Mary Jorgenson Sullivan

Mary Jorgenson Sullivan serves as the Associate Director and Associate Teaching Professor of English Language Services at the Illinois Institute of Technology. With an impressive career spanning over thirty years, she has dedicated her professional life to teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language. Her teaching journey has taken her to various esteemed institutions in Chicago, including Koc University in Istanbul and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she has enriched the academic experiences of countless students. Sullivan's research interests lie at the intersection of instructional design and brain-based learning, areas in which she has made substantial contributions. Her work is driven by a passion for understanding how the brain processes information and how this understanding can be applied to enhance educational practices. This focus has allowed her to develop innovative teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning needs and promote effective language acquisition. In addition to her teaching and research endeavors, Sullivan is actively involved in professional organizations. She has played a pivotal role in the International Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and the Illinois TESOL/Bilingual Education Association. Through these platforms, she has shared her insights and expertise, contributing to the advancement of the field and supporting fellow educators in their professional growth. Sullivan's presentations and professional development activities are centered on key themes such as fostering learner autonomy, supporting adjunct faculty, and extending learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. Her commitment to these areas reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and her dedication to creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. Throughout her career, Sullivan has been recognized for her innovative approach to teaching and her ability to inspire both students and colleagues. Her work continues to influence the field of English language education, and she remains a respected figure in the academic community. Her contributions have not only impacted her students but have also left a lasting mark on the institutions she has been a part of.