Susan Spezzini

Susan Spezzini is a Professor of English Learner Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), School of Education. She serves as Program Coordinator of K-12 Single Subject teaching fields and Co-Principal Investigator for federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). Her career spans over 20 years as a teacher educator in Paraguay and the U.S., with expertise in linguistics, ESL curriculum design, and pronunciation pedagogy.

• Education:
  • B.A. in Linguistics, UC San Diego (1973)
  • M.A.T. in Teaching German, UC Berkeley (1975)
  • Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (ESL), University of Alabama (2002)

Her research focuses on preparing educators for English learners, pronunciation assessment, and systemic support for multilingual education. She led the Fulbright Scholar project Enhancing the Efficacy of English Language Educators in Paraguay (2021-2023), resulting in a globally accessible 55-chapter book. Her recent publications analyze mentoring systems, phonological processes in non-native teachers, and family engagement strategies.

Scientific Awards:

• Faculty Diversity Award (2013)
• Outstanding Faculty Mentor (2012)

Spezzini teaches graduate courses in phonology, culturally responsive instruction, and global community engagement. She has conducted professional development for over 4,000 educators across the southeastern U.S. and Latin America, and holds leadership roles in TESOL International Association and regional affiliates.