Theresa Schenker
About Theresa Schenker
Theresa Schenker is a Senior Lector II and Language Program Director of German at Yale University, where she has worked since 2012. She also serves as a Software Review Editor at the Computer-Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO) since 2019, with research interests in computer-assisted language learning and Afro-German Studies.
Work at Yale University
Theresa Schenker has been serving as the Language Program Director of German at Yale University since 2012. In this role, she oversees the German language program and its curriculum. Additionally, she has held the position of Senior Lector II since 2017, contributing to the academic development of students in the German language. Previously, she worked as a Lector of German from 2012 to 2014 and as a Senior Lector of German from 2014 to 2017. Her extensive experience at Yale spans over a decade.
Education and Expertise
Theresa Schenker earned her PhD in German Studies from Michigan State University, where she studied from 2008 to 2012. Prior to that, she obtained a Master of Arts in English/Language Arts Teacher Education and German from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, completing her studies from 2002 to 2008. Her academic background supports her expertise in language instruction, particularly in German, and informs her research interests in computer-assisted language learning and intercultural competence.
Professional Experience at Michigan State University
Before her tenure at Yale University, Theresa Schenker worked at Michigan State University in various capacities. From 2008 to 2012, she served as a Teaching Assistant and also held positions as a Language Instructor for different age groups, including toddlers and teens. Her roles involved developing and implementing language instruction tailored to young learners, enhancing her skills in teaching German effectively.
Research Interests
Theresa Schenker's research interests encompass a range of topics within language education. She focuses on Afro-German Studies, service learning, and study abroad programs. Additionally, she has a strong interest in computer-assisted language learning, telecollaboration, and computer-mediated communication (CMC). Her work aims to enhance intercultural competence among language learners, reflecting her commitment to innovative teaching methodologies.
Involvement with CALICO
Since 2019, Theresa Schenker has been involved with the Computer-Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO) as a Software Review Editor. In this role, she evaluates and reviews software tools designed for language instruction, contributing her expertise to the field of computer-assisted language learning. Her work with CALICO aligns with her research interests and enhances her professional profile in language education.