About
Students receive dedicated attention at learning either English or Spanish, and we have fun while doing so!
I like to see "the light bulb go on" when my students realize they've learned something new or are proud of themselves at something they accomplish in my classes.
Details
Current reading level
Current speaking level
Writing level
Reading and writing goals
Speaking goals
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Andrea G.
Tiffany M.
Shawvan B.
Sherri B.
Brandi H.
Jennifer E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Provide orientation and assess current language skills... also just getting to know the student personally.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
8 years of Spanish in high school and college. Won a scholarship to study in Mexico and lived with a host family for six months. Also I've been a private tutor of Spanish since 1988.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, I charge $40 for a 90 minute session each week. After about 7 weeks my students are reading in Spanish.
How did you get started teaching?
I am a certified instructional designer since 2005, but started designing and delivering training back in 1990 in mortgage banking, then I switched to teaching safe best practices in the hospital environment and got certified as a healthcare interpreter as well. I have always still been a tutor of Spanish on a part-time basis on the side since 1990.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with youth as young as kindergarten, to middle and high school students, to adult learners (even some seniors). All are capable of learning the Spanish language at any age, and I find each age group uniquely enjoyable.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently co-chaired a 4-month leadership training program for my sorority (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) which was a program for women of color in the DC area trying to run for public office. All 24 women just graduated from the virtual program (due to COVID, but normally is in person) on 05/15/2021 in spite of a pandemic! I have also teach the leadership module of this program (since 2014), and am one of the original instructional designers of the program since it began. I enjoy and have a lot of experience at teaching leadership development and I also like to training on Cultural Diversity & Inclusion.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you pick someone with whom you can have FUN while learning the language. An instructor with experience and skills will know how to keep their students engaged. Also stay committed to and be patient with yourself while learning a foreign language. It takes time (pace varies per person), but the rewards are immense!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I have two hours per week to spare to commit to studying Spanish and/or immersing in Latino cultural activities?
Do I have an urgency to learn Spanish? (I have a trip planned to Mexico coming up soon)
Do I have technical skills on the computer so that I can navigate online platforms like Zoom, MS Teams, etc.?
How did I do in English class and was that fun for me or torture? (much of what you learn in Spanish will be technical like learning English)
Would I have the opportunity(ies) to apply the Spanish language so that I can maintain what I do learn? (teach in a school with many Latino children, part of a Latino community/church, visit Latino establishments, etc.)