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23 Years Experience Teaching Adult ESL and USCIS Interview Preparation
Loretta S.

5.0 (51 ratings)

289 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $45
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About Loretta

Bio

Having lived in Montreal, Canada as a teenager, my first experience with language learning was French, by necessity. In the 1990's I took it upon myself to learn Spanish, both from a tutor in Atlanta, and then in a month-long immersion course in Costa Rica. I know first-hand what it is to want to learn and improve a second language, and like to work with students who want to do the same. To that end, I have both instructed and managed language classes and programs since 2001, and have...

Having lived in Montreal, Canada as a teenager, my first experience with language learning was French, by necessity. In the 1990's I took it upon myself to learn Spanish, both from a tutor in Atlanta, and then in a month-long immersion course in Costa Rica. I know first-hand what it is to want to learn and improve a second language, and like to work with students who want to do the same. To that end, I have both instructed and managed language classes and programs since 2001, and have worked with students from over 70 countries. This includes preparing students for the USCIS Naturalization Interview.

I have taught ESL since receiving my TESOL certificate in 2001. I enjoy introducing students of all levels to my native language as well as the culture and customs of our country. My lessons are a mix of the four language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, along with vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. From my personal experience, a language is not truly learned until it can be used in real-life situations, so application of learned skills is always part of my instruction. Practice is very important so there is always ample time for my students to "make the language their own."

My BA is in English from Emory University, and I completed the TESOL certification course at Seattle University's Graduate School of Education. Originally from the midwest, I speak with a neutral American English accent. My experience has shown that student-centered learning is the key to accessing language skills, so I try to get to know what is important to the individual. I encourage questions - clarifying information is key to language acquisition and fluency.

My schedule is flexible and I will work with you to meet your goals of improving your English or passing the USCIS interview. I look forward to meeting you!

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Education

Emory University
English
Loyola New Orleans
Masters
Seattle University
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: I will teach small groups online at a discounted rate. 4 students or more will be $120. per hour total ($30. per person)
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

English

English

Having lived in Montreal, Canada as a teenager, my first experience with language learning was French, by necessity. In the 1990's I took it upon myself to learn Spanish, both from a tutor in Atlanta, and then in a month-long immersion course in Costa Rica. I know first-hand what it is to want to learn and improve a second language, and like to work with students who want to do the same. To that end, I have both instructed and managed language classes and programs since 2001, and have worked with students from over 70 countries. I have taught ESL since receiving my TESOL certificate in 2001. I enjoy introducing students of all levels to my native language as well as the culture and customs of our country. My lessons are a mix of the four language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, along with vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. From my personal experience, a language is not truly learned until it can be used in real-life situations, so application of learned skills is always part of my instruction. Practice is very important so there is always ample time for my students to "make the language their own." My BA is in English from Emory University, and I completed the TESOL certification course at Seattle University's Graduate School of Education. Originally from the midwest, I speak with a neutral American English accent. My experience has shown that student-centered learning is the key to accessing language skills, so I try to get to know what is important to the individual. I encourage questions - clarifying information is key to language acquisition and fluency.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

- TESL Certificate from the Graduate Department of Education, Seattle University - Numerous trainings provided by the USCIS for assisting instructors who are preparing students for citizenship ( both in Atlanta and Washington, DC) - Successfully completed the Basic Immigration Law Course (40 hours plus exam) offered by the Immigrant Pathway Institute (curriculum developed by the immigrant Legal Resource Center of San Francisco) - Assisted applicants at numerous activities and citizenship application events for the New Americans Campaign in Atlanta and Miami
Spanish

Spanish

I took private lessons in Atlanta for 5 years and spent a month in an immersion course in Costa Rica. I have worked in bilingual environments for 15 years, which included public presentations in Spanish. I have also successfully taught adult ESL for 18 years and use the same methodology when I teach Spanish.
USCIS

USCIS

While working for a local non-profit agency, I wrote and received a grant from the USCIS to provide citizenship preparation education. I was successful at meeting our objectives and learned a lot from the experience of working with over 300 students preparing for their citizenship interview. All but 5 students who submitted an N-400 were successful in passing and are now US citizens. During this time, I underwent numerous trainings provided by the USCIS for assisting instructors who are preparing students for citizenship (both in Atlanta and Washington, DC). I successfully completed the Basic Immigration Law Course (40 hours plus exam) offered by the Immigrant Pathway Institute (curriculum developed by the immigrant Legal Resource Center of San Francisco) and have assisted applicants at numerous activities and citizenship application events for the New Americans Campaign in Atlanta and Miami . My BA is in English from Emory University and I have taught ESL since receiving my TESOL certificate from Seattle University's Graduate School of Education in 2001. I enjoy introducing students of all levels to my native language as well as the civics, culture and customs of our country.
Grammar
Reading

Examples of Expertise

Loretta has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Loretta ’s answers ›
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (51 ratings)
5 star
(50)
4 star
(1)
3 star
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2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Invested and patient teacher

Loretta has been great in working with my 72 year old mother, who's preparing for Citizenship test . She has a patience needed to work with student who struggles with English, has a good approach on how to improve the students skills and ability to understands the verbal conversations, yet without putting pressure or stressing the student out. We are grateful for Loretta's work. Update: Happy to report that my mother just passed her Citizenship test, thank for all Loretta's help!. We are happy and grateful that we found Loretta as a tutor.

Olga, 9 lessons with Loretta

Knowledgeable and patient tutor - USCIS

Loretta is amazing. I had the pleasure of being taught by an amazing teacher. She is patient, kind, and explains everything clearly. Her positive encouragement keeps me motivated, and her knowledge of the subject truly stands out. I sincerely appreciate her dedication to my success.

Marta, 6 lessons with Loretta

Invested and patient teacher

Loretta has been great in working with my 72 year old mother, who's preparing for Citizenship test . She has a patience needed to work with student who struggles with English, has a good approach on how to improve the students skills and ability to understands the verbal conversations, yet without putting pressure or stressing the student out. We are grateful for Loretta's work.

Olga, 9 lessons with Loretta

Very Patient teacher :)

Loretta is very patient and kind. I worked with a few Enlgish teachers from last year, she is one of the patience and knowledge, explained well. I love to work with her in the future.

Kay, 4 lessons with Loretta

Excellent, Patient Tutor

Loretta taught my family member USCIS Preparation.Loretta was patient in teaching and took time to explain all the information needed to pass the exam. Loretta constantly communicated on the progress made and effort needed to clear the exam. I would definitely recommend her.

Prasanth, 9 lessons with Loretta

Knowledgeable. Patient. Encouraging

Loretta has been helping to prepare for the US citizenship exam. We are seeing a big improvement in only the first few lessons. We are very confident we will be prepared once the exam day arrives! Thank you!

Rene, 8 lessons with Loretta

Knowledgeable and great Tutor

She is teaching my patient and we are happy With the knowledge and patient, and accommodation , one time the audio of my computer did not work and she book other hour later and did not charge me for the her waste time and I was willing to pay .

Abdulatif, 9 lessons with Loretta

Loretta is the Best

Loretta is by far amazing. We have roughly 12 guys learning english and she is so awesome. She keeps me posted on how the progress is going. My guys have no complaints.

Brittany, 18 lessons with Loretta

Loretta is the Best

Loretta is by far amazing. We have roughly 12 guys learning english and she is so awesome. She keeps me posted on how the progress is going. My guys have no complaints.

Brittany, 18 lessons with Loretta

Loretta is a great tutor.

Loretta helped my cousin for improving his speaking and writing. Loretta guide and teach my cousin to get his text books and making great progress for his daily speaking. She did an extra mile with coming all the way from her location to Alpharetta for all the courses. Thank you Loretta!

Timur, 8 lessons with Loretta
Hourly Rate: $45
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