Experience Summary
After many years as an engineer, I began, in 1993, a new career as a teacher of English as a Second Language. Since then, through many part-time assignments,
I have been able to foster English proficiency and acculturation in students from
a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds. This has comprised one-to-one tutoring, workplace and community programs for adult classes, and for the past 10 years, teaching in the Wayland Public Schools. My former students in the public schools have moved on very successfully, and many have finished college. Their language abilities no longer represent impediments to their success in the mainstream of life in this country. I often hear from them, happily.
Teaching Style
I begin working with ESL students by assessing their current proficiency in English, and then focus on areas of greatest need. Conversational fluency is primary; this I address by extensive conversation, beginning with their personal interests and abilities, and their own culture, which I strive to validate by encouraging enthusiastic discussions about it. Soon, we address mechanics of language, pronunciation, reading, vocabulary, and ultimately, academic writing. I also work with students who want extra help with their mathematics. I emphasize basic skills and understanding concepts. Test success is one goal for many students. It flows from true conceptual understanding, and an insistence on attention to detail.