Rita J. Mejias, M.Ed.

Rita Mejias Headshot
Assistant Teaching Professor, Spanish
Lecturer in English ESL
Woodland, 335

Professional Affiliations/Memberships

  • American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
  • National Association of Bilingual Educators (NABE)
  • Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA)
  • The National Center of Family Literacy (NCFL)
  • Mayor’s Commission of Literacy in Philadelphia (MCOL)
  • Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC)

Courses Taught

Spanish:

  • Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III (Beginners and Intermediate Levels)
  • Spanish Honors
  • Spanish 10 & Spanish 20
  • Spanish for Healthcare Professionals

English ESL:      

  • English 004 – Basic Writing (Academic Integration Courses – AIC/ESL)
  • English 015 – Rhetoric and Composition
  • CAS 126 – Developmental Listening
  • LL ED 10 – College Reading Improvement II
  • Integrated Advanced Writing and Reading for Non-native Speakers
  • Intensive English Language Program (I.E.L.P.)
  • Summer Bridge Programs – Reading & Writing

Continuing Education:

  • Spanish for Healthcare Professionals – ARIA Healthcare Systems
  • English ESL - VESL - Vocational Nursing Assistant Program

Honors, Recognitions, Awards

Award of Individual Service – PSU Abington, Spring 2015                                                               
Alternative Spring Break in Washington, DC, Spring 2015
Nominated for Outstanding Teaching Award – PSU Abington, Spring 2014                                 

Selected Involvement in Campus Service/ Organizations

Committee Member, Matriculation Committee, PSU Faculty Senate, 2015 - 2017   

Divisional Council Representative, World Languages, PSU Abington, Arts & Humanities, 2013 - 2016 

Chair, Faculty Advising Committee, PSU Abington Faculty Senate, 2014 - 2015   

I have a multi-disciplinary background as a Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor/Lecturer. I am a native speaker of Spanish. I see the increase in global connectivity as the most important motivation to language acquisition (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Culture).  I am excited about the role that technology can play in heightening these connections. My goal as a Spanish & English as a Second Language (ESL) educator is to create a learning environment that exudes joy, enthusiasm and inspires students to have a lifelong love of languages.

M.Ed., Eastern University, 2001
B.A., Rutgers University, 1998
A.S., Harcum Junior College, 1982

Professional Certifications

State of Pennsylvania (PA) Certifications:

  • Major: Elementary & Secondary Content Education (K-12)
  • Minor: Foreign Language Studies – Spanish
  • Minor: English as a Second Language (E.S.L.)