a part of Providence’s Centennial series
Discover the inspiring story of Gail Tiessen and Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, two visionary educators behind Providence’s TESOL program. Their dedication to language education has shaped generations of teachers, impacting communities worldwide.
OTTERBURNE, MB – For more than three decades, Providence University College & Theological Seminary’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program has served as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural connection, and Christian service. At the heart of this legacy stand two remarkable women: Gail Tiessen, the program’s visionary founder, and Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, one of its most dedicated educators. Together, their passion, leadership, and tireless commitment have helped shape generations of teachers who, in turn, have touched lives across the world.
A Vision Takes Root
In 1989, when Gail Tiessen arrived at what was then Winnipeg Bible College, she did not yet realize she would pioneer one of the school’s most influential programs. Initially invited because of her husband’s faculty position in theology, Gail’s own extensive experience in English language instruction, curriculum development, and missionary work quickly found a place at Providence.
Her idea was simple but profound: if English had become a global language, and if Christian service required both skill and cultural sensitivity, then it made sense to train Christian teachers to teach English effectively. With that vision, she approached the administration and proposed a course in TESOL. To her delight, not only was the idea welcomed, but it soon flourished. What began as a single course rapidly expanded into a full-fledged certificate program, and later, a master’s degree in TESOL.
“The demand was overwhelming,” Gail recalls. “Mission organizations, local ESL programs, and even governments were looking for qualified English teachers. We had to turn people away because the classes filled so quickly.”
A Passion for Excellence
Gail’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. She was instrumental in setting national standards for English language instruction and helping to shape TESOL accreditation in Canada. She also initiated curriculum development that integrated English language learning with biblical literacy, a groundbreaking approach that allowed students to learn language skills while engaging deeply with scripture. Her work was recognized with accolades, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Literacy (2006) and the TEAM Manitoba Teacher of the Year Award (2000).
But perhaps Gail’s greatest legacy was her ability to inspire. Among those she mentored was Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, who entered the program in the mid-1990s and quickly emerged as both a scholar and a passionate educator. Under Gail’s guidance, Elfrieda completed her master’s degree, went on to obtain her PhD and has served on faculty for 25 years. She has taught and consulted in many countries including Paraguay, Ukraine, China, The Philippines and Greece, becoming a key contributor to the continued growth of Providence’s TESOL program.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Elfrieda’s journey into TESOL was shaped by her own experiences teaching literacy and second-language acquisition in Paraguay. After moving to Canada, she sought a way to continue her passion for education and social justice. Entering Providence’s TESOL program, she found not only a rigorous academic environment but also a mentor who saw her potential and pushed her to embrace it.
“She saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself,” Elfrieda said of Gail. “She believed in her students in a way that made us believe in ourselves.”
As a faculty member, Elfrieda brought new dimensions to the program. She emphasized the intersection of language teaching and trauma-informed education, particularly for refugees and displaced persons. She also integrated expressive arts into the learning process, creating safe spaces where students could heal through language acquisition.
Her commitment to excellence mirrored Gail’s, and her innovative approaches kept Providence at the forefront of TESOL education. Whether teaching in Canada or training educators abroad, Elfrieda has remained committed to the idea that education is both a tool for empowerment and a ministry of hospitality.
A Global Impact
Together, Gail and Elfrieda’s contributions have left an indelible mark. The Providence TESOL program has trained thousands of educators who now serve in countries around the world—from Canada and the U.S. to Ethiopia, China, and beyond. These graduates teach in schools, lead ESL ministries, and develop resources that continue the legacy of excellence established by these two remarkable women.
Their influence is seen not just in the curriculum they created, but in the countless students who have carried forward their passion. The program’s emphasis on high standards and compassionate teaching has shaped a community of educators who, like their mentors, seek to uplift others through language and learning.
The Next Century of TESOL at Providence
As Providence celebrates its centennial, the TESOL program stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to academic rigor, global service, and Christian faith in action. The work of Gail and Elfrieda has laid a foundation that will continue to shape the next generation of educators.
Looking to the future, Elfrieda and her colleagues are dedicated to expanding the program’s reach, integrating new methodologies, and continuing to advocate for the importance of linguistic diversity and accessibility. Their vision remains clear: to equip teachers not only with knowledge but with the heart to serve in a world where language opens doors and builds bridges.
For Gail, now retired but still active in curriculum development, and Elfrieda, who continues to lead with passion, the legacy of TESOL at Providence is not just about teaching English. It is about shaping lives, empowering communities, and ensuring that the next 100 years of Providence’s mission will be as impactful as the last.
As Elfrieda often tells her students, “Teaching is more than instruction; it is an act of faith, an invitation to connect, and a commitment to making the world a little more open, one conversation at a time.”
