I first began teaching during my Peace Corps service in Costa Rica from 2007-2009. I taught weekly two hour English classes to 10-15 high school students and adults twice a week for two years using a nationally accredited language learning program.
From 2009-2011 I participated in the International House Tutoring Program in New York City. Within this program I spent two hours a week assisting a 7th grade Harlem student with his math and reading homework. I also helped him to prepare for math tests, essays, and high school entrance exams. I am currently substitute teaching as an ESL and Spanish teacher within the Alexandria City Public School System.
I try to teach as much as possible within the target language. When soliciting responses I give my students a few seconds to think of the answer, then I give some hints in the target language, then I give some hints in the student's native language, and then I provide the student with a correct answer. In my first few sessions I will likely try out a variety of different teaching techniques in order to determine my students' preferred style of learning. I also like to spend some time talking to my tutee's parents or care-takers so that I can have advanced knowledge of the student's strengths and weaknesses. My past tutees and their parents have described me as being thoughtful, creative, positive-thinking, and patient.
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