Dr. Lyudmyla Ivanyuk

For Dr. Lyudmyla Ivanyuk, teaching is a profession that helps others improve the quality of their lives. “My experiences as an international student, a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky, and currently Assistant Professor of Education at Trinity Christian College have widened and deepened my understanding of teaching and learning. I consider teaching to be a privilege and a pleasure. My personal and professional commitment is to enrich the lives of my students.”

She considers teaching to be a privilege and a pleasure. “I set high academic standards for myself and for my students. I would not be where I am today without the help of others, many others, who have believed in me and demonstrated what it means to go the second mile with me.”

Ivanyuk began her career as a teacher in her native Ukraine. “I taught English and other related subjects to undergraduate Ukrainian students. During these years I had the first opportunity to visit student conferences in Germany and observe some professors from Europe and the USA. These exposures made me realize how much emphasis was put on memorization and regurgitation in my university and how little was done to help students become critical thinkers. Deep in my heart, I dreamed of being immersed in a professional environment where the focus was on applying a critical thinking approach in teaching.”

In September 2008, she had the opportunity to study abroad. “I was offered a Christensen Scholarship for International Students grant at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. This scholarship enabled me to work on a master’s degree in the United States.” There, she met people who became her mentors, and some of them spent countless hours guiding and refining her growth as an English learner, professional, and person. “Those experiences further ignited my desire to grow as a literacy professional.” 

What drew her to Trinity:
Her Christian worldview and perspective align with Trinity’s mission. “As an educator, my purpose is to serve others and provide high-quality instruction. In helping my students grow as literacy learners and culturally responsive teachers, I also demonstrate my respect and commitment to support and guide them through every step.”

As a model for her students, Ivanyuk is committed to learning their personal stories, creating a positive community of learning in her classrooms, making people and relationships her first priority, helping others develop self-awareness and sensitivity to the needs of others, showing extraordinary respect for her students and colleagues, and doing her best to meet the needs of others. “I wanted to be part of an academic community where these aspirations are related to the larger and deeper purpose of God’s work – spreading God’s love and Gospel, as He called us to do. My desire is to be part of a Christian community that helps me continue to grow in my faith and Christian perspective on learning.”

Research interests:
Ivanyuk’s work focuses on literacy and culture among English language learners. “In particular, I am interested in investigating everyday language and literacy practices in schools and communities, as well as the preparation of teachers to teach multilingual learners.”

When she’s not teaching:
Ivanyuk enjoys reading, hiking and visiting new places.