Her scholarly interest in teaching English as a Second Language began when she taught in East Africa. She is continuing this international comparative education focus with research in Belize and Thailand. Mary Jo Skillings is a Professor and Chair of Language Literacy and Culture at California State University in San Bernardino. In addition to her research interest in English as a Second Language, she is an author of several award-winning children's books. © Copyright rests with authors. Please cite TESL-EJ appropriately.