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Dr. Schwartz became the director of the IEC in August 2012. Michael has been involved with international student education for over 25 years. He began teaching EFL in Taiwan in the 1980's, earned his MA-TESL in 1989. In 2012, he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics from the University of New Mexico-Albuquerque.

Michael has taught English for academic purposes in Kansas, Guam, Missouri, New Mexico, and now Minnesota.  As an associate professor in the MA-TESL program, Michael teaches courses in Language Assessment, Language and Culture, Global Englishes, and TESL Theory and Methods. His interests include translingualism, language assessment, language and culture and materials writing. He has edited a textbook on culture for use in English language programs for international students new to the United States and has curated a collection of Open Educational Resources (OER) intended for English Language Learners. The OERs can be accessed here.

Michael has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, bicycling, camping, hiking, golfing and traveling. 

Fatemeh Shafiee Neizar is a TESL graduate student at St. Cloud State University.

Fatemeh (Fatima) is a TESOL holder from ITTI New York. She is from Iran and has experienced teaching English for some years in Iran and Turkey at different colleges and English institutes to various levels and ages. Her interest includes teaching speaking, listening skills and academic exams skills.

Fatemeh is a swimming coach, too. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, swimming, running, painting and travelling.

Eberechukwu Maryjane Nwankwo joined the Intensive English Program as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Fall 2024. She has a background in English language education and has taught English in secondary schools and university settings. Before joining the IEC, she worked as an Education Coordinator in a non-governmental organization, where she developed an interest in intercultural studies, and educational advocacy.

Eberechukwu holds a Bachelor of Arts and Education in English and is currently pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of literature and language, with a focus on how both shape communication, identity, and cultural understanding.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring different cultures, and engaging in discussions about literature and media.

Matthew Kweku Assem is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language. He teaches vocabulary at the Intensive English Center.

He is a veteran educator with thirteen years of experience teaching English as a Second Language in Ghana. He began his teaching career at a young age and has taught in both private and public schools. After earning his Diploma in Basic Education from Ada College of Education, he was posted to Kasseh Junior High School and later transferred to Acheasewa Junior High School. He subsequently moved to Prekesease Basic School while pursuing a top-up degree in Basic Education.

In 2018, Matthew furthered his studies by earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of Education, Winneba. His teaching philosophy is learner-centered, emphasizing active student engagement in the teaching and learning process. He is deeply passionate about volunteering and advocating for equitable education.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys reading, driving, playing volleyball, and traveling.

Habib Abdul-Latif has been an English language teacher for two and a half years since graduating from the University of Cape Coast in 2022. His passion for the English language began during his undergraduate studies, when he tutored students preparing for their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Additionally, while pursuing his undergraduate degree, he worked as a part-time English teacher at Al-Wafaa International School’s Junior High School. After graduating, he completed his national service as an English language teacher at Anbariya Ibn Taimiyah School from 2022 to 2023. He was later assigned to teach English at Amania Islamic School, where he taught Basic 6 students from September to December 2024.

Habib is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language.