Prof. Irena Mira
My journey into education began in Poland, where I grew up as the oldest of five siblings. I discovered my passion for teaching early on while helping my younger siblings with their homework. I would often create a small classroom environment at home, take on the role of teacher, and guide them through lessons—finding great fulfillment in watching their confidence and understanding grow.
At the age of 18, my family immigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunities. At the time, I did not speak English, and the transition was both challenging and transformative. I began working in a factory, but remained determined to build a better future for myself. With a strong sense of purpose, I committed to learning the language and pursuing higher education.
After earning my teaching degree, I achieved my goal of becoming an educator. Although I had originally intended to work in a high school setting, I began my career at Luzerne County Community College as a part-time ESL instructor—a role that proved both meaningful and formative. As a faculty member, I recognized a growing immigrant population in northeastern Pennsylvania and an increasing need for expanded English as a Second Language instruction. It became clear that the college could do more to support this community.
In response, I developed and launched the Academic ESL program. Since its implementation, the program has supported numerous students in strengthening their English language proficiency and achieving academic success at LCCC and beyond.
I was appointed Chair of ESL in 2018, and following the merger of the English and ESL departments in 2025, I now serve as Chair of both. In this role, I teach courses, supervise and collaborate with faculty, recruit and mentor adjunct instructors, oversee course scheduling and faculty assignments, and manage a wide range of departmental initiatives and responsibilities.
• Certified English as a Second Language Instructor
• Associate Degree from Luzerne County Community College
• Teaching Degree from Bloomsburg University
• NISOD EXCELLENCE AWARD
• NISOD Excellence Award for Teaching Excellence
• TESOL
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, a strong sense of purpose, and the support of key people who believed in me along the way. Coming to the United States without knowing English taught me early on that growth requires resilience, patience, and determination. I learned to view challenges as opportunities and to stay focused on long-term goals, even when the path was difficult.
Education has been central to my journey, but equally important has been my commitment to continuous improvement and my willingness to take risks—such as pursuing higher education while working full time and later transitioning into a new professional field.
I also owe a great deal of my success to my late husband, who was my biggest supporter. His encouragement and belief in my abilities gave me strength during some of the most challenging moments in my academic and professional journey, and his support continues to inspire me today.
Finally, I attribute my success to my passion for education and my belief in its transformative power, particularly for immigrant and non-traditional students. That belief continues to guide my work as an educator and leader.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to stay focused on purpose rather than obstacles, be patient with myself, and appreciate the journey along the way. I was also encouraged to be grateful for small things, not compare myself to others, and to recognize and celebrate progress as it happens. Early in my career, while balancing learning a new language, working, and pursuing my education, these reminders were especially meaningful. I was advised to remain grateful for opportunities, even small ones, to challenge myself when possible, and to take risks when growth required it. At times when I felt uncertain, I was reminded that comparing my path to others would only distract me from my own progress.
That advice has stayed with me throughout my professional life. It has helped me stay grounded, resilient, and motivated through challenges and transitions. It also shapes how I support students today. I encourage them to stay positive, be patient with themselves, value their progress, and take advantage of opportunities to challenge themselves and grow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say the goal of any teacher is to inspire students, to serve as a role model, and to help them understand that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Nothing in life comes easily, but if you have a clear goal and you are willing to work hard, those two elements can carry you a long way.
It is not enough to simply have a dream or a goal—you must be willing to put in the effort consistently, even when the path is challenging. That is what I try to communicate to my students: anything is possible when you commit yourself fully and stay focused on your purpose.
When it comes to advice for young women entering this field, I would encourage them to believe in themselves, stay resilient, and not be discouraged by obstacles or comparisons to others. Be patient with your growth, take advantage of opportunities, and do not be afraid to challenge yourself. Hard work, persistence, and confidence in your abilities are key.
Ultimately, I believe that character, work ethic, and determination form the foundation for success in both teaching and in life.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is meeting the increasingly diverse academic, linguistic, and social needs of our student population, particularly in ESL and first-generation college learners. Many students are balancing work, family responsibilities, and education, while also navigating language barriers and academic expectations. Ensuring they receive the appropriate support to be successful requires flexibility, collaboration, and continuous innovation in teaching and program design. Technology also presents important opportunities, particularly the growth of artificial intelligence in education. AI has the potential to support personalized learning, provide additional practice and feedback for language learners, and assist instructors in developing more responsive and engaging course materials. When used thoughtfully, it can enhance—not replace—the role of the instructor and improve student learning outcomes.
Overall, while the challenges are real, I see this as an exciting time in education, with meaningful opportunities to improve access, strengthen instruction, and better support student success and upward mobility.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, and friendship. My faith is the foundation that guides my decisions, gives me strength during challenges, and helps me stay grounded and grateful.
My family is also central to who I am. They have supported me throughout my journey, and I deeply value the importance of staying connected, loyal, and present for the people I love. My late husband, in particular, was my greatest supporter, and his encouragement continues to shape my outlook on life and work.
Friendship is equally important to me, as I value genuine relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual support. I believe that meaningful connections enrich both personal and professional life.
