Tema Encarnacion

Tema Encarnacion teaches English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in Annapolis, MD. She has supported the ESOL programs in two districts in Maryland in a variety of capacities. She is one of the founding members of the non-profit, The Chesapeake Language Project, which aims to increase access to post-secondary education for immigrant students.

After graduating from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she studied International Affairs and Spanish, Tema served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. She served her community in economic development, where she spearheaded projects such as micro-enterprise workshops, community sanitation projects and demonstration organic gardens.

Upon returning from overseas, Tema completed her Masters Degree in TESOL at the Notre Dame of Maryland University and has been working with immigrant students and families for nearly two decades.

Tema’s recent professional accomplishments include national and regional conference presentations on integrating technology and environmental literacy into English language learning through Project Based Learning. Tema has been honored as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow by National Geographic Education for her commitment to geographic literacy through environmental advocacy. She was named as a Digital Innovator by PBS Learning Media for integrating technology into classroom instruction. Maryland Public Television has also named Tema has an American Graduate Champion.

Tema is passionate about working to improve access to education for immigrant students and families. Her writing reflects the experiences of many of the students and families with whom she has worked.