Leader Teacher in Writing

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Ms. Gjika has taught native speakers and ESL students for over 15 years at Boston University, Rutgers University and Kean University in the U.S., at Asia Pacific International University in Thailand, and at MAIA since February 2011. Her background in studying foreign languages (she is fluent in English, Albanian and Italian with moderate Russian and French language skills) and teaching in multi-cultural settings help her relate to her international students at a more personal level. At MAIA, Ms. Gjika has developed and teaches electives like Literary Translation, Tales of Childhood, Girlhood, and Boyhood, and American Perspectives among other classes across the curriculum. Currently, she is also a Visiting Lecturer in the English Department at Framingham State University.

Ms. Gjika is also a writer and translator. She is the author of the book of poems, Bread on Running Waters (2013) and translator of Kosovar poet and playwright Xhevdet Bajraj's Slaying the Mosquito (2017) and We Fall Like Children (2018). Her translation from the Albanian of Negative Space by Luljeta Lleshanaku published in April 2018 by New Directions in the U.S. and Bloodaxe Books in the UK was Poetry Book Society’s Recommended Translation.

In her free time, Ms. Gjika enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, working out at her local Crossfit box, watching movies, and experimenting with cooking.

 

Credentials:
Boston University, MFA in Creative Writing, Poetry (2011)

Boston Language Institute, TEFL Certification (2003)

Simmons College, MA in English (2003)

Atlantic Union College, BA in English (2001)

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