Bonjour !
My name is Catherine, I am from Paris, France, and I have been living in the US for 7 years.
I always loved languages, and studied several of them (I have a Master's Degree in English, Spanish and a BA in Japanese). Learning languages and meeting people from all around the world through my studies and travels, I realized that what I wanted to do was sharing my knowledge of a language very close to my heart, my own : French ! So I finalized my University cursus with a Master in Teaching French as a Foreign Language, right before I moved to America seven years ago.
I have been tutoring foreign languages since my first year at the University, back in France, and I have been teaching French as a foreign language ever since I arrived in the United States.
I teach in different structures : Language School, Tutoring Agency, my own students, one-on-one or group settings. I teach all levels : it ranges from real beginners to High School students preparing AP exams, to very advanced students needing to perfect their French skills or maintain them. I adapt my teaching techniques to the student's profile and needs : traditional, communicative, conversational, in English, or entirely in French, or half-half... I use both the students' material and my own material that I have been building up since I started teaching French.
While teaching, I also worked as a method trainer in a language school for six years here in California. I was recruiting teachers, training them on the school's teaching method, monitoring them and ensuring the school's customers' satisfaction on the pedagogical side. The school provided me with an ongoing training in teaching techniques.
I do believe that being a native speaker of a language does not necessarily make you a teacher of that language. Experience does matter, as well as knowledge and reflection on your own language. I am constantly making research on my language, whether it is in phonetics, accent reduction techniques, etymology, grammar mysteries, linguistics, funny facts, its intertwined history with English, etc.
French can be challenging at times. Most students really need consistency in studying and reviewing. I have a lot of patience and always keep an encouraging attitude. I have been through that learning process before, when I was a language student myself !
I usually end up following my High School students until they graduate, and most of my adult students are still taking lessons after 5 to 7 years.
I hate being late, so I make it a point to always show up on time at my student' place, and I make myself available to the parents for feedback.
I can tutor in Riverside County, where I reside, and in Orange County, where I currently teach.
Whether it is for educational needs or just for pleasure, I would be more than happy to bring my French language and culture to new students !