Experienced ESL, Citizenship, and Literacy Tutor

Eric V.

I began my career as an educator in 2008, tutoring ACT, after graduating from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in English. Since then I have also taught guitar to elementary students, and reading and writing skills to children in both after school and volunteer programs.

In 2019, I began an M.A. in TESOL, and have since then taught students of all ages and skill levels all aspects of learning and improving their English language skills. Finally, for the last year, I have had the opportunity to help adults prepare for their USCIS Citizenship test.

I think an effective ESL teacher knows about all the levels and stages of learning--how they inform each other, and how they build. Likewise, for subjects outside of ESL, I find that ESL experience has helped me improve my understand of how first language acquisition works, and how people generally learn to improve reading and writing.

As for my teaching philosophy, in many ways, it all goes back to teaching guitar. It is not enough to know something. It is not enough to show something. It is truly a skill and challenge to explain in a way people--different kinds of people--can understand. Also, as a guitar teacher, I was very serious about never trying to change or inhibit a student's natural creativity, talent, curiosity, and voice. That stands, in some way or another, no matter the subject. People have to find their way as their own minds work, not be pushed the "right way" (don't worry--I am of course firm in cases of precise answers).

Finally, I truly believe that if I ever stop learning from my students, it's time to retire, because I won't be a teacher any more.