Elka Todeva
PhD, MA, University of Sofia, Bulgaria
MA, in TESOL
Professor
Language Teacher Education
Elka Todeva holds a doctorate in English applied linguistics and a Master's degree in British and American Literature, and in Translation and Simultaneous Interpretation. A member of SIT Graduate Institute faculty since 1993, she teaches Second Language Acquisition, English Applied Linguistics, and Language Analysis for Lesson Planning. A native of Bulgaria, Todeva began working in the United States as a visiting Fulbright scholar. The editor and co-author of a book on multilingualism, co-author of three ESL textbooks and two English dictionaries, Todeva's other publications focus on language acquisition and learning, discourse, English linguistics, brain-friendly learning, and reflective practices.
Todeva has taught and supervised in Europe, Asia, Africa, and in North and Latin America. She equally loves teacher training and working with ESL/EFL students. A learner and speaker of multiple languages herself, she advocates plurilinguistic approaches to language teaching which take advantage of students' prior knowledge and experiences. She is also a firm believer in the power of creating extended communities of learners that celebrate innovation and honor tradition. Her dream is to see teachers take on an active role as public intellectuals who initiate or participate in discussions around language planning, language and identity, language and power, multilingualism, and the role of English in the era of globalization.
