FACULTY

Andres Gonzales | Nancy Paolini | Kristi Ridgway | Frances Schulze | Brandon Smith | Amy Sobel

Kristi Ridgway has been teaching English as a Second Language conversation, reading and writing courses at College of San Mateo since 2002 and began as a full-time faculty member in 2005. She teaches mainly ESL reading and writing courses, and her specialty is teaching ESL composition. Kristi regularly teaches in the Writing Center and, in fall 2006, launched the first small-group Grammar Workshops for ESL students in the Writing Center. In addition, she has been involved in developing Learning Communities (linked courses) and promoting the ESL Department’s supplemental courses, such as Grammar Review, Accent Reduction and Spelling Improvement. Kristi strives to create a safe and friendly “community” in her classroom; she welcomes new and returning students to join her classes to improve their English and make new friends.

Kristi received her master’s degree in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) from the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University. Since 1996, she has taught English composition and ESL courses in a variety of colleges and universities, including Canada College, Ohlone College, and Foothill College. She also taught beginning English conversation to adults during the year that she studied Russian language and literature abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia. Kristi also has several years of professional reporting and editing experience at various newspapers including the Los Angeles Times and the Contra Costa Times. Not surprisingly, Kristi loves teaching, writing, reading and traveling. In her free time, she stays active by gardening, trail running, and adventure racing. She and her husband had their first child -- a healthy baby girl -- in February 2007.