About the Author

About

Janice GT Penner:
BRE, BEd, MEd.

  • began my TESOL journey in the summer of 1979 as a volunteer in Japan.
  • taught and developed materials for all levels of learners in colleges and universities between 1984 – 2025
  • specialized in vocabulary development, placement and assessment research
  • supported volunteer facilitators in faith-based ELL programs since 2006.
  • lived and taught in Edmonton, AB, metro-Vancouver, BC, Taipei, ROC, Beijing, PRC, Kyoto, Japan (secondment), and Astana, Kazakhstan (on leave).
  • led credit-bearing teacher education courses between 2002 – 2025
  • held numerous administrative and committee roles in non-profit boards and at Douglas College (1995-2025)
  • chaired conferences for small (n=30) and large (n=400+) groups.
  • received awards: Mary Finocchario Award for Excellence in the Development of Pedagogical (non-published) Materials (TESOL, 2007).  “Amazing Minds, Amazing Teachers” (Pearson, 2009); Lifetime Contributor Award (BC TEAL, 2023).

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Success Stories That Inspire

Janice was a great blessing to our English Cafe volunteers. She offered such a special blend of enthusiasm and expertise from having served so many English learners. Janice provided practical and accessible concepts and tools so that our volunteers are now better equipped for the work welcoming and assisting newcomers to Canada.

– Pastor Brent, Cornerstone Neighbourhood Church, Maple Ridge