Leola Solis is a bilingual Tongan-English speaker and has over 20 years of classroom experience teaching a plethora of courses within the areas of English as a second language, Linguistics, and English composition. In addition to her teaching experience, Leola has consulted and assisted secondary and university institutions with curriculum development and distance learning projects. Her primary interests include discourse analysis, phonology, and second language teaching, specifically in the listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills area. She holds a master's degree in TESOL from Hawaii Pacific University.
EDUCATION
M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (May, 2014)
(With Distinction/GPA 4.0)
Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, USA
B.A. in English (December, 2001) with a minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers
of Other Languages).
(With overall GPA 3.3)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
ACADEMIC HONORS
Faculty Award for Outstanding Citizenship (January 2021)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Faculty Recognition for 2017 – 2018
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Faculty Recognition for 2016 – 2017
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Trustee’s Graduate Scholarship (September 2012 – May 2014)
Hawai‘i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, USA
‘Imi Na’auao Scholarship (September 2012 - May 2014)
Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, USA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) Co-Director (Fall 2025)
Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) Associate Director (Winter 2023 – 2025)
Brigham Young University Hawaii, La’ie, HI, USA
Develop, organize, and facilitate workshops and book clubs to encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Participate and help facilitate the colloquium classes. Observe teachers and provide feedback.
English Language Teaching and Learning (ELT) Associate Professor (Fall 2024 – Present)
English Language Teaching and Learning (ELT) Assistant Professor (Winter 2015 – 2024)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Courses taught: Intermediate and advanced level EIL (English as an International Language) listening, speaking, reading, writing, and pronunciation courses, LING 260 Phonology, LING 210 Introduction to Linguistics
Language Tutor (June 2024 – Present)
La’ie, HI, USA
Provided one-on-one tutoring in accent reduction and developed personalized lesson plans.
ELT Scholarship Committee Chair (Winter 2023 – Present)
Brigham Young University Hawaii, La’ie, HI, USA
Work with the ELT coordinators and the dean in making decisions for awarding scholarship funds to students each semester.
ELT Program Director (Sept 2018 – April 27, 2021)
Brigham Young University Hawaii, La’ie, HI, USA
Administrator of the ELT program under the authority of the Dean. Responsible for creating and organizing course assignments for EIL and TESOL courses. Involved in budget and administration of the financial affairs of the program. Maintains records for both faculty and students. Leads program meetings where policy or curriculum changes are discussed and voted on.
EIL Coordinator (July 2016 – April 27, 2021)
Brigham Young University Hawaii, La’ie, HI, USA
Create and organize class schedules, semester calendars, program test dates, course test dates, new student testing, etc. Create, inform teachers and students, and enforce EIL policies such as, test benchmarks, engagement grades, new student and end of semester placements, etc. Organize monthly program meetings.
Distance Learning Curriculum Developer (Fall 2015 – Fall 2016)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Collaborated with BYU-Idaho to develop an online English language course at the Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid-level for both BYU-Hawaii and BYUI’s distance education ESL program.
Distance Learning Curriculum Developer (Winter 2015 – Summer 2015)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i (BYUH) La’ie, HI, USA
Worked with a team to develop an online English language course (English Connection) for Brigham Young University Hawai’i’s distance education ESL program.
English as an International Language Special Instructor (Fall 2002 – Fall 2014)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i (BYUH) La’ie, HI, USA
Planned lessons and instructed students in the Intermediate and Advanced level ESL (English as a Second Language) listening, speaking, reading, and writing courses. Taught students English from Asia, the Pacific, South America, Europe, and Africa. Assisted students in their English communication skills through guided and controlled individual and group activities. Prepared lessons, tests, quizzes, and finals for evaluation purposes.
Research Assistant (Fall 2013 – Spring 2014)
Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, USA
Listened to recordings provided by the Discourse Analysis professor and transcribed specific request sequences using conversation analysis symbols.
Teaching Assistant (Winter 2013 – Spring 2014)
Hawaiian Studies Program (BYUH) La’ie, HI, USA
Supported the Hawaiian language instructor in daily classroom activities. Taught the 2 hr and 10 minute Hawaiian class for a 2-week period while the instructor was on family leave.
Assessment/Program Goals Developer (Winter 2014 – Fall 2014)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i (BYUH) La’ie, HI, USA
Worked with a team of five to develop new program goals, course goals, and formal forms of assessment for each of the courses being taught at BYUH.
English Department Adjunct Faculty (2006 – 2013)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i (BYUH) La’ie, HI, USA
Prepared lessons and lectured freshmen of different cultural backgrounds on literature prepared specifically to develop skills in critical thinking, writing, speaking, and reading. Instructed students on the rules to using the MLA (Modern Language Association) format when writing a research paper. Created formal and informal forms of assessment.
Distance Learning Curriculum Developer (2010 – 2011)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i (BYUH) La’ie, HI, USA
Worked with a team of five to develop an online English language course, with the focus on writing, for Brigham Young University Hawai’i’s distance education ESL program.
Distance Learning Curriculum Developer (2010 – 2011)
Brigham Young University Idaho (BYUI)
Worked with a partner to develop three English language courses, with the focus on reading and writing, listening and speaking, for Brigham Young University Idaho’s distance education program.
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Maloney, J., Solis, L. (2025, March 18-21). An ecological perspective on faculty practices to support multilingual students. [Conference Session], TESOL 2025 Convention, Long Beach, CA, United States.
Scanlan, T., Solis, L., & Wright, V. (2024, April 20-21). Integrating ESL vocabulary instruction into an accounting class. [Conference Session]. CLESOL 2024 Exploring new skills and knowledge through language, Wellington, New Zealand.
Scanlan, T., Solis, L., & Wright, V. (2023). Integrating ESL vocabulary instruction into an accounting class. TESOL Communications.
Wallace, A., Mapu, M., Solis, L., Konno, M., Wong, L., & Wan, H. (2023, March 21-23). Combining language learning and leadership: Implementing sustainable peer assistance programs. [Conference Session]. TESOL 2023 Convention, Portland, OR, United States.
Wallace, A., Solis, L., Mapu, M. (2023, Feb. 9). Peer Assistance Programs: An EIL Model Panel Presentation and Collaborative Discussion [Panel Presentation]. FAC Forum, Brigham Young University Hawaii, La’ie, HI, USA.
Solis, L. (2022). Teaching and assessing writing using a triage approach. TESL Reporter, 54(1& 2), 93-105. https://esw.byuh.edu/00000186-a9f3-d5de-afc7-ffff04040001/solis-teaching-pdf
Solis, L., Wallace, A., & Mapu, M., Shek, E., & Tobon, A. (2021, November 17-20). Talk-in-Interaction: Pedagogical Implications and Interventions Within Second Language Peer Tutoring. [Conference Session]. CRLA 54th Annual Conference: Legacies; Futures, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States.
Solis, L. (2021, September 22-25). Tongan SLL’s Pronunciation Problems in the English Language [Conference Session]. 2021 Tongan Research Association (TRA) Conference: Fatakifonua: Sustaining Our Fonua in All Times and Spaces, Laie, HI, United States.
Solis, L., & Wright, R. (2020, February 15). Teaching listening: cultivating motivation through group quizzes [Conference Session]. 2020 Hawaii TESOL Conference: increasing motivation, accelerating language learning, Honolulu, HI, United States.
Solis, L., Wallace, A., & Mapu, M. (2019, October 30 - November 2). Talk-in-Interaction: efficacy of tutoring strategies in peer tutoring. [Roundtable Session]. CRLA 52nd Annual Conference: Les Bon Temps Celebrating Success, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
Solis, L. (2017). Classroom activity: responding to compliments. The Word, 27.1. Retrieved from http://www.hawaiitesol.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Word/2017%20Sept.pdf
Solis, L. (2017, December 2). Conversation analysis: check yourself. [Conference Session]. 5th BYU-H TESOL Mini-conference, La’ie, HI, United States.
Solis, L. (2016, January 19). The allegory of the yam [BYU-HI Devotional Talk]. https://speeches.byuh.edu/devotional/the-allegory-of-the-yam
Solis, L. (2015, December 2). Why this now? Is there sequence in talk? [Conference Session]. 4th BYU-H TESOL Mini-conference, La’ie, HI, United States
Solis, L. (2015, February 19-21). Supporting deep learning for international students. [Conference Session]. BYUH Symposium on Learning and Teaching: Fostering Deep Learning, La’ie, HI, United States
Solis, L. (2014, February 15). An analysis of agreement and disagreement in small group discussions and a comparison to its teaching in ESL textbooks. [Panel Discussion]. 2014 Hawaii TESOL Conference: Weaving Language and Culture, Honolulu, HI, USA
Solis, L. (2014, February 15). Triads: approaching student writing from different angles. [Poster Session]. 2014 Hawaii TESOL Conference: Weaving Language and Culture, Honolulu, HI, USA
Solis, L. (2014, February 7). An analysis of agreement and disagreement in small group discussions and a comparison to its teaching in ESL textbooks. [Panel Discussion]. HPU’s AL Talks: From conversation analysis to the teaching of second language and culture, Honolulu, HI, United States.
CONSULTATIONS and MENTORING
Filipino Chapter Faculty Advisor (2023-2024)
Brigham Young University Hawaii, Laie, HI, USA
BYU-Idaho Tutoring and Mentoring (October, 2022)
BYU-Idaho, Rexburg, ID, USA
Collaborated with Amanda Wallace, Maryann Mapu and some of our EIL tutors with Seth Robbins of BYU-Idaho in October 2022. Met with BYU-Idaho administrators, teachers, tutors to assist with issues BYU-Idaho is facing with their second language learners and lack of university support.
Liahona High School (November 6-10, 2018)
Liahona High School and Havelu Middle School, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Consulted with a CES representative from NZ and participated in training Tongan Middle School English teachers at Havelu Middle School. Interviewed BYUH TESOL Alumni students in Tonga. Led a workshop at Liahona High School for English teachers on different teaching practices that work in the Tongan environment.
Self-Reliance (October 3-7, 2016)
Liahona High School and Saineha High School, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Met with school administrators and all English teachers at both locations to explain EIL policies. Provided EIL data of new student placements for Tongan students. Presented ideas and resources to improve weak skill areas informed from the data provided. Met with newly accepted BYUH students at Liahona and Saineha for a Q & A.
Student Mentor for Seidai Yamada (Spring 2016)
Reading Writing Center (RWC) (August 2013)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Presented in a workshop on what a teacher’s expectations are for tutors in the Reading Writing Center (RWC). Introduced an activity that increases student use of RWC resources.
SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED
TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo (March 24-27, 2026)
Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo (March 18-21, 2025)
Long Beach, CA, United States.
CLESOL 2024 Exploring new skills and knowledge through language (April 20-21, 2024)
Wellington, New Zealand.
TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo (March 21-23, 2023)
Portland, OR, United States.
JALT Conference (November 11-14, 2022)
Fukuoka International Congress Center, Fukuoka, Japan
CRLA 54th Annual Conference: Legacies; Futures (November 17-20, 2021)
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
18th Biennial Tonga Research Association Conference “Fataki fonua: Sustaining Our Fonua in All Times and Spaces” (September 22-24, 2021)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
Hawaii - TESOL Conference: Increasing motivation, accelerating language learning (February 15, 2020)
Honolulu, HI, United States.
CRLA 52nd Annual Conference: Les Bon Temps Celebrating Success (October 30 - November 2, 2019) New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
Hawaii - TESOL Conference: Serving Hawai’i’s English Language Learners, (February 16, 2019) Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
2019 Professional Development Workshop on Learning Assessment Presented by Monica Stitt-Bergh, Ph.D (February 11, 2019) Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo (March 27-30, 2018)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo (March 21-24, 2017)
Seattle, Washington, USA
CLESOL Community Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (July 13-17, 2016) University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
ELC (English Language Center) Assessment Visit (May 1-3, 2016)
Provo, Utah, USA
ACTFL Certification Workshop (June 1-4, 2015)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i, La’ie, HI, USA
TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo (March 26-28, 2015)
Toronto, Canada
HALT Conference (April 12, 2014)
University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
AL Talks: “Pronunciation” (March 7, 2014)
Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, USA
TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo (April 2002)
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER WORK
Tongan Research Association (TRA) Committee Member (2020-2021)
HALT Conference (April 12, 2014)
University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
Assisted with the set up of equipment, chairs, tables, and signs at the beginning of conference. Helped with collecting ballots and surveys during registration. Kept time during lectures, and aided in the break down of equipment, chairs, and tables at the end of conference.
Jonathan Napela Center (2012 – 2014)
Laie, HI, USA
Volunteered services during the Iosepa canoe launch. Collected BYUH student data and started up a database for students enrolled in the Hawaiian studies program. Participated in constructing review questions that corresponded to the program’s goals. Assisted the Hawaiian language teachers with classroom activities.
Moanikeala Hula Festival (PCC) (January, 2013)
Laie, HI, USA
Assisted at the festival by putting signs up at specific locations. Guided hula groups to their assigned location. Answered guest questions pertaining to the festival’s order of events.
California, San Fernando Mission (February, 1999 – September, 2000)
San Fernando, California, USA
Dedicated 20 months to volunteer work in California. Visited the sick and cared for the afflicted. Volunteered at hospitals and clinics. Taught life skills using the English language to many people of different backgrounds, in different circumstances.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English and Tongan
Nuku’alofa, Tonga (1977 – 1994)
Born and raised in Tonga. Attended and graduated Liahona High School. Have fluency in both the Tongan and English language in the written and verbal forms.
Hawaiian
Hawaiian Studies Program (1997 – 1998, 2012 - 2014)
Brigham Young University Hawai’i (BYUH) Laie, HI, USA
Completed two years in the Hawaiian Studies Program studying and learning Hawaiian.
Assisted Hawaiian language teachers with class lessons and activities.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Have knowledge in the following areas:
Audacity (Audio recording and editing)
Canvas (Discussion boards, grade book, creating tests, etc…)
COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English)
Google (creating web sites, using Google docs, etc…)
iMovie (video production and editing)
Lextutor.ca (concordances, AWL, Vocabprofile, etc…)
Microsoft Word (track changes, comments, reference management)
Pages (creating newsletters, pamphlets, etc…)
Skype
Loom
Zoom
