Sylvia Helmer Author

Herself a non-native speaker of English and the holder of a doctorate in education, Sylvia Helmer has extensive classroom experience at all levels from kindergarten to university. Teaching both mainstream subjects as well as EAL programs in North America and overseas, Sylvia has served as District EAL Consultant for the Vancouver Board of Education, and is currently involved in a new EAL learner focused pre-service teacher training program at the University of British Columbia. Catherine Eddy has taught EAL in both secondary schools and university. At one time a consultant for the Canadian International Development Agency and an EAL Consultant for the Vancouver Board of Education, Catherine created and managed Vancouver?s District Reception and Placement Centre, whose purpose it is to welcome and work with newly arriving immigrants and their families.