About
My experience makes me one of the most qualified tutors you will find in Texas!
I have 20+ years of teaching all levels and all ages, have a Master's degree in Spanish Linguistics with a focus on second-language acquisition in a classroom setting, and have years of professional experience in real-world curriculum development. I use colors and shapes to make grammar concepts easy to see and help my students move beyond the basics of vocabulary building to make the connection between structure and meaning.
See more details below... :-)
Seeing my students succeed, see that lightbulb go on, is one of my greatest joys!
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Ra S.
Ra S.
Bridget A.
Jim Y.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In the first one-hour session, we'll establish the level of the student and his or her strengths and weaknesses. Getting back on track and caught up involves some backtracking, so I'll make a plan that fills those gaps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching Spanish in classroom and private settings for over 20 years. Beyond my teaching certification, I have a Master's degree in Spanish linguistics with a focus on second-language acquisition.
How did you get started teaching?
Both of my parents were high-school teachers, so teaching is in my blood. After college, I completed a Master's degree in Spanish linguistics, during which I taught several college-level Spanish classes. At the same time, I worked on a separate teacher-certification program. I completed both in the same year, 1996, and started teaching Spanish at a high school.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and all interest levels.
Many students who struggle in Spanish are fully able to succeed, but have their natural interest and ability in language crushed in the classroom setting.
The key to success is identifying the gaps in understanding and filling them quickly: a sense of accomplishent is the best motivation!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This year, I started gardening. I have never taken a science class that has piqued my interest in biology quite like the process of putting a seed in the ground, caring for it, and watching it grow. During this process, I have switched roles from teacher to student, and on-line learning resources have been key in my success.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Your success in Spanish will start by backtracking and filling the gaps, not plowing through your current homework assignment.
Your tutor should not be explaining everything in the same way as your teacher and textbook.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Question for tutor: How will you assess my strengths and weaknesses, and how will you identify the gaps in my understanding that are holding me back?
Question for tutor: How will you help me become a better student in general?
Question for yourself: How committed am I to my own success? Am I willing to do the necessary work?