UDON THAO

As ESL Program Coordinator, Udon is responsible for coordinating adult education classes for English language learners in Elgin. She coordinates registration, administers assessments, supports ESL instructors, teaches English, and engages in community outreach to expand programming. Growing up in a family and community of Hmong refugees, Udon has faced countless barriers. This is a big reason why she strives to uplift and create intentional spaces for underserved communities. She has been with CMAA since February of 2022. 

 

Udon holds a Bachelors in Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied language and structure - specifically Hmong and English. In addition to language studies, Udon completed her TESOL certification which jumpstarted her love for teaching and working closely with English language learners. She has experience teaching both ABE and ESL learners through Literacy Network of Dane County and Triton College’s Access to Literacy program. She has always been an advocate for underserved communities - finding ways to uplift voices through her social justice work.

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FUN FACT | Udon loves to play soccer and volleyball but she is only a mediocre player.