The IEP encourages active student participation. Each teacher is responsible for establishing a caring and stimulating environment which lowers the affective filter and allows students to actively and fearlessly practice a multitude of linguistic structures. Teachers are mentors who focus on meeting the needs of students, thereby ensuring academic and personal success both in and out of the classroom.
Wilkes teachers are hired for their expertise in the field of ESL, their cross-cultural sensitivity, and their unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of the IEP’s students. Teachers use the curriculum to maintain structure and consistency across the board, but are allowed individual freedom and control within the classroom. Personal teaching philosophies heavily influence the shape and structure of individual classes, and teachers are encouraged to utilize their personal pedagogical outlooks to best meet the needs of the students.
The objectives and teaching practices at Wilkes are dedicated to providing exemplary services to assist all the IEP’s students in achieving academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. It is our goal that the language skills and learning strategies students learn in our program remain with them from their initial transition to college through their progress to postgraduate studies and into their professional careers.

Dr. Kimberly Ann Niezgoda
Director IEP/Program Coord
Intensive English Program
130 South River Street 203kimberly.niezgoda@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4170

Mrs. Domicella Balice
Intensive English Specialist
Intensive English Program
Hollenback Hall domicella.balice@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-3854


Cheryl L. DeFrain
Intensive English Specialist
Intensive English Program
Conyngham Hall cheryl.defrain@wilkes.edu




Mrs. Natasha A. Young
Intensive English Specialist
Intensive English Program