Having lived overseas for 25 years in Togo, W. Africa, Switzerland, Belgium and Ukraine, and having an MA in Intercultural Communications and a second MA in TESOL, I demonstrate my experience and expertise in teaching. As a teacher, I have also traveled and taught in Bulgaria, Honduras, Mongolia, Mexico, Germany and France, giving seminars to teachers. I have been home in the United States for the last 12 years and was the department head of American Indian College Learning Resources. It was my responsibility to test, place and teach classes in TESOL, remedial Math, Composition, and Intercultural Communications. Four years ago, I began teaching at the Arizona Language Institute here in Phoenix. Since this school is closing in November, I will continue directing an Adult Language Literacy Program at Cortez Imagine in the evenings, and will consider private tutoring.
I have studied 7 languages, and have my Arizona Adult teaching certificate. I have been certified through CELTA of Cambridge in Nova Scotia. Therefore, I'm well aware of language learning difficulties by personal experience! My first class with a new student is one of evaluation in his/her skills of comprehension, fluency in speaking, and the ability to read, and write. I believe in total immersion into language - learning as much as possible without translation, and with the use of a variety of techniques, visuals and materials in the presentation of a lesson. "Much student talk and less teacher talk" is encouraged! Each class is tailored to the needs and interests of the student. After this is determined, correction and growth in the English language will follow an underlying program of strengthening existing foundations of individual skills.
Having said all that, let me conclude by saying I love to teach! And if you truly want to learn...I will put tools in your hands, and it's up to you -- our adventure in the English language will be rewarding!
A heavy accent in one's native language is of concern for many companies hiring employees, now. I have experience in working with many business people to help them recognize their problem areas, and have given them the tools to reduce their accent. If this is your concern, please contact me.
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