LITA BRUSICK JOHNSON

5861 N. Nagle Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60646

wlmjohnson@sbcglobal.net 773-540-2102

EDUCATION:
MA in Linguistics (2014) - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
University of Illinois at Chicago
Graduate Courses in Philanthropic Studies (1998-1999), Indiana University
MA in Medieval Studies (1976)
University of Toronto Center for Medieval Studies/Pontifical Institute for Medieval Studies
Fulbright Fellow History (1974-1975)
Westflisches Wilhelms Universitt, Mnster, Germany
BA in History (1974), Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Tutorium in Intensive English (TIE), University of Illinois at Chicago (2014 - Present)
English for International Professionals Series
o Lead Course Specialist (teaching, course coordination, and content development)
- Academic ESL for Chinese engineering students, in cooperation with the Department of
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), UIC School of Engineering
- Listening/Speaking and Presentation Skills, Brazilian UIC engineering students
o Instructor - core and contract courses in the English for International Professionals Series
- Conversation and Vocabulary Skills (mixed language groups)
- Advanced Speaking Skills (mixed language groups)
- Advanced Pronunciation Skills (mixed language groups)
- TOEFL Preparation (full term and intensive mini-term mixed language groups)
- Reading/Writing Skills (Brazilian UIC Engineering students)
- Speaking and Presentation Skills (Bank of Beijing, Capital University of Economics and
Business, Beijing)
- Online TIE Skype Tutoring: ENOVA Corporate Program (Russian students)
- Online Advanced Writing Course (mixed language classes)
- ESL Preparation of Korean and Japanese Nursing Students (UIC School of Nursing Program)
o Academic Writing Seminar Instructor 3-week course on curriculum content and ESL teaching
methods for EFL teachers from the National University for Defense Technology, Changsha,
China
o TIE-CTU Liaison for the Peer Tutoring Program of the Catholic Theological Union, including
workshop presentations (Research Writing; Advanced Academic Reading) for CTU tutors and
students (mixed language groups)

Communiclear Global, Inc. (2016 Present)

o Instructor intensive 2-3 week courses for Chinese government officials (from Beijing and
Shenzhen), focusing on pronunciation and speaking skills, to prepare them to engage with US
government officials (from Chicago and suburbs, plus county and state programs) in a three-
month program
SKILLS AND STRENGTHS
Outcome-focused course and lesson planning that balances appropriate attention to form with creative
pair, group, and whole-class communicative activities
Developing class materials and activities using authentic sources and activities that reflect student
interests, determined in part by initial surveys/self-assessment instruments
Skills in whole group presentation, small group/pair facilitation, and one-on-one student engagement
Classroom use of both basic, low-tech teaching methods and also a wide variety of Computer-Assisted
Language Learning (CALL) tools

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America National Offices (1977-2012)
Final Position: Program Director for International Development and International Disaster Response

OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1977-2012)
o Advocacy and international program development to engage with and assist refugees and persons
displaced by natural disasters, as well as communities living in poverty
o Extensive international work-related travel to community development programs and refugee facilities
o Participation and leadership in multicultural and multilingual meetings related to refugee issues,
disaster response, and international development
o Development of curriculum and print/video resources and educational workshops
o Facilitation of large and small groups, strategic planning and fundraising
Multi-cultural, Multi-lingual Board Memberships (1977-2012)
International relief, refugee assistance, and sustainable economic development; interfaith, ecumenical,
and inter-sectoral boards addressing domestic and international poverty
Onward House, Chicago (community center) Community ESL (January-February 2014)
Volunteer: assisted teacher in a high-beginner/low-intermediate ESL class (Wright College)
Writing Center University of Illinois at Chicago (January-April 2014) tutored students enrolled at UIC,
many of whose first languages were other than English