FACULTY

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

Nancy Paolini, who has been a full-time instructor at College of San Mateo since 1988, specializes in teaching English as a Second Language reading courses. Nancy also teaches individualized reading and vocabulary courses in the Reading/ESL Center, and she has been involved in the development and coordination of the Center. Students who take Nancy’s reading classes will increase their vocabulary and comprehension skills as they read high-interest materials on a wide variety of topics.  The goal is to become a more efficient reader and a more informed, curious person.    

Nancy received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Reading from the University of Southern California.  Her undergraduate degree in English is from California State University, Sacramento, and her ESL Certificate is from California State University, San Jose.  In addition, Nancy has completed several University of California, Santa Cruz extension courses focusing on second language learning and teaching.  She has experience as a reading specialist in an elementary school and has worked with middle and high school students.  From 1981-1988, Nancy taught a variety of native and non-native reading and writing courses at Foothill College.  Nancy has traveled in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific and hopes to continue exploring the world.  She enjoys vegetarian cooking, aerobics and yoga, live theater, and volunteering at a local animal shelter.  She loves animals--especially her own amazing and entertaining cats.