Faces of CNM: Amy Christensen

The U.S. Department of State recently announced the selection of CNM faculty member Amy Christensen for a two-and-a-half-week English Language Specialist project abroad.  

As an English Language Specialist, Amy will focus on teacher training in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. She will work at the Turkmen Civil Aviation Authority Training School with other English teachers who work with disadvantaged youth groups.

Amy started teaching at CNM in 2004 as a Developmental Education teacher and currently teaches English as a Second Language through the School of Adult & General Education (SAGE). She is one of approximately 80 U.S. citizens selected to serve on an English Language Specialist assignment.

She says that it’s important for her to be able to illustrate her passion for language and communication through various channels. 

“I want to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to understanding the challenges of communication outside of the United States,” she says. “Meeting different people with different perspectives just gives me a lot more empathy and respect for our ESL students here in New Mexico.”

Amy is no stranger to working with the U.S. Department of State. She has previously taught in China as an English Language Fellow and has also served as an English Language Specialist in India and Vietnam. She says that her experiences abroad have helped her connect more with students here at CNM.

“I think people are surprised to learn that we have such a diverse group of students in our ESL program here at CNM,” Amy says. “For example, last term, in my five classes, I had 24 different countries being represented. I want to be able to understand their challenges and tailor my teaching methods to help them in the best ways possible.”

Amy says that she is grateful to work for an institution like CNM that encourages faculty members to branch out, get experiences abroad and then bring them back to our college.

“I really appreciate that CNM has supported English Language Fellows over the years and I’m excited to be able to represent our college outside of the country,” she says.

As CNM’s Global Education Department grows, Amy hopes that her experiences abroad will help strengthen the ties and resources we can offer to Global Ed students.

“I love New Mexico. I would love to see more international students come here. We have a lot to offer,” Amy says.

In addition to working with the Department of State, Amy says she’s excited to get to experience the rich culture of Ashgabat.

“I have a huge appetite,” she says. “I’m excited to be able to taste the cuisine out there. Maybe I’ll even get to try the yak meat.”

Learn more about SAGE and the English Language Specialist Program.