ANA SOARES

Assistant Professor in TESOL

About Ana:

Ana was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and holds a Master in Education from Cairn University and a Master of Arts in TESOL from Providence. Her greatest desire is always to find teaching strategies and methodologies related to reading, literature, and second language teaching. Ana enjoys developing projects that stimulate the students’ creativity and allow them to learn through cooperation. She began her teaching journey during the second year of her bachelor’s degree in Language and Literature when she was just 19 years old. Ana’s passion for studying and teaching has only grown ever since. Throughout her career, Ana has had the chance to teach students (primarily teenagers) in both public and private schools. She also volunteered in a social work project called CEVAP, where she tutored and mentored teenagers in need. Although being in front of the classroom has always been a fulfilling experience for Ana, she has found her footing in the last 20 years as an ESL and PSL instructor. For over 11 years, Ana worked at an international Christian school in Brazil, where she had the opportunity to teach students from all over the world. Through teaching at Providence, Ana has realized her passion for teaching international students from different cultural backgrounds and learning about their countries as well.

Q: What about Providence was appealing to you?

Providence has been appealing to me since I visited the university for the first time in 2017. My husband and I visited Canada in search of a place for me to do a master’s degree. I went to Providence and met with Dr. Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, and she shared details about the curriculum for the Masters in TESOL program. The courses and methodologies that are ingrained in the program were similar to my teaching style and the program was exactly what I was in search of for my professional development. It was the best decision I made because I learned so much and could refine my teaching methods.

Q: Describe why your work at Providence is meaningful or fulfilling.

Working at Providence is a ministry to me. It is not about teaching a particular course or a new lesson; it is about getting to know my students and developing a curriculum to meet their needs. I can say that I wake up every day and thank God for the opportunity to impact lives and use the gifts He has blessed me with through my job at Providence.

Q: What is your teaching philosophy?

I am passionate about education and impacting people’s lives with my classes. I use not just one approach in the classroom, but I believe that students can learn significantly through a positive and engaging environment. In order to keep my lesson plan exciting for my class, I always incorporate interactive and playful activities, technology, and other assignments that help students develop various hands-on skills. I believe that a healthy educational environment is both respectful and inclusive. It needs to be open to accepting cultural and religious diversity.

Q: What is something you hope people will learn from your classes?

As I shared previously, I do not teach just a curriculum. Nevertheless, I strive to teach in a way that represents God’s love for what I do. Colossians 3:23 is a verse that has stuck with me throughout my career and faith journey. It says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” If my students notice this verse’s message in my classes, I will know I am on the right path.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

I have always been engaged in social activities outside the workplace. I am currently participating in three different projects as a volunteer: I am a volunteer EAL instructor for newcomers at Church of the Rock in Winnipeg, I am part of the Brazilian Association in Winnipeg as an active member of the citizenship committee, and I organize events for the Brazilian Community in Winnipeg through an organization called BRASIW. I also crochet and knit in my free time, hang out with my friends and family, read novels, and like watching movies.