About
Recognized as an accomplished writer even in grammar school through Young Authors, I went on to earn a Ph.D. and see my work published. I have been a college professor for over 20 years and have graded countless papers, essays, and journal entries.
I have also been a fluent Spanish speaker for over 25 years, have lived in Central and South America, and have taught Spanish at a college level.
Since I have taught every academic level from junior high to doctoral levels, I am able to relate to you where you are and take you to the next level. I look forward to hearing from you!
I simply love working with students. I am a "people person" that believes teaching is best done in the context of a mentor-type relationship and not merely a coldly professional academic one. When I see the "lights go on," a student not just coming to know but also coming to understand, there is nothing more gratifying.
Highlights
Reviews
Andrew S.
Jonathan S.
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Destiny K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After an initial meet and greet so that we are comfortable with each other, I assess where they stand in respect to their subject matter--both through their own self-perception and also as a professional objectively observing their work. Then I develop a personalized plan to take them from where they are to where they want and need to be. Finally, we begin to work that plan together.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My bachelors degree is from the University of Notre Dame, and both my MDiv and my Ph.D. are from Southern Seminary. I graduated top of my class in Spanish from an immersion school in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1993, and have taught in Spanish (to Spanish speakers) in the United States, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and Spain in the years since. My studies in French, German, Greek, and Hebrew strengthen my grasp on the language arts in general.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Typically, my rate is between $40 and $50 per hour, depending on the specifics of the student. If travel outside my immediate area is required those expenses would affect the rate.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching at junior high, high school, and junior college levels and ended up at college and graduate level.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a broad spectrum of students, from those already highly educated and seeking their doctorates, to high school level students struggling to grasp the basics of the discipline they are facing. In some cases I have taught in circumstances where I was teaching in Spanish to those for whom Spanish was their second language as well as my own. For writing skills, I have coached students who had next to no writing experience but were now required to write full, formal papers.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Seek a teacher with practical people experience, who knows how to relate to you personally, rather than just an "ivory tower" academic who may be brilliant but doesn't know how to transmit their knowledge and expertise.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Try to come up with concrete goals you want to reach. It's fine if these goals are, for the time being, the overcoming of negatives that have you frustrated. The questions you should ask yourself as a student should be those that help change your self image from a person who is merely trying to survive to one who has the confidence to thrive.