Capital Region Language Center
About
We started in 2003 as a Spanish language school for children and adults and have grown to teach several world languages in-person and on-line since those early years. We have an amazing staff of nearly 20 teachers between the two language schools (Capital Region Language Center and Empire State English). We're locally- and woman-owned and are really passionate about teaching and learning. We have organized our curriculum into 20-hour units, have carefully chosen our teaching resources, and would love the opportunity to talk with you about your goals to be sure this is the right program for you.
Teaching someone a new language is like watching someone learn to ride a bike. It is incredible when that first sentence comes out and sounds like the new language! Language-learning is about more than just learning a language, however. It's about gaining confidence, having the discipline to study, garnering the courage to use the new language, and being willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Our teachers take pride in their languages and cultures and love to share that with their students. You can hear it in their voices!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We like to start with a phone call. Language-learning is a very personal experience. For some people a small group is great. For others, one on one learning is a better fit. Some students are absolute beginners, others took language classes 20 years ago in middle school, and still others grew up with the language being spoken around them, but they never learned any grammar. We have helped thousands of students, but in order to suggest the right program, it is important that we chat first.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm Kim, the founder and director of the language schools. I am a certfied Spanish and English teacher. I lived in South America for four years and have lived and worked in diverse cities in the United States. I only work with teachers who embrace the culture and philosophy of the language schools. All of our teachers are native or near-native speakers of the language that they teach, and they have all had teaching experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes and no. We have standard policies, but we teach adults and children, group and private, on-line, in-person, at your business or organization, etc. So, it is best that we start with a conversation. Once we understand the situation, we can share all of the necessary details.
How did you get started teaching?
During my graduate program in education, I fell in love with teaching math, science, ESL, and, eventually, Spanish. With a staff of nearly 20 teachers, however, each teacher has their unique story. Best of all, our instructors act as facilitators. They let you do the speaking and practicing while they guide you. You can learn more about your prospective instructor here: https://crlcalbany.org/teachers/
What types of students have you worked with?
Wow. All types:
adults
children
tweens and teens
college-aged
absolute beginners, false beginners, all levels through advanced
specialized language courses for travel, educators, lawyers, etc.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask questions about the following:
teacher's language-learning and teaching experience
how long teacher has been working with language school
what makes this particular teacher special, or why does he/she stand out as a great educator
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How many hours per week am I willing to study?
What else will I do outside of class to make the language-learning experience more complete?
Am I in this for the long haul, or is this just a passing phase?
What type of learner am I?
What will I need to feel successful?