About
Hello! I am an Adult ESL teacher with 17 years of experience teaching and tutoring English as a Second Language students. I preciously worked at World Relief and ask the District 211 Adult Education Program. I am passionate about creating engaging lesson plans specific to each student's needs. I have experience in teaching citizenship test prep, accent reduction, adult literacy, workplace/job search related ESL, everyday conversation and much more! I have helped hundreds of students become more fluent in English and I would love to work with you to improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills! I look forward to meeting you!
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Tatiana M.
Inna
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I help the student select a time and location that works best for them. Sometimes a coffee shop or one of the local libraries can be a great option! On our first meeting, I talk to the student about what their goals are and why they want to improve their English (maybe to get a better job, to be able to communicate more clearly at the doctor's office or to be able to help their children with their homework?) I give the student a short assessment which helps me determine their level of English and what we can work on to improve. I also try to talk with the student about their interests so I can tailor the lesson to them. For example, I had one student who had just moved to the US from Japan and was planning a trip to tour New York City. So we read about different sights to see in New York, planned how to get to those locations by subway and looked at menus of various restaurants in the area. I try to make all of my lessons fun and helpful to the student!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and also have my TESOL certification. I did an internship teaching English at a college in India and have worked at World Relief and the District 211 Adult Education program. I have over 17 years of experience in this area and have taught students from 40+ different countries. I have had students from ages 2-92. I have also taught all different levels, from first learning to write in English through nearly fluent students needing help with idioms and understanding American culture.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Because I understand the need for English skills is so important, I try to work with students on what they can afford. I usually charge $50/hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I started as a volunteer helping Chinese immigrants in Chicago's Chinatown while I was in college. I loved it so much that I changed my degree to TESOL. It is my passion!
What types of students have you worked with?
I absolutely love teaching ESL students because I get to learn all about different countries and cultures and I meet the most interesting people! I have worked with students from 40+ countries (Iraq, Mexico, China, Ukraine, Italy, India, Moldova, Syria, Ethiopia, Japan and Nepal to name a few.) I specialize teaching adults, but I have worked with students age 2-92. I have taught all levels of English from basic literacy up through nearly fluent students who need help with American culture and idioms. I've never met a student I couldn't work with!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am so proud of one of my students who recently studied for the US citizenship exam and passed last summer! We had devoted many hours to practicing her English skills and knowledge of American History. I threw her a party with a red white and blue cake and balloons! I love what I do because learning English can change people's lives for the better!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't be shy, please reach out today! You can have a friend or neighbor contact your teacher for you if that's easier.