to other language teachers. In her free time, Jean enjoys attending classical music concerts and taking long walks with her family.
