Meet Bob

Hi, I’m Bob. I teach the intermediate classes in the mornings here at OLC. I recently retired from the University of Arkansas. I was a science writer for seven years. I still write part-time as a freelance science writer, but I have more time to pursue other interests like teaching. In the last few years, I’ve become interested in getting an ESL certificate and becoming an ESL teacher overseas.

I have never taught English as a second language before, but it’s been really fun. I’m enjoying learning how to teach, learning the subject matter, and learning how to communicate with my students. I’ve learned that I need to be prepared with a solid lesson plan, but adaptable enough to change it when necessary to fit my students’ needs and goals. The idea is to get them talking and thinking and communicating in English so I try to do whatever I can to get them interested and engaged.

I love meeting my students and getting to know them. They are such a diverse group of people. Everyone has fascinating backgrounds and interesting stories of how they got here. I never realized how many people in Northwest Arkansas need the services we provide. You don’t really see the number of countries or the variety of situations that our students come from and it’s been very eye-opening to me – in a good way!

Literacy is everything. I can't imagine trying to get along in society without being able to read, write and communicate. It is the key to success and happiness.