About
I have seven years experience teaching ESL. I am known for patience and encouragement, and for creating lessons that are engaging and useful, tailored precisely to your needs and goals. These can include any combination of listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar. For someone whose main goal is to interact with other people, for example, I will emphasize speaking and listening. For a student who needs professional English, I focus on grammar, reading and writing skills. I offer homework designed to provide practice where you need it. I have a wide variety of materials to draw from at every level, and I work hard creating lessons just for you. You will be surprised at how quickly you progress!
I have a TEFL certificate from the Boston Language Institute ,I have current clearances from PA child abuse, FBI and criminal background check.
I love interacting with students from all over the world, learning about them and watching them progress.
Highlights
Reviews
Irina 2.
Max 2.
Lujy 2.
Chen 2.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We will first decide on a time and place to meet and price. Through conversation I assess the student's level and goals. This begins usually through texting and continues when we first meet. If the student has an academic orientation, I might give them a grammar test on first meeting, to identify what they need to work on. This could also be done on-line in advance of meeting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate from Boston Language Institute, and some on-line professional training in best methods.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I ask between $25 and $35 per hour, depending on how many lessons a student signs up for in advance, and how far I have to travel. For example, I currently charge $25/hour if student signs up for 8 lessons and $35 per hour for 4 lessons (price might be a little higher if I have to travel more than 20 minutes or lower if the student comes to me). However, if after 1 or 2 lessons at the higher price, the student decides to sign up for 8 lessons, I will reduce the price of both past and future lessons, so the student is paying the lower price.
How did you get started teaching?
I took the TEFL class, and began teaching some Cambodian immigrants in my neighborhood. Shortly afterwards, my husband and I moved to Costa Rica, where I taught individuals from high school students to adults. When we returned to the US in 2008, I began teaching classes, and later individuals.
What types of students have you worked with?
In the US, immigrants from all over the world. Some are new to the US, working in low paying jobs, and want to improve their speaking and listening skills needed at work. Others are already fluent and want to perfect their speaking and writing. Most are in between--they can communicate quite well, but want to improve their listening, speaking and grammar so they can speak better English.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find the person whose experience and methods best match your needs.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are their language goals; how much time they have for lessons, and how much for homework; and how much they are able to pay.