Biography
Professor Kozlenko knew she wanted to learn and know foreign languages when she was
still a child. She feels lucky to have found her vocation early in life, and cannot
imagine herself in any other profession or field of study. Because she is a second-language
learner herself, she identifies with her students, and that has helped her become
a better language teacher. When her students succeed, graduate and continue their
education, Professor Kozlenko considers her students’ achievements as her achievements.
Professor Kozlenko joined HCCC as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time faculty
member in 2008. She has taught every level and discipline in the ESL program, as well
as English Composition. Professor Kozlenko constantly updates the ESL Level 4 curriculum
to better serve students. She created Accelerated Learning ESL sections to assist
partially ESL exited students take content courses, such as College Composition I
and Speech. Professor Kozlenko was also the driving force in the creation of the ESL
Proficiency Certificate.
Professor Kozlenko has served on various college committees, attended and presented
at conferences such as New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages,
and National Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Best Practices Conference,
and writing symposiums. Her most recent honor is the 2020 National Institute for Staff
and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award.