Experience Summary
I took Spanish throughout elementary, middle, and high school. I then took two Spanish courses in college. I've travelled to Latin America on four occasions and did fieldwork for my MA dissertation in Spanish. My level of spoken and written Spanish is high enough for tutoring at lower to intermediate levels.
I spent 10 months in Brussels, Belgium. While living there I shared a flat with two native French speakers. I also took private French lessons for 5 months. I was also able to carryout day to day activities such as getting/giving directions, shopping at the grocery store, and going to the laundromat using my French. My French skills are strong enough for tutoring only at the most basic levels.
Teaching Style
I like kids a lot and have been told several times that I have an uncanny ability to relate to the younger generation. My education philosophy is much like that of a trainer of athletes. It is my belief that each child has natural talent and with good coaching it can be brought to full potential. Teaching is about empowering and enabling children. It's not about hand holding and rote task giving. Seeing a child develop the skills he or she needs to succeed excites me.