About
Hello and welcome to my profile! :) I believe the combination of my education background, teaching experience and living overseas experience makes me the perfect choice for a teacher/tutor.
My education background is a Bachelor & Masters degree in Spanish and Foreign Languages. I have taught Spanish at Portland State University, Portland Community College, Lewis & Clark college, and Catlin Gable School over a 10 years period.
I have lived and studied in Argentina and Spain. I have been working as an English language assistant in public and private schools in Madrid, Spain. Besides my teaching at school, I have done private tutoring for both English for Spanish students and Spanish for American and English expats.
I am also a National Board Certified Spanish/English medical & legal interpreter. I used to work as an interpreter along with my teaching and tutoring job. I was given the award for Interpreter of the year for Oregon in 2016.
I have got the TEFL ( teaching English as a second language) certification which enables me as a teacher. I learned about lots of different teaching methods, lesson plans that are appropriate for the level of each student, and learning styles that you can incorporate for teaching any language.
It has helped me to teach my students either Spanish or English in a learning style that is particular to that student. I believe that there is not just one method that works for everyone!
I really enjoy teaching and am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with you!
Katrina :)
I provide professional service to all my clients based on their needs and age group. I do my best to see them progress and I really enjoy seeing them achieving their goals of learning Spanish. It is a win win situation!
Highlights
Specialties
Current reading level
Current speaking level
Writing level
Reading and writing goals
Speaking goals
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
brian R.
stacy R.
Tanya M.
Nahal S.
Greg K.
Rachel S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I would like to do an initial interview to find out about my student's level and experience and to know about their goals. Based on that information, we can fit the lessons accordingly to get the maximum result.
I use online materials, videos, games, screen sharing, pictures, etc. for my lessons and give assignment as homework to the students. I usually do a review of the previous lesson to make sure that the student has understood the material before we continue to the next lesson. I go with the pace of students since their learning speed is different based on their language skills and level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor and Master degree in Spanish & Foreign Languages. I also have TEFL certification and am a National Board Certified Spanish/English medical interpreter.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always loved teaching and right after I graduated from college, I started to teach as a Spanish instructor at Portland Community College and later at Lewis & Clark College, Portland State University and Pacific Univercity.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students age 10-55 helping them with home work, tests, etc. My adult students are usually the ones who want to learn English for their job or for traveling purposes or just for hobby.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my student who was learning Spanish because she was traveling to Argentina told me that her trip was amazing. She was able to talk to locals and have a conversation which made her trip much more fun and was able to experience the language and culture!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that you ask the right questions and that the teacher has experience and good reviews.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How long the teacher has been teaching, what is their teaching style, what is their education and training, and what degree and certification do they have.