CIEP Spotlight: Jaime West
From Service to Innovation: A Journey Shaped by Curiosity and Community
Growing up in a small Iowa town, Jaime never imagined that a simple after‑school project would shape the course of her entire career. When a group of migrant families moved into her community, she and two friends stepped in to help Spanish‑speaking elementary students learn English , an experience that sparked her passion for language teaching and set her on the path that eventually led her to UNI’s Culture & Intensive English Program (CIEP).
That early spark grew into a lifelong commitment. In college, Jaime studied abroad in Mexico. That transformative experience inspired her to major in Spanish and earn her teaching certificate. After teaching high school Spanish for a year, she felt drawn back to working with English learners. That decision brought her to UNI, where she completed her M.A. in TESOL and began her long journey with the CIEP. She started as a tutor, then became a graduate assistant, and eventually grew into her current role as Academic Support Specialist.
My favorite part of the job is interacting with new people, whether they are new students, teachers, or G.A.s
Teaching With Heart and Humor
Today, Jaime teaches English courses and oversees the CIEP curriculum. This fall, she is also offering a new online beginning‑level English workshop — a project she began developing over the summer. Over her years at UNI, she has taken on many responsibilities, including mentoring instructors, advising students, teaching academic courses, designing immersion programs, and developing specialized English classes in areas such as business, environment, and learning strategies. Each role has expanded her expertise and deepened her connection to the program.
For Jaime, teaching is as much about connection as it is about language. She shared that the conversations she has with students, teachers, and graduate assistants remind her why she chose this profession. She especially enjoys the moments of misunderstanding or cultural confusion that led to laughter, deeper conversations, and meaningful learning about language and culture. These interactions, she said, are often the most memorable and rewarding.
Growing Through Innovation and Global Perspectives
Jaime’s career at UNI has been defined by constant growth. No two terms have ever been the same, and she has learned to continually adjust her teaching style to meet the needs of diverse learners. Topic‑specific classes have required extensive research, and her new online English course has challenged her to explore new technologies and digital teaching methods. She shared that regardless of how long she has been at UNI, she is always learning new ways to teach and support students.
When asked why international education matters, Jaime offered a thoughtful perspective: “We do not know what we do not know.” She explained that every culture, place, and person brings unique ideas and experiences, and international education creates opportunities to learn from one another. Even after nearly 20 years of working with international students, she continues to learn from each one.
The misunderstandings and mistakes that happen are some of the best times because we often get to laugh and have conversations about it
Advice for New International Students
Jaime encourages incoming students to get involved — meet people, ask questions, and participate in activities through the Office of International Engagement and across campus. The more engaged they are, the more they will grow. With so many opportunities available, she encourages students to explore, try new things, and find experiences that resonate with them.
