Experience Summary
My passion for teaching Russian began at a young age but developed into something much greater with time! After completing my studies at Moscow State University, I opened a bookstore and learning center in the heart of Moscow, through which I was able to become well acquainted with different teaching methods and syllabi (for both native and foreign speakers), meet various professors and teachers, and attend lectures and workshops nationwide. Having connections with major Russian publications allows me to keep up to date and have access to new teaching materials and plans.
Upon moving to the United States, I began working for the State Department's Foreign Service Institute as a Russian language and culture instructor, and teaching became the basis of my occupation. While working at FSI, I was faced with numerous challenges, as students often had very limited time to achieve certain levels of language proficiency and had to be fully prepared to take high level exams pertaining to both oral and written abilities. This experience has taught me how to make language learning most efficient for every individual, to be flexible to any hardships and deadlines a student might have, and to be accommodating to various learning styles and approaches. Additionally, while working at the Institute, I participated in writing workbooks and putting together learning materials for students, and as a result, was able to come up with various unique systems of pedagogy and lesson plans.
The past years, I have also been teaching kids (mainly elementary school aged) at a Russian Saturday school. This opportunity gives me the joy of working with a much younger age group and helps me in becoming a more well-rounded teacher. I am also a private tutor for a number of children, and am thrilled at the chance to see them progressing and furthering their knowledge of the language. I have likewise prepared a number of high school students for the Russian AP prototype exam and witnessed quite wonderful results from native, heritage, and foreign students alike.
Over the years, I have found that it is very important to keep students of all ages interested and motivated, so it is necessary to keep language learning fun and exciting! I like to incorporate interactive activities and change up lesson plans so that each class has something new to offer. My additional degree in psychology helps me in understanding the different types of learners there are and allows me to make more personalized approaches to teaching each student.
Learning Russian is fun, fulfilling, and most importantly, totally achievable! I guarantee you that we will be able to work through any hardships and overcome all difficulties!
I look forward to hearing from you and am excited in helping you achieve success in you studies!
Other Comments
***Currently, I am quite flexible with time, and while I do have a 24 hour cancellation policy, I do offer makeup classes. The first lesson with me is always free and I will never bill a lesson in which the student or parent is not completely satisfied.