Please join us in congratulating Cyndie-Lea Wang in her new position with OLS Bellevue College as our Instruction and Student Success Program Manager. Cyndie-Lea has been an instructor with OLS for the past 6 years, teaching courses such as Environment and Our Community, Learning Strategies, and Cultural Awareness, and she is excited to bring her expertise to her new role.
Prior to joining OLS, Cyndie-Lea taught Special Education for the Bellevue School District for 5 years after spending one year as a Paraeducator. She holds a Masters in Chinese History from Nanjing University and a Masters in Teaching from City University. She began her teaching career as a substitute, and, after finding Special Education to be the most rewarding part of that experience, received a Special Education Endorsement from Seattle Pacific University.
Cyndie-Lea found a place at OLS after attending an OLS Information Session. She immediately knew she wanted to be a part of the program, and wrote a letter to the associate dean expressing her interest. One year later she interviewed for a position as an instructor and has been with OLS ever since.
“I love watching 4th year students talk about their journey at Senior Presentation Night,” she says. “As first years they couldn’t see their potential, and it’s wonderful to see how we helped them see it and pursue their dreams. It makes everything worthwhile.”
In her new role, Cyndie-Lea will be working directly with OLS students to help them overcome barriers and succeed in the program and their courses, including revised education plans and additional assistance. She will also work with instructors on curriculum, teaching, and building continuity through their courses, and she will run the Learning Lab on Wednesdays for students who need extra time outside the classroom to study and complete projects.
“I’ve been the Learning Strategies instructor for the last 4-5 years, so I can bring some of those strategies such as time management, organization, prioritization, and study skills to the student success role to help students succeed at OLS,” she says. “I look forward to the day when students just stop by to say hello; they don’t need me to help them study anymore, they can handle it. Really I’m trying to work my way out of a job,” she adds with a small laugh.
Last Updated November 12, 2019