About
My strongest assets are: 1) my deep knowledge and natural talent for seeing the logic within language and between languages-this greatly helps the students understand and remember vocabulary better and understand the logic of the grammar. 2) I have spent more than 16 years abroad communicating with non-English speakers. 3) I really enjoy working with people and that is reflected in the atmosphere and attitude in the lessons.
I love teaching for two main reasons: 1) because I love spending time on language and understanding it more deeply and seeing all the relations between languages, both in vocabulary and logic, and seeing the way different cultures view things in life their unique way and how it is reflected in their language. 2) because seeing people grow, learn and be able to do something that previously they were completely unable to do is something amazing and magic to me.To see someone go from understanding nothing as I speak to them in the language I am teaching them to being able to understand and produce in it 45 minutes later is amazing!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first ask why they want to learn English or other target language. I then figure out what their focus is: general, speaking, grammar, interviews, etc. I deduct their level and then present to them what I think the best way to help them is.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a strong background in language: a diploma in Russian language, 5 years of college latin, 4 years of college French and lived in Moscow teaching English for 15 years, and 6 years in USA teaching English, Russian and Latin.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
It depends on number of lessons per week, but it is about $25 for a 60 minute lesson, and $35 for a 90 minute lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I had studied Russian in college and after my father invited me on a trip on the Volga river in Russia, I then decided to move to Moscow and teach English. I then stayed for 15 years, taught, socialized and got to know Russia well. I traveled to almost 25 countries during that time.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with Russian speaking students from age 5 to 75! I have worked with them from many countries including Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Israel, Ireland, and others.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Our family had a big gettogether for Christmas, and it was very warming and nice. Everybody was wonderful to each other.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the teacher is experienced and has taught the target language and already gone through a lot of the language aspects and how to teach them, otherwise the teacher has to figure out how to teach new aspects while he or she is teaching you. Better to already be experienced at it. Secondly, does this teacher LOVE this language. If so, then he or she will teach it with great interest and passion, if not he or she will not be so interesting to study with.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your purpose for studying this language? How much time, energy and interest do you have for studying?
Do you know what kind of teacher you think you will work well with: grammar focused, conversation oriented, or other?