Bela's Spanish Tutoring
About
My name is Bela and I just graduated from high school in May. I am starting college in September, and I am looking to help high school students struggling with their Spanish classes online this academic year as a part-time job. I realize that learning a new language is difficult as is in person so learning it online will be a challenge. However, I am determined to help you thrive as a new Spanish speaker. I will provide you personalized classes that will cover your school's materials at your own pace, introduce an effective study method for language-based classes, and have constant follow-ups to meet your needs and get you where you want to be.
A am a native Spanish speaker coming from the country of Bolivia. I have moved several times to different countries around the globe from an early age which is how I learned English and French. I have taken both Spanish and French as language classes throughout my four years of high school so I understand how to prepare for tests, quizzes, projects, etc. Additionally, I took the AP Literature Exam and scored a 5 out of 5 and earned the Seal of Biliteracy on my high school diploma.
I am excited to help you achieve your Spanish learning goals this academic year and get through this all-online phase of our life together!
What I enjoy about helping students learn a new language is the fact that they will know a little bit more than the day before. They will grow in information about other people, cultures, countries, etc. which will motivate them to reach beyond their comfort zone. With a large background in traveling, I can say that there is nothing more beautiful than having a conversation with someone who is from halfway around the world in their language. In the end, acquiring a new language is a way to open your eyes to other realities around the globe.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1. We introduce ourselves, converse, have a little chat at the beginning to ease into the learning.
2. Discuss our goals for the year, goals for the month, goals for the week, and goals for the day.
3. Set up a step-by-step plan for each of the goals including specific details about how we will achieve them.
4. Review the material and discuss what we understood in the school class. If we understood, the class will be all about reviewing and continuing with practice problems. If we did not understand, the class will be about guiding the student on the right path. If there is no work supposed to do on that specific day, we will advance with the next lesson or learn about the Spanish speaking culture.
5. Lastly, we will summarize the lesson and have a 3 question quiz that will cover all the material learned on that day. Depending on the lesson before then, after we have the little chat, we will summarize and discuss the lesson we had prior to refresh our memory.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I just graduated from high school and I took the AP Spanish Literature exam and got a 5 out of 5. I have taken Spanish and French classes throughout my four years of high school and I have lived in countries where these two languages have been spoken. Spanish is my native language alongside English and I speak them both on a daily basis. I also work in an early care facility where I teach and look after kids from 4-10 years old so I have experience managing multiple tasks, explaining complex information, patience, and reliability.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, I have a standard pricing system for my services. I charge twenty dollars per hour with no additional fees. You can transfer the money any way you would like, from Venmo to even a mailed physical check.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in orphanges in Madagascar from 6th grade to 10th grade while also doing projects with local organizations to teach English and math to villagers around the area. I then moved to Washington D.C where I currently work as a preschool assistant teacher for now about a year.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of different age groups ranging from 4 years old and above. I have also taught students with different language levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Earlier this year when the coronavirus outbreak began, I was living with only my mom while my dad and sisters worked out of the country. After we've experienced the first scare of the horrific effects of the virus, my family immediately decided to reunite. The five of us haven't lived together in about a decade so sharing seven months without leaving our house was a moment of reconnection and much love.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would hire someone who is organized and dedicated. I think having someone who you get along with is very important as well so relatability and willingness to crack a joke now and then will be very helpful in your journey of learning a new language.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Some important question I would advise students to ask are:
1. Will we be following a structured curriculum from a school or other organization?
2. What is the availability of the student and of the teacher?
3. What exactly are you struggling with within the language? Speaking or writing? Conjugations? Pronunciation?
4. What kind of learner are you? Auditory? Visual? Kinesthetic?