30-second bio: Scott Roy Douglas

Name:

Scott Roy Douglas

My Pronouns:

he/him

Title:

Director of English as an Additional Language Programs

Department/Unit:

Okanagan School of Education

Location:

Okanagan Campus

Year I started working at UBC:

2011

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

I help newcomers and international students learn English.

What work achievement are you most proud of?

I’m super proud of being the founding director of the Okanagan School of Education’s EAL programs, of which the flagship program is the English Foundation Program (EFP). The EFP is the credit-bearing English language development pathway on the Okanagan campus for academically admissible students working to meet UBC’s English language admission standard. Students in the EFP can also take one or two other first-year courses at the same time.

What is your favourite quote and why?

One of my favourite quotes comes from Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham: “…she had…an apt and varied vocabulary, she was never at a loss for…the vivid phrase.” It really crystalized for me the importance of vocabulary teaching and learning, and it underscores the work we do in the English Foundation Program to help newcomers and international students develop their English vocabulary skills.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I’ve been taking nsyilxcən lessons through Kelowna Museums. I’ve taken levels one and two so far, and our teacher, Jasmine Peone, is such a patient and kind teacher. She really knows how to help people who are interested in learning nsyilxcən grasp the basic concepts and vocabulary. I’ve learned a lot from her about what it means to be a language teacher. I can’t wait to take the next level!

What else do you teach in the Okanagan School of Education?

I also teach in the TEAL Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. This certificate prepares people to become English as an additional language teachers. The certificate is open to undergraduate students with at least third year standing. It’s great for both people who want to teach abroad as well as work with adult newcomers in Canada. There are four courses in the certificate program, and students can do their practicum in the English Foundation Program.