Get to Know HFC: Roger Frank believes an “indirect path” can be a great teaching asset

Before joining the HFC faculty, ESL instructor Roger Frank worked as a pizza cook, an advertising production assistant, and a literacy tutor.

“As in much of life's journey, the path isn't always straight. The crooked lines and detours make life interesting!” said Frank. “I started my career in education as a volunteer literacy tutor. My student was an English as a Second Language learner. I thoroughly enjoyed helping him learn the language. I later began learning Spanish as a second language and quickly became aware of the challenges of learning a new language as an adult. I became fascinated with second language acquisition theory and pedagogy, so I decided to change careers and become a teacher.”

An alumnus of John Glenn High School, Frank earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. During his pursuit of his bachelor’s degree, Frank also completed coursework at Schoolcraft College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

“I attended other schools because, like many college students, issues arose that prevented me from having a direct path from start to finish,” he said.

Inspired to teach at a community college

Frank earned his master’s degree from Wayne State University and his K-12 teaching certificate. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA while working full-time, which was no easy feat. Frank completed additional coursework in a Spanish/English translation program at Marygrove College. He lives in Detroit with Kim, his wife of 23 years.

“I taught at the middle school level and also taught adults in a community education program,” recalled Frank. “While those experiences were exciting for different reasons, I was inspired to teach at the college level because I really like teaching the age range of students who attend college. I was also inspired to teach at a community college because it is accessible to people who want to improve their lives through education. I lived in Dearborn when I was younger and it’s a great community.”

ELI is the “best teaching team I’ve ever been involved with”

Frank has been teaching at the college level since 2017. Previously, he taught at the University of Detroit Mercy before joining HFC as a part-time instructor in 2018. He has been full-time since 2020 and reports to HFC English Language Institute director Molly McCord.

“Roger possesses a multitude of skills and qualities that make him a wonderful teacher and colleague,” said McCord. “As an instructor, he's approachable, engaging, creative, and extremely well-organized. These are all important traits for a teacher of English language learners. As a colleague, he is thoughtful, collaborative, reflective, and dependable. Perhaps most important of all, Roger is a kind and empathetic person. The ELI is fortunate to have him.”

Frank enjoys working with his ELI teammates.

“My colleagues in the ELI are exceptional people,” he said. “They are experts in their craft and willing to share their knowledge and collaborate on projects. They are absolutely the best teaching team I've ever been involved with.”

Student success is his success

Frank enjoys teaching all kinds of classes.

“The classes are unique, and I enjoy teaching all levels from beginner to advanced. Every semester there is something special in each class,” he said. “The best part of teaching at HFC is seeing the growth and success of my students as they learn the English language and American culture. Language and culture are intertwined, and learning a language is so much more than grammar and vocabulary.”

Frank continued: “I always tell my students that their success is my success. My students continually impress me with their courage and determination to succeed. They are my inspiration to improve my teaching. Quite simply, I love my students. The teaching and learning process in the ELI at the College is a beautiful thing. I am truly blessed to be here.”