Mark Algren, director of the MU Center for English Language Learning, and Nikki Ashcraft, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum, for being leaders in the field of teaching English as a second language. They have both been named to the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) “50 at 50” and “30 Up and Coming” lists, respectively.

TESOL is an international association of professionals advancing the quality of English language teaching through professional development, research, standards, and advocacy. In keeping with the 50th Anniversary theme “Reflecting Forward,” TESOL has recognized two groups of professionals: 50 who have made significant contributions to the profession within the past 50 years (50 at 50), and 30 who are emerging as leaders in the profession (30 Up and Coming).

Ashcraft teaches in the College of Education’s TESOL education graduate program, which offers a master of education in learning, teaching and curriculum with an emphasis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Algren joined MU in November 2014 as the director of the newly re-organized Center for English Language Learning.

The center offers non-native speakers of English a high quality program of intensive English training. It is designed to provide individuals as quickly as possible with the English language skills necessary to successfully study for an academic degree in a college or university in the United States.