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News
Two decades.
That’s how long Kevin Li has been teaching English language classes at TIES.
“Time just flies by very fast,” Li says. “I don’t realize it has already been 20 years.”
It’s a momentous milestone. Not only for him, but for the immigrant-serving organization as well.
“That’s a unique milestone for both Kevin and LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada),” TIES Senior Manager, Language Programs and Childminding Jana Ciobanu points out.
“He is the very, very first instructor that is celebrating 20 years of service at TIES.”
Li arrived in Canada from China back in 1990. He studied at the University of Calgary, where he eventually taught as well.
In 2006, he spotted a job vacancy at TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) — formerly known as CIES (The Calgary Immigrant Educational Society).
“TIES happened to have a vacancy and I applied,” he recounts. “I wanted to go back to what I was good at — teaching English as a second language.”
“It was quite a shift from teaching at the university level to helping immigrants. Here you have to have good heart.”
Ciobanu says Li certainly has that. She remembers the very first time she met him. She had just started at TIES and had not brought any lunch.
“I was sitting in the lunchroom, just sitting there with no food, and Kevin said, ‘You didn’t bring any lunch? Here is a banana for you.’”
“I think he’s just a kindhearted person.”
Li is also a passionate and patient instructor. As a full-time instructor with LINC, he teaches three to four semesters every year.
He has helped an estimated 1,000+ students over the years — from all over the world.
“After 20 years, I think I’ve taught students from more than 60 countries,” he points out.
Li is extremely proud of his students. He has seen some of them go onto very successful careers.
“It’s really a rewarding job. I’ve been helping so many students in need in Canada.”
A need, he says, that goes far beyond just learning the English language.
“I don’t think my role is only teaching English. You have to play much more roles — not only teaching. Sometimes my role is as a parent. Sometimes as a counsellor. Sometimes as a facilitator.”
“I don’t take it as simply a paycheque. It’s very important in my life.”
“Kevin is a very very dedicated employee,” Ciobanu agrees.
“He is hard working, very caring. Takes this fatherly approach when it comes to dealing with clients. He brings more than just teaching. He guides our students. He teaches them how to live in Canada.”
Ciobanu adds that includes embracing the “beauty of Canada.” Li is an avid hiker and loves to get outdoors.
He also loves gardening. Helping the plants at TIES — along with his students — grow.
“I very love Mr. Li. Mr. Li is really good teacher. Mr. Li an experienced teacher,” current student Nesrin Akgul says gushingly.
“Thank you for everything. We love you. We love Mr Li.”
Li has seen many changes over the past two decades — within the organization as well as with the English language programs in Canada.
He says he believes many of those changes are for the better, and he’s looking forward to the future.
“I’m not done yet,” he laughs. “I still have some gas left in my tank. I can go a few extra miles.”
Additional information:
https://www.immigrant-education.ca/learn-english/linc
Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:
Tomasia DaSilva
Media and Relationship Strategist
Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca
Phone: 403-291-0002
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