My name is Thomas, and I have been teaching French and English as a Second Language for about 15 years. I love languages, and I have always said, "if there is a job that I do better in my life, that job is teaching." I am really gifted with languages; I am patient, helpful and detail-oriented. I began teaching English and French in the Democratic Republic of the Congo when I was 18 years old. I taught in schools of languages where people learned how to speak English and French. Additionally, I offered private English and French lessons at homes and work places. I had also taught the two languages in different high schools before I moved to the United States.
In the United States, I taught French for two years at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am currently hired with the City Colleges of Chicago where I tutor English as a Second Language (all levels), English Grammar, English Reading Comprehension, Integrated Communication, ACT, COMPASS, TOEFL and French (all levels). In addition to teaching and tutoring, I translate official documents and texts from French to English and vice versa. At last, I assist people as an interpreter in the immigration offices or in courts.
As for my education, I received a Diploma of English as a Second Language from the University of Kinshasa after three years of intense instruction. I also have a bachelor's degree in French and cultural studies with a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before I forget, I also graduated in Latin and Philosophy from EPELIMA High school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Above all, I hold a master's degree in French studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My background, my education and my experience shaped me and made me a great instructor and tutor today.
I like working with people from age 10 and up. I know those little secrets that help students or other professionals learn English or French as quickly as possible. I can help you with your learning in speaking, writing and reading comprehension. I am very skilled with both English and French grammar. I can show you in a professional way the mystery behind sentence structures, verb tenses, use of punctuation (fragment, run-on sentences), active or passive voices, direct and indirect speeches, if clauses, subject-verb agreement, verb tenses agreement, and much more.
Why wait! To find out more about my scaffolding method and my communicative teaching approach that made hundreds of students, professionals and travelers happy and successful, schedule a session now with me (Thomas M.). Give it a try and you will smile. I offer one-on-one sessions at my regular price, and group sessions at a reduced price. Besides, you can also arrange a telephone, a skype or an online session with me. Good luck in your learning and see you soon.
Thomas M.
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