Laura Taylor

Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
English Language Learner (ELL) Specialist, Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre

Laura Taylor started out by obtaining a BA in Economics and Political Science from Columbia University in New York before changing career paths to focus on aspects of second language learning. After several years of teaching abroad in both Japan and South Korea, she then obtained an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a PhD in Education from the University of York in England. Initially, Laura’s research primarily focused on Novice Teacher Development, before evolving to encompass areas of cultural influence and anxiety in the ESL/EFL classroom.

After spending 5 years at the University of York working with graduate students in the Department of Education, Laura joined the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC) in 2014 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream. In her current position at UTM, she works primarily with students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL). This position is particularly rewarding because it allows Laura to work with a wide range of students on a variety of issues. From the improvement of English language skills to the development of strategies for critical reading, writing, and speaking, Laura strives to ensure that students have the tools they need to be able to successfully complete their chosen field of study.

Follow Dr. Taylor on Twitter @dr_laura_taylor.