Obsessed with all things language

Lirie S.

I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Spanish Literature and Environmental Studies. I also recently obtained a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. I am a big linguistics nerd, and I love to hear about student's home languages and cultures. I believe that the best way to learn a language is through communication (rather than through word memorization or strictly grammar); I strive to create lessons that align with my students personal interests such as sports or music rather than teaching grammar alone.

If you are a high schooler or college student learning the basics of Spanish grammar, I’m the tutor for you! My areas of expertise specifically are grammar and translation, and I have worked as a grammar tutor for Intro to Spanish courses at both the secondary and post-secondary level. As a language student myself, I have studied Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Russian, and I use my experience as a language learner to create the most engaging and effective language classroom possible. I understand the difficulties that language learners typically face, and I am able to think both as a language learner and as a teacher. I strongly believe that a native speaker does not necessarily make a good language teacher, so I have immersed myself in teacher-training, applied linguistics, and language learning so that I can support my students as effectively as possible. With four years of experience tutoring students of all ages, I am a flexible, encouraging, and knowledgeable tutor.

Furthermore, I’m a passionate academic coach; let’s work together to find the best study strategies and learning styles for you! I worked full-time as an academic coach at a high school, and I have over five years of experience working with students with learning disabilities, IEPs, or 504 plans. Please reach out with any further questions and to schedule a lesson, I am looking forward to working with you!