Salve! I'm Thomas. I've always been interested in languages and reading; in high school I decided it would be great fun to be able to read ancient books in their original language, and so started trying to learn Latin. At first I worked on my own and did most things wrong, but then I studied under excellent teachers who both taught me how to learn effectively and helped me do so. Those teachers were fascinated by the Latin language and by the literature they read in it, and they shared that...
Salve! I'm Thomas. I've always been interested in languages and reading; in high school I decided it would be great fun to be able to read ancient books in their original language, and so started trying to learn Latin. At first I worked on my own and did most things wrong, but then I studied under excellent teachers who both taught me how to learn effectively and helped me do so. Those teachers were fascinated by the Latin language and by the literature they read in it, and they shared that fascination with me. I love working to do the same for my students! Through college I continued to study Latin and also embarked on Ancient Greek, graduating summa cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College. Now, ten years after beginning to learn Latin, I am in my fifth year teaching it to middle and high school students and have recently completed an MA in Latin at the University of Georgia.
I first began helping other Latin-learners in high school, when I tutored a younger student struggling with his studies, and continued through college up to the present. Although, as a full time teacher, much of my experience is in a classroom setting, I have successfully tutored many people one on one in addition to my regular students. They have ranged from middle school students, through college students, to adult learners well into their careers, and I particularly love working with people individually, focusing on their specific needs and interests and tailoring my instruction to their individual strengths in learning. My methods usually follow the traditional approach of studying vocabulary, grammar, and translation, connecting each new topic to those already mastered and making connections wherever possible. As I find opportunity, I also work to incorporate a more active use of Latin, speaking it myself and encouraging students to try speaking and writing it for themselves. I love the joy of learning and understanding the Latin language, and helping my students grow in their understanding and succeed in their studies!
