RETHA MCCRAIN CHOI
Assistant Professor
Daejeon
Summary
Dynamic English educator with over 30 years of experience in Korea, specializing in curriculum design, media-enhanced learning, and student-centered instruction. Proven ability to create engaging and effective learning environments that foster student growth and achievement. Expertise in integrating innovative teaching methods and technology to enhance educational outcomes. Holder of a Korea F6 Visa, prepared to contribute to diverse educational settings.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Professor, Nursing Department
Woosong Information College
Daejeon, Daejeon
03.2017 - Current
- Teach Nursing English using media-rich methods to enhance engagement and outcomes. Kahoot Verified Teacher. 20 years.
- Developed worksheets and a paperless program for streamlined learning.
- Mentored new teachers; active member of the Flipped Classroom Committee.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements. Global English Contest
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Contributed to campus activities to promote positive university image.
- Increased academic achievement by providing one-on-one mentoring and support to struggling students. Especially in Reading.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
Professor / English Instructor
Joongbu University
09.2006 - 02.2015
- Led skill-building in speaking, writing, reading, and listening-100s of students.
- Used kinesthetic, visual, and auditory approaches for interactive classes
- Developed supplementary English materials
- Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
- Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
Professor / Instructor
Korea Baptist Theological University/Seminary (Daejeon)
03.2000 - 12.2001
- Full-time instruction for university and institute learners.
- Developed and directed English camps for approximately 100 children.
- Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
English & Religion Language Teacher
Samyook English Language Institute (Daejeon)
03.1998 - 03.1999
- Taught conversational English; created exams, lesson plans, and graduation programs. Twenty hours a week.
- Taught students from ages 8 -17
- Taught adult students.
English Language Instructor
Damoa Children's Language Institute (Daejeon)
03.1997 - 03.1998
- Delivered full conversational English curriculum; collaborated with Korean teachers. 20 hours a week.
English Language Teacher
Samyook English Language Institute (Daejeon)
03.1996 - 03.1997
- Taught adult and children in Religious studies
- Taught adult conversational English
Caregiver / Nanny
Caregiver
08.1994 - 12.1995
- Provided daily infant care and enrichmen
Secretary
Walla Walla University, Social Work Department
05.1993 - 12.1994
- Graded papers, managed phones, and handled office duties
Resident Assistant
Walla Walla University
05.1990 - 12.1993
- Assisted dormitory residents in upholding community standards
Program Director / Counselor
Camp Ida-Haven
06.1988 - 08.1993
- Directed activity development for whole camp supervised a 25-person staff
Spanish Language Teacher
Pocatello School District / Community Education
05.1991 - 12.1992
- Taught elementary Spanish across multiple schools; planned curriculum
Coach
Walla Walla University
05.1990 - 12.1991
- Taught gymnastics to elementary-aged children
Teacher
SDA Elementary School
05.1989 - 05.1990
- Planned lessons and taught a full second-grade curriculum. 30 students ages 8-9 years old.
Teacher’s Aide
Roger’s Elementary School
05.1988 - 05.1989
- Assisted with grading and record-keeping
Secretary
Academic Records Office, Walla Walla University
05.1988 - 05.1989
- Processed confidential records, transcripts, and GPA. (Grade Point Average)
- Data Entry for International students criteria. (TOEFL, TOEIC Scores)
Education
Master of Arts - TESOL-MALL
Woosong University
Daejeon, South Korea01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Walla Walla University
Walla Walla , WA01.1994
Skills
Program development expertise
Social service proficiency
Expertise in client onboarding
Counseling for academic success
Effective teaching methods
Student mentoring
Educational presentation
Public speaking
Collaborative faculty engagement
Curriculum design
Peer-reviewed writing
Accomplishments
- Flipped Classroom Committee Member, Woosong Information College (2019–Present)
- Founder, Puzzle/Reading/Wellbeing/Phonics Clubs (2017–Present)
- Symposium Workshop Presenter, KOTESOL Daejeon (2019)
- Curriculum developed for Nursing Department courses (2017–Present)
- Presented paper at KOTESOL (May 2020); certificate awarded 2020
Timeline
Assistant Professor, Nursing Department
Woosong Information College
03.2017 - Current
Professor / English Instructor
Joongbu University
09.2006 - 02.2015
Professor / Instructor
Korea Baptist Theological University/Seminary (Daejeon)
03.2000 - 12.2001
English & Religion Language Teacher
Samyook English Language Institute (Daejeon)
03.1998 - 03.1999
English Language Instructor
Damoa Children's Language Institute (Daejeon)
03.1997 - 03.1998
English Language Teacher
Samyook English Language Institute (Daejeon)
03.1996 - 03.1997
Caregiver / Nanny
Caregiver
08.1994 - 12.1995
Secretary
Walla Walla University, Social Work Department
05.1993 - 12.1994
Spanish Language Teacher
Pocatello School District / Community Education
05.1991 - 12.1992
Resident Assistant
Walla Walla University
05.1990 - 12.1993
Coach
Walla Walla University
05.1990 - 12.1991
Teacher
SDA Elementary School
05.1989 - 05.1990
Program Director / Counselor
Camp Ida-Haven
06.1988 - 08.1993
Teacher’s Aide
Roger’s Elementary School
05.1988 - 05.1989
Secretary
Academic Records Office, Walla Walla University
05.1988 - 05.1989
Master of Arts - TESOL-MALL
Woosong University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Walla Walla University
Publications
- Choi, R. (2020). Expats and Mental Health: Living with a Mind of Gratitude in a Country Not Our Own. In D. B. Kent (Ed.), Reimagining Language: The Future of Education and Teaching (pp. 89–93). KOTESOL DCC.
- Choi, R. (2021). Communicating with Students in the Korean Classroom – Crossing the Cultural Barrier (Preconceptions and Cultural Differences). In D. B. Kent (Ed.), Post-Pandemic Practice: Tools of the TESOL Trade (pp. 108–127). KOTESOL DCC.
References
- Eric, Reynolds, Ph.D, ericreynolds@woosong.org, 010-4039-4392
- David, Kent, Ph.D, dbkent@gmail.com, dbkent.tesolmall@gmail.com, 010-6368-4749
- Alejandro, Chavez, WIC Program Director, wicprogramdirector@woosong.org, 010-2657-2159
Publications
- Choi, R. (2020). Expats and Mental Health: Living with a Mind of Gratitude in a Country Not Our Own. In D. B. Kent (Ed.), Reimagining Language: The Future of Education and Teaching (pp. 89–93). KOTESOL DCC.
- Choi, R. (2021). Communicating with Students in the Korean Classroom – Crossing the Cultural Barrier (Preconceptions and Cultural Differences). In D. B. Kent (Ed.), Post-Pandemic Practice: Tools of the TESOL Trade (pp. 108–127). KOTESOL DCC.