Ona Barry Seaney

Ona Barry Seaney is a Senior Lecturer at Southern Methodist University (SMU), specializing in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) sections of Writing and Reasoning courses. Her work focuses on supporting international students through language acquisition and composition pedagogy. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and has co-edited Criteria: Discernment and Discourse Reader and Guide, a textbook featuring student-written essays and communication tools.

Education:

• M.A. in Literature, University of New Mexico

Her research and teaching interests include second language acquisition, rhetoric, and curriculum development. She has contributed annually to a teacher’s manual for the Criteria program, emphasizing practical instructional strategies. Notable recognitions include the Laura Devlin Award (2010-2011) and membership in academic honor societies Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta.

In advising and grants, she has shaped SMU’s ESL curriculum and fostered student success through culturally responsive teaching. Her efforts reflect a commitment to bridging global academic communication needs.