English as a Second Language teacher
David Cowan
Sebastian Edgerton
Issue date: 6/11/08 Section: News
David Cowan, English as a Second Language (ESL) professor for Peninsula College, attended PC from 1980 to 1981 for an Associate in Diesel Technology degree. Before coming to the college Cowan had already earned a bachalor degree in teaching. After he finished at PC he went to Kodiak, Alaska, as a mechanic. Working 16 hours a day, Cowan said it was "pretty grueling."
Cowan returned to Washington and considered working for Peninsula College or for the Seattle public school system. He chose Peninsula College because it was in his hometown and close to his aging parents.
Having his bachelor in teaching and able to speak at an acceptable level both in Portuguese and Spanish, he was able in 1987 to create an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Peninsula College's Clallam Bay Correction Center branch. Cowan worked at the Correction Center, with mostly Hispanics in the ESL program, for 13 years.
Cowan said it was a little challenging being an ESL teacher. It was a challenge because it was like having a one room schoolhouse. Everyone had a different ability and it was his job to determine students' learning capability.
Cowan said his teaching focus was determining why each student wanted to learn English. "It's what you want to do with your life and how you can get there," he said.
Cowan added that to be a good ESL teacher you also need to be a good listener.
Cowan returned to Washington and considered working for Peninsula College or for the Seattle public school system. He chose Peninsula College because it was in his hometown and close to his aging parents.
Having his bachelor in teaching and able to speak at an acceptable level both in Portuguese and Spanish, he was able in 1987 to create an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Peninsula College's Clallam Bay Correction Center branch. Cowan worked at the Correction Center, with mostly Hispanics in the ESL program, for 13 years.
Cowan said it was a little challenging being an ESL teacher. It was a challenge because it was like having a one room schoolhouse. Everyone had a different ability and it was his job to determine students' learning capability.
Cowan said his teaching focus was determining why each student wanted to learn English. "It's what you want to do with your life and how you can get there," he said.
Cowan added that to be a good ESL teacher you also need to be a good listener.
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