I hold a BA degree in Modern and Classical Languages, having focused on French, Spanish, and Old English and a Minor in Journalism and Communications. I also held a double-major for three years in Astrophysics (Astronomy) and French, meaning I use both sides of the brain easily and foster critical and creative thinking in my learners. I have a strong math background. I have lived, studied and worked three years in French Canada. While there I studied sociology, communications, theology,...
I hold a BA degree in Modern and Classical Languages, having focused on French, Spanish, and Old English and a Minor in Journalism and Communications. I also held a double-major for three years in Astrophysics (Astronomy) and French, meaning I use both sides of the brain easily and foster critical and creative thinking in my learners. I have a strong math background. I have lived, studied and worked three years in French Canada. While there I studied sociology, communications, theology, religious anthropology. I also lived and worked in Mexico and Venezuela, functioning solely in Spanish and Italian.
My extensive teaching and tutoring experiences span more than 25 years. Some of these include: Literacy Volunteers of America, Tutoring and teaching with the Franciscans in religious education and academics, six years of teaching as a Certified Educational Assistant in three Public and 2 Parochial school districts in two states, all subjects for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, including Special Education and Bilingual Education classes.
In Up with People, part of my year abroad in nine countries was teaching Practical Conflict Resolution and Stereotype Awareness (created and taught from experiential curriculum). Home-schooled children have benefited from my support as a Tutor in Art, Math, Science, and Language Arts. I also taught French part-time for a home-school association. Later I would teach 7th through 9th graders beginning Spanish at a parochial school in Colorado. In Nov. of 2017 I was inducted into The National Language Service Corps in service to my country in French and Spanish during times of need and crisis as a volunteer.
I have chosen to tutor because I love helping others believe in themselves by learning techniques and study habits towards knowledge and self-improvement, helping wisdom grow within! So, let me help you broaden your horizons and expand your mind with simple but thorough study techniques and tutoring.
Learning and sharing are what I enjoy most. Foreign language and multiculturalism are in my blood. I lend my passion, skills, talents, education, and foreign-living experiences on three continents to the acquisition of languages and academic improvement. I offer learners, travelers, and corporate professionals unique techniques for the acquisition of MS Office software, French, Spanish, Italian, and ESL skills online or in person. I also train business personnel in business software applications and business education through Beyond My PC Needs. (Look me up on Google)
Tutoring is not about having the correct answer for the learner. Therefore, I do not give answers nor do homework for the learner but rather encourage and teach strong study techniques, learning habits, and unique skills. In my role I encourage the learner how to think through the process of finding an answer. As such I generally do not create new curricula.
My tutoring methods are varied. I support the learning of reading, writing, and conversational skills (e.g., pronunciation, intonation, idiomatic expressions, etc.) in English, in French, in Spanish, and in Italian. The initial half-hour session (this may be done over the phone or Skype) is to assess how the student learns, his/her needs, desires, objectives, goals, place of meetings, and time of meetings. Pre-established curricula from the learner's own school or sources are supplemented to facilitate better self-disciplined learning habits and techniques for practical application of the material.
Through languages I help the learner construct keys to other cultures, according to his/her future goals in life. Reading materials, conversations, and written practice sessions in and about the chosen language that pertain to subjects such as art, movies, and humor, for example are just some of the tools that will create the keys to personal refinement. Certain techniques employed and verbal practice sessions will mold the language experience into a "real life" situation that goes beyond grammatical theory and the typical classroom routine. After all, is all that we learn and know based on how well we can communicate?
Additionally, receiving the learner's class materials and resources in advance will help me to help him/her with diverse angles of approach to the subject geared toward his/her learning method. I ask that you please scan these or send me titles of resources ahead of our tutor sessions.
Tutoring services are usually scheduled three to five days in advance. Frequency of sessions, not quantity of time per session, is what makes the real difference in the learning process, whether with languages or with general academics or through business education.
In sum, your success and new self-confidence are my focus. I offer personalized and caring tutoring sessions and simple techniques that help you discover your potential and belief in yourself. My honest feedback and truthful encouragement (from firsthand experience in learning multiple languages and other complex subjects), help facilitate the learning of the various academic subjects in which I offer support including, ESL, French, Spanish, Italian, math, history, science, and literature.
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Feel free to contact me with any questions and let's start your tutoring sessions, soon!