About
I'm a native Spanish speaker. Born and raised in Mexico City. I started teaching English as a second language at an elementary school while continuing studying college. I obtained a degree in Marketing. Additionally, while studying to complete my MBA degree, I worked as a Teacher assistant in college. I was responsible for helping on the preparation of online and presential classes, select and put together class topics for various classes and extension courses. I served as a teacher substitute and provided turoring and counseling to college students. I had the opportunity to study my MBA. Additionally, I provided English classes to executives who wanted to improve their English business knowledge and presentation skills in English, which included how to use power point to support their presentations.
My first job in US was as an account executive in a Hispanic advertising agency. One of my biggest responsibilities was to approve all the Spanish communication that was going to be aired on TV, radio and print. I worked on Spanish translations and adaptations, since literal translations do not communicate the same message to Spanish speakers.
Presently, I am a mother of a 10 year old kid. I've been volunteering at his school and also I've provided Spanish classes to some of his peers.
The advantage I have is that with my professional background and deep knowledge in my native language, Spanish, I can work with different audiences and be very proficient presenting and preparing my classes accordingly to their language level and needs.
I like to interact with people. I feel satisfaction when I can help other people reach their goals and feel that I am part of their progress. I like preparing my classes and enjoy the time I spend with kids, teens, young adults or professionals, since I also learn from them as well.
Reviews
Shahin O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have an interview with the parent is he/she is a minor to find out what are the areas they would like to see some improvement or if they have specific interests (learning the language, prepare them for a trip, improve their Spanish language grades at school). Then I'd like to interview the minor to find out what are his/her interests so we can prepare the topics with the inclusion of one of his favorite characters, as an example. Maybe the kid learns more by interacting with him or by watching videos or by repetition. Even I like to use different styles of learning, I like to personalize my materials.
In case of an adult, I like to have an interview to know and understand the expectations he/she might have. Some teens, or college students might need to improve their grades and might have specific topics are more complex and need either to understand the functionality of a gramatical part, or use, etc. While some other students might just need to practice and learn sources that help them improve their pronunciation/fluency, etc.
With profesionals that need to improve their Spanish business language I make an interview to find out the interest for him/her to take the class. Their expectations might go from preparing themselves for a business class to learn a specific lingo used within their business industries. Other need it to improve their Spanish because they might have to interact with hispanic personnel or attend hispanic clients.
In order to help me understand the amount of work that I need to prepare for each class, I also ask for the number of times we could meet a week and the duration for each class.
After understanding the client expectations I like to present them with a learning plan as well as the cost for the course or classes.
Then I open myself for questions and answers.