Dia Language Arts

Initial meet and greet includes assessment to determine language level and determine target goals. We will work on strengthening deficiencies and setting new goals whether your goal is stregthening English/Spanish writing, speaking, listening skills for academics or testing, passing the TESOL test, or conversational and job language skills.

I have a Comparative Literature degree from The University  of Chicago.  Teaching experience and expertise includes English as a Second Language instructor at Truman Community College (One of the City Colleges of Chicago), High School English Language Arts and Film Theory teacher, and Spanish private tutoring.  I also taught various level online courses of Business English with Rosetta Stone.

Special 45 minute introductory assessment $45. 

Beginning/Beginning Middle Level ESOL or Spanish classes $30 per hour/$16 for half hour

Advanced Middle/High Advanced ESOL or Spanish classes $40 per hour/$22 for half hour

Middle/Advanced English Literature and English Writing $50 per hour/$27 for half hour

To guarantee your scheduled class time, payment is to be received upon booking.  Cancellations less than 24 hours carry a 50% fee and credit is applied to the next class. Special packages for multiple pre-paid, pre-scheduled classes, ask for details.

I got started with teaching when I worked in the Shed Aquarium's Education Department.  I would assist the educators with their presentations and dissecting classes.  It was so much fun seeing the students' joy at the learning about marine life and animals.  Now as a teacher, I feel rewarded when my I see that "aha moment" in students' faces and when they achieve their learning goals.  Teaching is so rewarding.

I've taught English as a Second Language to foreign students who aspire to take college level course, or brush up on their English/Spanish skills from chefs, auto engineers, airline technical associates, executives, and moms/dads who want to help their kids with homework. I've taught ESOL high school students, core and honors English, as well as multi-level Film Theory courses to students from many parts of the world.

A recent event I am fond of is attending the restaurant grand opening of an ESL student, Tony.  Tony earned a scholarship to attend chef school in the U.S. and through hardship and  sacrifice received his diploma and attended English classes to integrate into the culture learn the language.  He is now a highly successful restauranteur and chef.  I am so proud of him.  I am also proud of the leaps and bounds language skills growth of my high school students throughout the school year and see the joy in their faces when they can achieve the tests and coursework with their English language skills.  Native English speakers also thrive in their high school and college classes with their analytical and critical thinking skills or advanced writing skills learned.

The advice I have for a student wishing to master any language, whether foreign or native language, is that it takes practice and patience.  Hard work and perseverance do pay off.

Before talking to a teacher about their needs, students need to know themselves very well.  Self-reflection is key. Think about your learning style and be honest and truthful with yourself about your learning strengths and weaknesses.  Think about these questions: What do I wish to get out of the class?  How hard am I willing to work? What are my goals? What is a realistic time frame to achieve my goals?