ESL Expert and Writer
Sabbin Akter is an accomplished lead instructor at Queens Library with over 20 years of experience in adult education. Specializing in empowering diverse immigrant learners, she is a skilled ESL expert and writer dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments and enhancing language skills. Her passion for educational leadership and commitment to cultural understanding have made her a valuable asset in the field of ESL instruction.
Articles from Sabbin Akter
Overview
- Experienced Adult Educator
- Empowering Diverse Immigrant Learners
- Blended Learning Expert
- 20+ Years of Educational Leadership
- Top Skills: Diversity & Inclusion, Adult Education, Curriculum Development, Blended Learning, Educational Leadership
Education
- Master of Arts (MA) in English Language and Literature, National University, Bangladesh, 1997-1998
- Master of Arts (MA) in English Language Teaching/ ELT, Eastern University, 2011-2012
Experience
Lead Instructor at Queens Library (Feb 2019 – Present)
Sabbin Akter has been serving as a Lead Instructor at Queens Library since February 2019. In this role, she teaches Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science to HSE (High School Equivalency) classes, as well as Advanced, High Intermediate, and Low Intermediate ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes.
Additionally, she is responsible for curriculum development for both the HSE and ESOL programs. She leads the ALP (Adult Learning Program) instructors through modeling, training, coaching, and observations to enhance academic teaching methods.
Moreover, she utilizes resources such as the CUNY (City University of New York) Career Kits and other WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)-aligned materials. Sabbin is also certified to administer the BEST Plus test and TABE test to assess measurable skills gains. She was interviewed and featured on Columbia News Service in 2023.
HSE Instructor, Queens Library (Oct 2018 – Feb 2019)
During her tenure as an HSE Instructor at Queens Library from October 2018 to February 2019, Sabbin developed and delivered daily lesson plans and educational activities for students in HSE (High School Equivalency) and ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs.
She played a pivotal role in helping students prepare for the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) exam and improving their literacy levels.
Evening ESOL Teacher, Queens Community House (Jan 2019 – Present)
Since January 2019, Sabbin has been serving as an Evening ESOL Teacher at Queens Community House. In this capacity, she teaches evening ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ESOL classes, both online and in-person, to a diverse immigrant population.
She addresses their unique language and educational needs and integrates technology and digital tools into the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. Sabbin also administers pre-test and post-test assessments using Best Plus to measure students’ language proficiency growth.
ESL & Creative Writing Teacher, India Home (Oct 2017 – Feb 2019)
As an ESL & Creative Writing Teacher at India Home from October 2017 to February 2019, Sabbin developed ESL lesson plans and taught over 100 students with varying levels of English language proficiency.
She also facilitated sequential Creative Writing workshops for senior citizens, promoting meaningful social engagement, confidence, and life skills. She was featured in a blog on Lifetime Arts in 2018.
Course Coordinator, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Oct 2015 – Oct 2018)
From October 2015 to October 2018, Sabbin served as a Course Coordinator at United International University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this role, she led a team of six faculty members teaching undergraduate Spoken English courses in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) setting.
She introduced a new approach to learning English that encourages self-learning through different activities to create exposure to the target language in the classroom.
Additionally, Sabbin developed curricula for both business and engineering schools, promoting effective teaching strategies to meet individual student’s needs.
Project Director, WSDA New Zealand (Jan 2015 – Apr 2017)
As a Project Director at WSDA New Zealand from January 2015 to April 2017, Sabbin led an exceptional group of ten trainers to develop and implement a curriculum for the Communicative English Program. She facilitated courses, workshops, and seminars for academic institutions, incorporating interactive learning activities into the program.
English Teacher, Siddiqui’s International School, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Jul 2009 – Dec 2015)
From July 2009 to December 2015, Sabbin served as an English Teacher at Siddiqui’s International School in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this role, she taught English Literature and Creative Writing to elementary and middle school students, implementing a participatory learning approach to ensure students’ understanding and engagement.
Consultant Writer (contract), The What To Expect Foundation (2013 – 2015)
As a Consultant Writer (contract) for The What To Expect Foundation from 2013 to 2015, Sabbin wrote the Bangladeshi adaptation of “Baby Basics: Your Month-By-Month Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy”, utilizing region-specific research. She also edited manuscripts and collaborated with publishers and artists on design.
Accomplishments
- Developed curriculum and led adult learning programs at Queens Library, addressing workforce readiness and measurable skills gains.
- Implemented blended learning techniques and technology integration to enhance ESL instruction.
- Led faculty teams and introduced innovative approaches to English language teaching in diverse settings.
- Developed and implemented curriculum for the Communicative English Program in New Zealand.
- Adapted and wrote educational material for region-specific audiences in collaboration with international organizations.
Conference Presentation
- Presented at the 71st NYACCE Annual Conference 2024 in Albany on the topic “Be Googled in the Google Classroom.” Demonstrated the use of various Google features such as Google Earth, Google Arts and Culture, Google Jamboard and how to integrate them into the learning environment.
- Presented at the 45th annual New York City Adult Basic Education Conference, 2024. Advocated for a technology-integrated approach to adult language education, ensuring a more effective and tailored learning experience for Queens’ diverse adult learners’ community
Licenses & Certifications
1. Developing an Online Teaching Program
2. Planning, Organizing, and Delivering an Online Course
3. Online/Mobile Support for English Language Core Competencies Development
4. Best Practices of Online English Language Teaching
5. Ways to Grow NRS Levels 1-6 Participants’ Reading Skills
6. Certified BEST PLUS Testing Administrator and TABE 11/12 Administrator
Sabbin Akter’s dedication to education and expertise in ESL instruction have positively impacted countless learners, empowering them to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and innovative teaching methodologies, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrant communities.