Athar I. Almadanat

My name is Dr. Athar Almadanat. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Mut’ah University in Jordan. In 2012, I moved to Erie, PA to advance my education and teaching skills. I earned a Master’s in Education in 2013, and Doctorate in Philosophy in 2018 from Gannon University.

My journey as a second language educator/trainer in higher education began in 2011 when I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach Arabic as a second language at the University of Texas at Austin. Since then, I have been teaching English as a second language at Gannon University. Also, I have taught Arabic as a second language both online and in person at UT Austin, Gannon University, Virginia Military Institute, and Sijal Institute.

I believe language should be taught as a skill not as a content-based subject. Therefore, my classroom is student-centered. I follow the flipped classroom model and customize my courses each semester based on my students’ needs. My classes offer a dynamic and interactive experience where learners are fully engaged in the learning process. Learners apply and practice the target language 90% of the class time.

I love teaching ESL at Gannon University because I get the chance to meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultures at no cost.