The Music of American English Pronunciation

Emily Wong, M.A., is an experienced ESL/EFL instructor with a diverse teaching background in both Japan and the United States. She spent two years teaching junior high and elementary school students through the JET Program in Mie Prefecture. Emily earned her Master's degree in TESOL with a focus on K-12 education from Teachers College, New York City, and has taught adults at Kaplan International Programs. Currently, she is a full-time instructor at UC Irvine’s International Programs, where she teaches both ESL and TEFL courses. Emily has been a regular presenter at TESOL state and regional conferences for the past four years.

Marla Yoshida is an Academic Coordinator and TEFL instructor at the University of California, Irvine Extension International Programs. With a Master’s degree in Linguistics, she has over 25 years of experience teaching English as a second language in both the U.S. and Japan, along with teacher training in the U.S., Japan, and Korea. Marla has taught the Teaching Pronunciation Skills class in the TEFL certificate program at UC Irvine Extension for more than a decade and has worked with teachers from various countries, including Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Chile. She specializes in using visual and kinesthetic aids for teaching pronunciation and is the author of "Beyond Repeat After Me, Teaching Pronunciation to English Learners," published by TESOL Press.

Ms. Helen Nam is an Instructor at the University of California, Irvine, where she teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) and teacher training courses through the International Programs. She holds two master’s degrees—one in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and the other in Philosophy—from Biola University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from UCLA. With extensive experience in both on-ground and online teaching, Ms. Nam is dedicated to enhancing the language skills of her students, focusing on practical applications in academic and professional contexts.In addition to her teaching role, Ms. Nam is actively involved in professional organizations, serving on the Board of CATESOL and participating in various conferences as an organizer and presenter. Her commitment to professional development is complemented by her fluency in Korean and her passion for fostering effective communication skills among her students. Some of the courses she teaches include "Academic Discussions in English," "Advanced Writing," and "IELTS Skills Mastery," all aimed at equipping learners with essential language competencies for success in their academic pursuits.

Meg Parker is an experienced instructor at the University of California, Irvine, with over 16 years of teaching English to children, teens, and adults in both the United States and Mexico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, a Master’s degree in Teaching, and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics. At UC Irvine, Meg teaches English learners in the Academic English program and provides training for English teachers in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate program. Her passion for education is evident through her active participation in local and international conferences where she presents on various topics related to English language learning.In her courses, Meg focuses on enhancing students' language skills through practical applications and engaging methodologies. She teaches a variety of subjects, including "Academic Discussions in English" and pronunciation techniques for American English. Outside of her professional commitments, Meg enjoys trail running in Southern California's hills and mountains, traveling to new countries, reading, and exploring local restaurants and attractions in the Los Angeles area. Her diverse experiences and dedication to teaching make her a valuable asset to the UC Irvine community.