WEEKEND En Español®
About
I have my own materials and methods, developed over 50 years of experience with students of all ages and levels. It's very personal, effective, professional. We don't use a textbook per se, but rather materials that have you speaking right from the first day and help you develop better and better self-expression over time.
I love seeing each student finding his or her own way to grasp the language and learn to communicate what is important to them. Each student is different and makes my work interesting and challenging. I've been doing this for over 50 years, so I feel I can work with any kind of student who presents himself/herself, and that is both fun and satisfying. I still have contact with many former students who now speak fluently and use their Spanish in their work or daily lives, which thereby enriches my life too! You can see my website at www.weekendenespanol.com, email me at [email protected], or call 415-923-0754. Gracias por tu interés!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start with conversation to assess their level and identify strenghts and weaknessess, and pick materials pertinent to their needs. We move through the grammar and tenses over time, with assignments and worksheets, but class is always on a conversational and personal basis.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Masters in Romance Languages from UC Berkeley, and have worked in both public and private schools, from pre-k through graduate school, for 50 years. I started my own school, WEEKEND en español, in 1988, and have been working independently since then.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, private lessons are $85 per hour, or $1150 for 15 hours. Group Classes are $250 for 4 classes that meet for 1.5 hour per week. The classes are all through FaceTime or Zoom during the quarentine. All the WEEKEND Workshops, Retreats, and trips to Mexico are suspended until group meetings and travel become possible. Call for corporate or large group pricing.
How did you get started teaching?
My first full-time teaching job was in 1969, at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, where they were implementing many innovative instructional ideas, and I was invited to participate.
What types of students have you worked with?
Young children, middle school students, high schoolers, college and graduated students, and many adults of all ages and levels. I halso do some specialty courses for medical Spanish, and have done numerous corporate contracts for individual companies in a variety of industries, and also police forces.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a trip I plan for participants who want to experience the very special perspective on death in Mexico. It is playful, colorful, celebratory, respectful, and lots of fun!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think about what you think you need and want so you can explore those with your instructor. Reflect on any prior experiences you've had with learning a language, to see if you can identify anything that worked well for you, or didn't.
Come to class with an open mind. Sometimes what you think you know about how you learn may not be accurate. You will discover new ways of thinking about language learning.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Besides the comments above, let the instructor know if you have a specific goal or deadline in mind, or what your timeline is. If you have a special interest or purpose for learning the language, try to identify specific things you need to know in that area and the instructor often will be able to tailor-make the lessons for your interests.