TESOL Faculty
Michelle Plaisance
michelle.plaisance@greensboro.edu
Dr. Michelle Plaisance is a Professor of English and TESOL and has served as the Director of Graduate Studies in TESOL at Greensboro College since 2013. She earned her B.A. in Spanish from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and went on to complete both her M.A.T. in ESL and her doctorate in Urban Education with a concentration in TESOL and literacy at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Dr. Plaisance’s teaching and scholarship reflect her commitment to advancing equity and access for multilingual learners. Her research focuses on curricular access, examining how instructional design, assessment practices, and teacher preparation can better support students who are developing English proficiency. Through her leadership at Greensboro College, she has strengthened graduate programs that prepare educators to work effectively in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. Dr. Plaisance continues to advocate for inclusive, research-informed practices that empower multilingual learners and the educators who serve them.
Elena King
Dr. Elena King is a professor of English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and the associate director of the M.A. TESOL Program at Greensboro College. She also serves as the licensure coordinator for secondary and middle grades English language arts and ESL candidates. Dr. King earned her M.A. in TESOL and her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Urban Education, with a focus on TESOL, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Her research interests include teacher identity and notions of success, as well as teachers’ understandings and applications of culturally relevant pedagogy with culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Dr. King teaches courses in TESOL Pedagogy, Online Learning in TESOL, and Reading and Writing for Multilingual Learners. Before joining Greensboro College, she taught in intensive English programs, public middle and secondary schools, and community colleges.
Dr. King lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, son, and cat, and enjoys all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Paula Wilder
Paula serves as the director of international programs at Greensboro College where she also teaches in the MA in TESOL program. She received her MA in TESOL from Greensboro College and her BA in English from Guilford College. Paula is an English Language Specialist for the US Department of State, and in 2024-2025, she served as an Alumni Ambassador for the United States Department of State English Language Programs. In addition, Paula teaches with NC State University in the Global Training Initiative, working with teachers and embassies around the world, and teaches in NCSU’s TESOL Certificate program. Paula served as the director/instructor of the CEA accredited English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program and Continuing Education for Non-Native English Speakers at Durham Technical Community College from 2014-2024 where she created and implemented both programs and continues to teach and work with the program there. She has also taught at Harvard University’s Institute of English Language. In her free time, Paula enjoys hiking, kayaking, yoga, and gardening. She is an avid reader and enjoys all genres.
Abby Dobs
Abby Dobs teaches graduate courses in linguistics, grammar, and language pedagogy in the MA TESOL program. She began her career as an eighth grade English teacher before earning a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Dobs believes that language is at the heart of all teaching and learning, and she hopes to deepen her students’ appreciation of its power. In her courses, she guides students in analyzing both the structure of language and its use in social interaction, and students use their analyses to enhance their pedagogical decision-making. She loves her job!
Duaa Makhoul
Duaa Makhoul is a dedicated TESOL instructor with a strong English language teaching and learning background. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied English from The University of Jordan and a master’s in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). She is pursuing her PhD. in linguistics at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Makhoul’s teaching philosophy emphasizes exploring methods and approaches that empower teachers to unlock students’ full potential for language acquisition. She considers factors like students’ cultural backgrounds, linguistic abilities, and available academic resources to tailor her instruction. Having experience as an ESL/EFL learner allows Makhoul to connect deeply with her students. She understands the challenges faced by both students and educators in the field. Her research interests focus on language acquisition and development, neurolinguistics, and creating effective teaching methods and learning strategies.
Vivian Simmons
Vivian Simmons is an adjunct professor in the Master of Arts in Bilingual Education program. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Learning, Design, and Technology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She holds a Master of Arts in TESOL from Greensboro College and a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina.
Her professional work focuses on supporting Multilingual Learners and Dual Language Immersion programs through teaching, instructional coaching, and professional development. She is committed to advancing equitable, innovative, and linguistically responsive practices that empower educators and the students they serve. Vivian is also a member of the WIDA Fellows program, contributing to national initiatives to strengthen instructional practices for multilingual learners.
