Biography

Jill Swavely is a professor of instruction in applied linguistics. Her current research interests involve the study of teacher preparation for teaching reading and writing to multilingual learners in K-12 contexts. She has also done research in the area of second language writing for both K-12 and college-level multilingual learners. As coordinator of 51¶¯Âþ’s ESL certificate program, her teaching interests involve developing and teaching courses that prepare teachers for designing instruction, assessments and curricula that effectively address the needs of K-12 English learners. She was recently co-PI of a five-year, $2.7 million, Department of Education National Professional Development Grant titled “Transforming School L.I.F.E. (Leadership, Instruction and Family Engagement) for English learners." This program benefited students, teachers, administrators and communities within the School District of Philadelphia.

Research Interests

  • Language Comprehension/Development
  • Language Processes
  • Literacy

Courses Taught

Number

Name

Level

EDUC 4441

Discourse Practices in Diverse Communities

Undergraduate

TESL 5613

Multilingual Students' Literacy Development

Graduate

TESL 5613

Understanding Multilingual Students’ Language and Literacy Development

Graduate

TESL 5616

Designing Assessment and Curriculum for Multilingual Students

Graduate

TESL 5687

Practicum for Teaching English Language Learners

Graduate