Language Learning

Speak with a teacher who gets it.

Are you ready for language lessons and conversation practice with a teacher who understands the challenges of learning and speaking? As an adult learner, I know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable when speaking a foreign language. Rooted in theory on efficient acquisition, my teaching style is a bit different than many language teachers. I believe the most effective way to learn a language is through self-study with support. I can’t learn the language for you (and I can’t make you learn) but I can offer guidance, encouragement, and correction along the way.

Am I the right teacher for you?

  • Are you a motivated learner who studies on your own time, not just during our lessons? This can be listening to podcasts, watching movies, TV or YouTube in your target language, reading articles, books or social media, or even changing your phone language. It does not have to mean textbooks!
  • Are you looking for a teacher who will make note of your mistakes and discuss them with you at the end of the lesson?
  • Do you want a teacher who does not interrupt you while you are speaking? A teacher who doesn’t make you feel embarrassed about mistakes or moments when you feel like you are struggling?
  • Are you looking for a teacher who will give you homework, challenges, and direction so you can study on your own after class?
  • Do you want to have good pronunciation and clear speech, but you’re comfortable with your accent?

Yes? Then we’ll be great together.

If you are looking for a teacher who:

  • Does not give homework
  • Works with you to reduce or eliminate your accent
  • Will stop you mid-sentence to correct every mistake in grammar or syntax
  • Practices grammar exercises, reads passages, or studies vocabulary lists during the lesson
  • Has a magic formula to make language learning effortless

Then I’m probably not the right teacher for you.

My Teaching Philosophy:

  • Language learning should be fun, not something that feels miserable, boring, or scary.
  • Correction with kindness: I will offer suggestions if you can’t find the right word, but I will not interrupt you in the middle of your sentence to tell you that you made a mistake (then drill you on past perfect progressive tense). We will discuss it after you’ve finished your thoughts.
  • Clear speech and pronunciation are important so you are understood, but your accent is part of who you are. Rather than accent elimination, I encourage accent acceptance.
  • Language is living, and “correctness” is subjective. Real speech we actually use is important. That means slang, swearing, regional dialects, and common phrases, not exclusively academic and formal language.
  • As a teacher, I can provide feedback, direction and support in your studies, but you must do the work outside of class to see results.

Ready to get started?

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Have questions about cancellation or refunds? Click here to read my refund policy.