Wes Eby, [email protected]
Jean Zukowski/Faust, a longtime member of CETC, succumbed to a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer on July 17, 2006. Her impact on the TESOL field as well as TESOL, Inc. is undeniable. While she is greatly missed, her influence will continue in the lives of the countless students and colleagues she has touched.
Jean was a rock-solid supporter of the Christian Educators in TESOL Caucus (CETC). When I served as chair of our fledgling group, she advised us as we petitioned to become a caucus. With her help, we succeeded, and part of that success was Jean's. Later, when she served on the Board of Directors for TESOL, she was liaison to the caucuses. As our champion, she encouraged CETC with attendance and words of affirmation.
I first met Jean in the mid-1970s when she was elected to the Arizona TESOL (AZ-TESOL) Board of Directors. Early on I realized that Jean was an ESOL educator with extensive knowledge, rich experiences, and a caring heart. Her insightful contributions to the board were well-received and greatly appreciated. Her ongoing involvement with AZ-TESOL spanned three decades, most notably as newsletter editor.
Jean received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin in 1966. She earned a master's in ESL from the University of Arizona in 1973 and a doctorate in applied linguistics and English education from the same institution in 1978.
Dr. Zukowski/Faust's distinguished 42-year career began in Turkey, where she taught English at three institutions from 1964-1971. Going to the University of Arizona in 1972, she taught in the English Department for 12 years before moving to Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1984, where she was professor in the English Department. Although she taught a variety of courses, her special interest was teaching ESL and bilingual education. From 1990-92 while on leave from NAU, Jean was associate director of the U.S. Peace Corps in Poland, for which she was awarded the Medal of Honor from Poland's Ministry of National Education.
Jean was a skilled communicator. Her presentations at conferences and workshops attracted large audiences. I remember rooms overflowing and attendees disappointed they could not get inside to see Jean in action. She was known for practical ideas that were research-based. Her sense of timing, her knowledge of the audience, and her charming wit engaged the listeners. Her ability in public speaking, which so captivated people, really reflected her gift of teaching. Jean, of all educators I've known, was a teacher par excellence.
I will also remember Jean for her perseverance, especially when her illness sapped her strength. Her resolve, however, never waned. Attending TESOL 2006 in Tampa was a physical strain on Jean, yet she attended. She participated. She networked. She shared. And, above all, she taught.
Jean, for me, epitomizes everything TESOL represents—a passionate advocate for those learning English as an additional language. Whether teaching and sharing, writing and editing, administering and advising, Jean excelled. Dr. Zukowski/Faust is a wonderful model for anyone desiring to devote his or her life to the TESOL profession.
Founding chair of the CETC, Wes Eby recently retired and now lives in Lake Alfred, Florida. A member of TESOL for 39 years, Wes has actively participated at all levels, including as TESOL's parliamentarian for the past 15 years and as associate chair of the TESOL 2001 convention in St. Louis. In 2001 TESOL honored Wes with the James B. Alatis Award for outstanding and extended service to the organization.