Department of Curriculum & Instruction (CUIN)

doctoral alumna Liping Wei has recently published a chapter titled Unpacking tensions: An autobiographical narrative inquiry into the cross-cultural teaching journey of a TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)” teacher educator in a book titled “The Career Trajectories of English Language Teachers”. 

Using narrative inquiry, this chapter examines Wei’s career development as a TESOL teacher educator in both Eastern and Western contexts. “In particular, this research brings to light a series of tensions I have experienced, from being an EFL (English as a foreign language) learner and teacher in the East, to an ESL (English as a second language) learner and TESOL teacher educator in the West,” she said. “Through unraveling and illuminating these tensions, this research uncovers the nexus of not only where my personal and professional knowledge meet, but also where TESOL theory, practice, and policy meet in a TESOL educator’s cross-cultural teaching journey.”

Wei was impressed that Emeritus Professors Yvonne and David Freeman, two of the most influential figures in the field of TESOL, wrote the foreword for the book. “Being able to share my east-to-west TESOL teaching journey with the international audience through the publication of this chapter, to me, is a wonderful recognition of my development as a TESOL teacher educator,” said Wei.  “It is hopeful that this chapter can contribute to the knowledge base of TESOL teacher education and shed light on TESOL teacher development in both the East and the West.”

Wei is honored to have a chapter published along with the top English language teachers, teacher educators and researchers from across the world, addressing such an important topic commonly faced worldwide. “I appreciate [CUIN professor] Dr. Cheryl Craig’s invitation to contribute a chapter to this book,” she said.

Wei credits CUIN professor Cameron White, CUIN professor Lee Mountain, CUIN associate professor Laveria Hutchison, CUIN associate professor Mimi Lee, Department of Leadership & Policy Studies (DELPS) professor Yali Zou, and DELPS associate professor Catherine Horn as professors who inspired her during her doctoral studies at the UH College of Education, but it was Craig, her doctoral advisor, and post-doctoral supervisor who left a lasting impression on her professional life. “Currently as an assistant professor in Teacher Education, while working with my students, pursuing my research agenda, and serving the university and community, I always picture how Dr. Craig committed herself to all these endeavors, with all the diligence and vigor, and a high academic and moral standard as well” said Wei. “Dr. Craig has exemplified in word and deed what it means to be a top-notch professor, scholar, and a wonderful human being.”

“I have been blessed to work with many outstanding students like Liping Wei," said Craig.  "It is deeply satisfying to see students like her grow as people and become mature in their scholarship. They then take their places in the academy (like Liping did) and shape the futures of hundreds of teachers and thousands of students.”    

Wei is currently an assistant professor in Curriculum & instruction specializing in TESOL teacher education at the School of Education, Health Professions, & Human Development at the University of Houston – Victoria campus.