Professional Development and Korea TESOL: An Interview with Maria Lisak

Interviewed by David Shaffer

“If you’ve been around Gwangju for long, especially around Chosun University and the Gwangju International Center, you have likely crossed paths with Maria Lisak. Maria has spent decades in Gwangju in service to the community, “fostering connections through education, and promoting reflective teaching practices.” Recently, the Gwangju News has caught up with Maria to ask her about her journey, the organization that she leads, and plans for the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL in 2025.” — Ed.

Gwangju News (GN): Thank you, Maria, for making time for this interview with the Gwangju News. While the focus of

this interview is intended to be on the Gwangju- Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL, I’d like to start off by asking you to give us a little background information on yourself.

Maria: Thank you for having me! I’m originally from Indiana, USA, but I’ve lived and taught in South Korea for 29 years. I’m passionate about fostering connections through education, promoting reflective teaching practices, and building professional communities. Outside the classroom, I enjoy exploring art, history, and literature, which often inspire my teaching.

GN: You’ve been in Korea for quite some time. When and where have you taught during those years?

Maria: I’ve taught across different educational settings, from corporate training centers to universities. I started by teaching in Seoul and Yongin. Since 2003, I’ve been based in Jeolla, mostly in Gwangju, but a few years in Gunsan. For the past decade, I’ve been teaching welfare administration in English at Chosun University. This has allowed me to engage with students on topics that intersect with public service and global citizenship.

GN: Since you’re not teaching in an English department at Chosun University. Could you describe your teaching situation in some detail?

Maria: That’s right. I teach English within the Welfare Administration Department. My courses focus on integrating English skills with administrative and policy-related content. This approach helps students develop professional language abilities tailored to their future roles in public service.

GN: You’ve been involved in Korea TESOL, or KOTESOL, for many years. I believe it was about, wow, 25 years ago that I first met you. What are the main ways that you have been involved with KOTESOL during this time?

Maria: KOTESOL has been a cornerstone of my professional life. Over the years, I’ve served in various roles, including chapter officer, SIG [special interest group] leader, and presenter at conferences. Most recently, I’ve been president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter, where I’ve worked to support educators through professional development and community-building initiatives.

GN: You were Gwangju Chapter president last year and will be president throughout 2025. Could you give us a round-up of what 2024 was like for the chapter? I believe there was more on the KOTESOL calendar than just monthly meetings.

Maria: 2024 was an exciting year for our chapter. We hosted a mix of workshops, social gatherings, and collaborative events. Highlights included the ESBB International TESOL Conference and KOTESOL National Conference, which was both a professional and financial success, and our well-received workshops on diverse topics like instructional strategies, well-being, and social justice. I’m particularly proud of our members who led these efforts, showcasing their dedication and expertise. These events showcased our members’ skills and creativity while fostering a supportive professional community.

GN: And looking forward to what may be in store for the Gwangju Chapter for this year, could you give us some idea of what to look forward to – both concrete plans and that which might still be fuzzy ideas?

Maria: In 2025, we plan to continue building on our strengths. We’re looking forward to hosting monthly workshops, during the spring and autumn semesters. We also hope to continue our monthly social gatherings at coffee shops and restaurants around Gwangju. We aim to collaborate with other KOTESOL chapters and SIGs to broaden the scope of professional development opportunities in online spaces like Zoom as well. While details are still being finalized, we’re exploring partnerships that could bring fresh perspectives to our members.

GN: I believe that there are some misconceptions on who KOTESOL and Gwangju Chapter meetings are for. Does one need to be a KOTESOL member, or an EFL teacher, or a foreigner to attend a chapter meeting?

Maria: Absolutely not! Our meetings are open to everyone interested in education – whether you’re a KOTESOL member, an EFL teacher, or simply curious. We welcome educators from all backgrounds and teaching contexts, both

Korean and international. Lots of parents who are teaching their kids at home join us as well as visitors from around the peninsula.

GN: I’ve heard that Maria has recently become Dr. Lisak. Congratulations! Could you tell us a little about your doctorate program and your dissertation?

Maria: Thank you! I completed my EdD with Indiana University this year, focusing on literacy, culture, and language education. My dissertation examines my transformative journey as an English language teacher, navigating the complexities of identity, culture, and pedagogy in South Korea. Using autoethnography and multimodal artifacts, it explores how personal experiences intersect with systemic issues, fostering a decolonized approach to teaching. My work highlights the dynamic interplay between individual reflection and broader sociocultural frameworks, offering a counter-narrative to dominant paradigms in English language education.

GN: Before we wind up this interview, what would you like to say to all the EFL teachers out there – and those planning to be English teachers – who are not yet involved with KOTESOL?

Maria: KOTESOL is more than a professional organization; it’s a community. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned educator, there’s a place for you here. Our events, resources, and connections can inspire and support you throughout your teaching journey. While we have events in Gwangju, there are also other chapters and special interest groups that host events. Next up is our annual International Conference on May 10 and 11 in Seoul. So, come join us – you’ll find more than just professional growth; you’ll find camaraderie and purpose.

GN: Thank you, Maria, for sharing with us about yourself, your work, and Korea TESOL.