Jordan Van Horn ’09 is a Virtual Educator for the U.S. Department of State. In this role, she teaches classes and develops programs for students taking classes at U.S. Embassies worldwide. Her most recent projects have been in Senegal, the Central African Republic, and Angola. Additionally, she works with international students as a college consultant.
Jordan developed an interest in this field while studying neuroscience at Wake Forest University, where she interned with a professor researching language and cognition. Under her mentorship, Jordan discovered the TESOL field (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She went on to earn a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University, and managed one of the largest adult English as a Second Language Programs at LaGuardia Community College in New York City. During this time, Jordan also worked as an adjunct professor, wrote state and federal grants, and published contextualized workforce curricula for ESL students. After moving to the Washington, D.C. area two years ago, she began working for the State Department.
Maryvale had a strong impact on Jordan when she was a student. She credits Maryvale with helping her cultivate a strong work ethic and enthusiasm towards learning. The small class sizes and care of her teachers enabled her to develop into a self-driven student. As a result, Jordan was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and the It’s Academic team. She enjoyed other extracurricular activities, including serving as stage manager for the plays and participating in several art competitions and National History Day.
Jordan’s favorite Maryvale memories include after-school hangouts in the Breathe Room, Ring Dance, and getting lost in the hedge maze!
Jordan’s advice to Maryvale’s students today: “Try everything! Much of what I’ve been able to do has been because I’ve said yes to new opportunities. Being open to new experiences has broadened both my world and career.”
