Mandarin Tutoring
About
With both a masters and undergraduate degree focused in teaching Chinese as a foreign/second language, in addition to over a decade of Chinese learning experience myself, reaching the level of ACTFL Superior (C2), I understand what it takes to go from a novice to proficient in the language. I have over five years of professional teaching experience, and have taught students from pre-k to retirement age. My tutoring career stretches back to high school, where I served as a peer tutor beginning my sophomore year. I am currently teaching Chinese full time while completing my masters in TCSL over summer breaks.
Here is my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-anderson-salo-4b12a3102/
Language is arguably the most human thing there is. Whether spoken, written, or signed, it is the absolute core of the human experience. The strengthening of connection to the human world is what I enjoy most about languages, and what I want to share in my teaching. Be it understanding snipits of overheard conversation in the supermarket, or trying to talk to a friend in another language, I always love hearing when students realize these connections. The sense of accomplishment they feel as their language progresses and they make more of those connections is the best part of being a teacher.
Specialties
Student age
Current speaking level
Speaking goals
Current reading level
Current writing level
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to first build raport with the student and find out their motivation and goals for learning Chinese, then assessing their proficiency in each of the four key language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelors in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, and am currently working on a masters in the same subject. I have taught Chinese specifically for the past three years, but have around five years of professional teaching experience. I began tutoring in my sophomore year of high school.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard is $50 for 1 hour, $30 for half an hour. The price is higher for more specialized courses, such as history in Chinese or classical Chinese, depending on the amount of class preparation required.
How did you get started teaching?
I was a peer tutor in high school, after which I had my first professional teaching job during a gap year in China, where I taught ESL. In university, I studied TCSL in Taiwan while tutoring and translating part time, and then taught ESL to adults. I have been teaching Chinese to adults since I returned to the US in the spring of 2018.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students ranging from Pre-K at the youngest, to students already enjoying their retirement. I have the most experience teaching middle and high school aged students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Talking to the mother of one of my introductory level students this year about his end of year project. He started with no background or knowledge of Chinese, but made great progress over the course of the year. For his end of the year project, he filmed a skit about shopping which he put great effort into. Though his mom is not a Chinese speaker, she was so obviously proud of the progress he made and how proud he was of his final project.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who is able to meet you where you are. Learning happens best from a place of comfort, and this is doubly true when it comes to learning a second language. Look for a teacher who takes the time and effort to make you feel comfortable in addition to knowing their subject well.