Experience Summary
I am the first college graduate in my family. In the last 18 years, I earned an Associate's Degree and a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics with a minor in Spanish. During my studies in Linguistics, I concentrated on language acquisition, phonology, and grammar and syntax. In 2010, I earned a Master's in Education with a concentration in teaching ESL. My degree in Education has allowed me to research various methods in teaching and how to best convey information to my students. I have taught K-12 ESL, Restaurant ESL, ESL for office jobs, ESL for medical jobs. I also teach Intermediate and Advanced Reading/Writing, which takes students from a basic paragraph to writing various forms of essays.
Teaching Style
I believe in holistic education, one that connects the student to the world around him, using sight, touch, and sound. Research shows that multiple forms of input create greater pathways for learning and retention. I prefer to use realia, or "real life" tools to reinforce the learning process and make connections. I believe it is important for learners to see the relevance or purpose in learning, otherwise, fatigue, boredom and frustration set in. I am energetic, flexible and committed to analyzing and meeting the needs of my students in non-traditional ways.