Marina Viktorovna Krutikova
My name is Marina. I was born and raised in Russia in the beautiful old city Veliky Novgorod. I went to Saint Petersburg State University to study economics and have a degree in economics of research and development. However, I have always been fascinated with learning foreign languages. This passion led me to studying linguistics and translation theory.
I first came to USU as an exchange student in 2014. I was greatly impressed by the quality of education, the beauty of the university campus, and the kind and considerate people I was lucky to meet. The following year, I became an MSLT student. I think it was one of the best decisions I made that helped me establish myself professionally in the field of second language teaching. One of the many things that I particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to become a graduate instructor and teach my native language to USU students.
After earning the MSLT degree, I started working in the Russian Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program in Tooele, Utah. I have been privileged to teach 2nd and 5th grade students, as well as participate in curriculum development and teach in the STARTALK Russian science camps that were held for the DLI students in 2019 and 2021. Currently, I continue my professional journey as a Russian DLI teacher. I believe that the MSLT program provided me with a solid foundation to start my teaching career. USU and my MSLT experience will always hold a special place in my heart.
Jana Quadros
I am a 42 years old woman who is passionate about my family and about my profession. I started my journey as an English teacher in Brazil about 24 years ago and I have taught different age groups and levels of expertise. For the last 8 years, I have been a Portuguese teacher for the DLI program in the state of Utah. Currently, I teach from 7th to 12th grade, including the Bridge program, which is, college level classes in high school. Part of my journey to become a better educator was to graduate in the MSLT program in Utah State University. It opened my mind to many different ideas and strategies on how to manage my time in class in a more effective manner. This has given me a great foundation to pursue further education. Now, I am participating in the fellow teachers program to keep learning and finding new ways to be a better professional. I truly believe in the power of education, in special, language and culture education. I have seen firsthand how it can help young minds to have a broaden view of the world and a greater respect for what is different.
Mimoun Akhiat
My name is Mimoun Akhiat. I am from Morocco. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona with a major in linguistics and a minor in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). One of the best and most transformative decisions I have made in my academic journey was joining the MSLT program at Utah State University. This program has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth.
The MSLT program has not only helped me forge lasting relationships with exceptional professors and peers, but it has also equipped me with sufficient and efficient theoretical knowledge and hands-on teaching experience that exceeded my expectations. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received from my professors. Not only did they strive for my success in the program both as a student and a graduate instructor, but they also continued to support me well beyond my graduation. Thanks to the MSLT program, I am now confident in my path as an aspiring second language instructor and researcher. I believe I am on the right track to making a meaningful impact in the field.
Madison Johnson
Madison Johnson graduated with her Masters in the MSLT program in May of 2024. She currently teaches elementary school at Woodruff Elementary in Logan, UT and uses the concepts she learned to help her with her many language learning students. She substitute teaches at the ELC and would eventually like to teach ESL at a university. Some of her favorite takeaways from the MSLT program are how to teach students new vocabulary, use technology in the classroom, and how to integrate culture and pragmatics into classroom teaching. She is passionate about using assessment tools to better herself as a teacher and focusing on current research to drive her instruction. The MSLT program gave her many connections not just to wonderful professors, who truly care about their students, but also to many peers who share her interest in teaching second languages and offer priceless insight.
Maggie Lin
My name is Maggie (Tzu-Hsin) Lin, and I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. From an early age, I have been deeply passionate about languages and cultures. I began studying a second language at the age of three, and this early start ignited a lifelong enthusiasm for exploring the connections between language and culture. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages in Taiwan, I became an English language instructor, working with 7th to 12th-grade students. This experience solidified my passion for education and my desire to inspire others through language learning.
In 2021, I decided to pursue my dream by attending Utah State University to earn a master’s degree in Second Language Teaching. This was the most rewarding decision of my life. The program provided not only a wealth of knowledge but also invaluable hands-on experiences that broadened my perspective on language instruction and cultural appreciation. Through this journey, I discovered that language is far more than what is taught in textbooks—it is a gateway to a broader world, rich with opportunities for students to explore.
After graduating from the MSLT program in May 2023, I was honored to join the department as a Chinese Bridge Program Instructor, teaching Chinese courses to high school students across various school districts. My goal is to positively influence my students and inspire them to embrace cultural differences, fostering an appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world around them.