Experience Summary
I first taught when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Yemen. I had just graduated with an English degree and a teaching certificate, and I taught English to Yemeni men and women. Over the years, I have taught high school English in Honduras, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri and ESL as well as one-on-one tutoring in Miami and Minneapolis. I have often taught English when I traveled and found myself in a new place. Right now I’m living in Indianapolis, and I would like to teach English again. I love watching students develop their skills to use language eloquently and persuasively. It’s inspiring to help facilitate that accomplishment.
Teaching Style
When you learn to play the piano, first you are taught the scales, which you practice over and over and over again. Then you learn pieces of music, with specific counts and phrasing. Finally, once you have all the rules in your back pocket, you can evolve into a jazz artist who seemingly leaves the rules behind. It is the same with language. You first learn and practice the basic components – reading, vocabulary, grammar, usage, three-paragraph themes, etc. Then you find yourself able to experiment with word choice and metaphor. In the process you develop your own unique voice. My goal is to teach the rules and nuances of language, so my students can present their thoughts effectively, respectfully and confidently.