Since her first experience teaching in Taiwan, Joan has taught in a wide variety of teaching situations at all levels from kindergarten through adult literacy, workplace literacy, and academic English. Joan is an active advocate, teacher trainer, and consultant, as well as a frequent presenter at local, state, and international conferences. She obtained her Masters degree in TESL from Gonzaga University and earned her PhD in Language and Literacy Education through Washington State University. Areas of research include Elementary ELL Interaction in Mainstream and Sheltered Settings and Native American Boarding School History and Impact. Her passion is for working with those considered on the margins, especially those in the refugee and immigrant communities and her own Native American community.

In addition to teaching English learners and teacher training, Joan has worked as a Bilingual Program Supervisor with OSPI and provided EL training and consulting to school districts across the state. Joan has been serving on the WAESOL Board of Directors since June of 2011. She currently works as an independent trainer and consultant and serves as Executive Director for WAESOL.

You can contact Joan directly at joan.johnston.nelson@gmail.com .