Accent Sherpa/Eikaiwa Nashville
About
Hello English learners! I love helping students develop new skills that enable them to be more successful in their life in the US. I've been working with ESL students from around the world since 2002, and have taught over 10,000 lessons in English conversation and pronunciation.
Often when English learners come to the US, they are disappointed because the English they learned in their country doesn't work in the US. This is mainly due to a different understanding of English sounds, as well as the way Americans connect (link) words together. Learning these skills can make a huge difference in how well your English works in America. Let me help you!
I am a certified ESL Teacher and Accent Coach.
As students begin to master English sounds, they often become more confident about communicating. This increased confidence leads to positive experiences with Americans and other English speakers, and can be life-enriching. Watching students become more skillful at English conversation is very satisfying. Students often experience a different "English" version of themselves, who is more free to express new thoughts and ideas than they may in their native language.
One of the most rewarding experiences I've had professionally is listening to before and after audio recordings of students who have worked with me. For some students, the difference in pronunciation is amazing!
You can learn more about my educational history and background at eikaiwanashville.com or at https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisi-cleveland-53a22175
Photos and videos
Reviews
Yoshi
M
Masaki
Xiaohui
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I do an initial audio recording to capture your baseline pronunciation. For most students, during the first four months of weekly lessons, I will help you understand the three main areas of pronunciation training: phonemes (sounds), linking and reduction, and rhythm. I use an original curriculum that is provided with lessons. After the initial four months of learning the foundation for spoken American English sounds, you can continue to practice your new pronunciation habits with me in a low-stress environment. This practice can involve a focus on conversation, reading or textbook work, depending on your needs and interests. When you get used to new pronunciation habits, you will be better understood by your American friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor's degree in Education from Texas Woman's University, a Texas teaching license, TESL certification from Tennessee Foreign Language Institute (Now Tennessee Language Center). I am a certified Accent Coach through the Institute of Language and Phonology.
How did you get started teaching?
As a child, I lived in Japan and studied Japanese. This kick-started my interest in learning about people from around the world and their cultures. I became interested in teaching when I was in college. At first, I taught family and consumer sciences in a Nashville middle school. Later, I moved back to Japan to teach English in the public schools there. I began to specialize in accent reduction about fifteen years ago, when I noticed that for many non-native speakers, unclear pronunciation is a key problem in communication.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have mostly worked with Japanese speakers from age 4 to 65, but I have also worked with other Asian students, European, African, and Central and South American students. Interestingly, many non-native speakers have the same problems with American certain vowel sounds.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Many students don't appreciate the importance of pronunciation training until they arrive in America and cannot be understood by native speakers. This is a very frustrating experience! You have studied, perhaps many years, and now people here can't understand you?! Well, it is possible to make your English work better--but it takes time. Accent reduction generally takes a minimum of 4-6 months of weekly lessons, and often students benefit from one or two years. If you want to make your English work better in the US, be ready to make this time and financial commitment.
ESL teachers usually receive little training in teaching pronunciation. Pronunciation coaching is a specialized field, and it's best to hire a knowledgeable person with a lot of experience.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Is my accent causing problems communicating with Americans? Am I having trouble understanding native speakers? Do they have trouble understanding me?
2. Do I have the time and financial resources to commit to this process?
3. Am I willing to change the ways I use my lips, teeth and tongue to pronounce English differently?
4. Do I want to experience successful work and personal relationships with native English speakers?