George C. Adams

George is a Spanish Lecturer in the World Languages and Cultures Department at UNCW, specializing in teaching ELE (Español como Lengua Extranjera) to novice and intermediate students. He focuses on guiding learners through their early stages of language acquisition, using engaging, interactive methods to build strong foundational skills in Spanish. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical communication, cultural immersion, and building student confidence as they navigate the complexities of language learning.

With expertise in Spanish sociolinguistics and phonetics, George brings valuable insights into linguistic variation and second language acquisition. His diverse personal interests, including African cichlids, sighthounds (Italian greyhounds and whippets), scuba, chess, painting, and gardening, often inspire his creative approach to teaching.

A lifelong learner, George is currently studying both Mandarin Chinese and Swahili, always seeking new ways to enrich his understanding of languages and cultures. He is eager to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that enhance the student learning experience.

Education

M.A. in Spanish, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2014
B.A. in Spanish, North Carolina State University, 2012
A.S. in Funeral Service Education, 2008

Specialization in Teaching

George specializes in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) to novice and intermediate students. His expertise lies in fostering language acquisition through immersive, practical communication techniques that focus on real-world application. George incorporates elements of Spanish sociolinguistics and phonetics into his lessons to deepen students' understanding of language variation and usage. He is particularly adept at helping learners build confidence and fluency in their foundational stages of Spanish.

In line with ACTFL's 5 C's of language learning—Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities—George emphasizes the importance of not only developing linguistic skills but also cultural competence. His teaching approach ensures that students connect their language learning to real-world contexts, draw comparisons between their native language and Spanish, and engage with diverse communities to reinforce their language skills.

Professional Service

George has been actively involved in various professional service roles within the field of language education. He frequently collaborates on curriculum development projects aimed at enhancing the teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) for novice and intermediate learners. George has contributed to several departmental initiatives focused on integrating technology and innovative teaching methods into language courses, ensuring that students receive a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

As a member of the Cape Fear Foreign Language Collaborative (CFFLC), George works with fellow language educators to promote best practices and share resources in the field of foreign language education. His commitment to professional development and his contributions to the academic community reflect his dedication to advancing language education at UNCW and beyond.

Honors & Awards

He was one of only ten instructors from the U.S. and Canada selected by Tía Tula Language School in Salamanca, Spain, to receive a scholarship for attending a DELE certification session for Spanish instructors.