Carolyn ESL
About
I work with students who are learning about the Language to make conversation, read and write in English. I want to also fascilitate learning about the culture, going shopping, making medical appointments, becoming a citizen, filling out forms, or applying for jobs and college.
I have also worked with students who know the language, but need help with reading and writing.
I have been teaching English for more than 30 years in different educational programs. I have a Masters in Education and took a Certification for ESL at the Literacy Assistance Center. I am also trained to do the Best Plus 2 exam. I aslo received training for the Civics Exam, and therefore have a lot of material for the Citizenship exam.
I love being able to help a student progress with their language skills and get a job in their field; an a male adult who got a job as a mechanic with American Airlines, a woman who was able to speak to her doctor in English, instead of using an interpreter, get to a higher level in English, apply to get their GED, or get into college. I also feel very gratified, when a student can help another.
Another important thing for me, which gives me pleasure, is having a atmosphere, where the student is at ease. This is especially true with adults who are more insecure than children. it could be a simple greeting, providing a snack, or making a game with students to practice what they know.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I meet and speak with them to answer questions and make decisions. If we work we’ll, we continue.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a teacher for about 35 years. Although the last several years, I have taught mostly English as Second Language to adults, I have taught Spanish, and I was Bilingual Spanish elementary school teacher in my earlier career.
I am seeking work as a tutor for either English, or beginning Spanish.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
It’s $ 35 for 45 minutes and $40 for 60 minutes. I am willing to lower the price for 2 or more times a week. If I need to travel outside the city, like Long Island, or New Jersey, I would need to charge more for transportation.
How did you get started teaching?
When I was an undergraduate I decided to become a teacher. I had to minor in Education and choose a major, at Hunter College. My oldest sister, whom I admired, was a Kindergarten teacher. My first experience, was as an Aid or Assistant Teacher at Montessori school in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I was born and lived before attending college. I helped children, and in the morning I worked solely with a retarded 3 year old child. That paid experience before college was the most moving experience in my life. The boy could not sit still initially, but by the time Summer came, he was sitting at snack time, and playing with blocks and puzzles, much like the other children.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked mostly with foreigner who need help with English. The ones who speak Spanish, I am able to help more. My last Private student was from Japan. He knew the grammar and how to speak, but just needed practice. I would bring articles, which we would go over and converse about. I saw him for almost ten months.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I don’t have a recent event, but when I was teaching, I decided to have students perform. One student sang the song, Hello, from his computer, and other students did dialogues. He encouraged the other students to sing along, which was great! He was very relaxed and a great singer!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would say to indicate what area of English you need help wth; reading, speaking, listening or writing. I have worked with English dominant students who needed help with composition or grammar.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They need to know their strengths and weaknesses, what areas they need help with. They might know the language, but don’t always understand idiomatic expressions. They might just need practice with writing, or answering questions.