English Advantage

English Advantage provides a unique learning experience for children and adults. We work to meet each student's needs, interests, and goals and offer authentic practice and strategies for success. Our program is customized for each individual. Before we assign clients with a teacher or have them buy study materials, the director meets with them to learn more about their backgrounds and challenges, and we work on a plan together that will best help them meet their goals. We then custom-design a program for each client. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in education. We believe in a learning experience in which students take an active part and get lots of attention and feedback.

Whether in individual, semi-private, small group, or corporate classes, we want you to feel you are getting what you need!

We offer lessons in both English and ESL. Check out our website at www.englishadvantagellc.com.

English and education are two of my strongest passions. From the time I was a young child, I wanted to be a teacher. I really enjoy the challenge of working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Once I understand their needs, I work hard at giving them the tools they need to succeed. My experience has taught me that there is more to teaching than instruction itself. Lessons need to be relevant and engaging to the learner, and as each learner is different, teachers need to adapt their style and instruction techniques. When I can spark students' interest and motivate them to do their best, I feel very happy.

Whenever I meet new clients at English Advantage, I find out as much as I can about their learning experience, challenges, and goals so that I can propose a program that will most benefit them. Whether one of our staff or I will be teaching them, we then design instruction to meet their particular needs. We discuss our students' progress regularly and do our very best to make sure they are improving. If we need to, we make adjustments based on student performance.

Whether we are instructing individuals or groups, our model is for the student to be productive and fully engaged in each lesson, with teachers giving valuable feedback and providing opportunities for practice. We explain why a particular concept is important and how to produce desired results. We often ask students to bring in assignments or work they have, either ongoing or completed. Knowing what is expected of them and how we can help is critical to success.

I have been teaching for over 25 years in Illinois and Texas. I have a BA in English/Education and a MATESL degree. I enjoy creating engaging, effective curriculum and have written hundreds of pages of instructional material. I have designed curriculum and written course content for business classes in communication skills, American culture through film, accent reduction, listening comprehension, grammar/writing, business writing, presentation skills, conversation, and more, and have written course content for academic classes as well. My teaching experience includes instruction at colleges, corporations, middle/high school, and private language schools, as well as tutoring individuals from kindergarten through adulthood. I love working with people and seeing their progress firsthand. I have taught students at all levels of proficiency, from beginning to advanced, in both English and ESL. I have been the curriculum director in college, high school, and business settings. One thing that has inspired me is the values and dedication I share with my colleagues. I have mentored and trained many fellow teachers and presented innovative teaching approaches in conferences. In 2017, I won an outstanding educator award from Scholastic for my creative writing instruction. I have extensive editing experience in a broad range of writing, including website content, white papers, masters and doctoral theses, college app essays, school writing assignments, speeches, presentation content, short stories, e-mails, business reports, and resumes.

Throughout my career, my students have given me high marks for expertise, rapport, teaching style, and use of fresh and engaging curriculum. Watching people blossom is its own reward. I am really lucky to do what I love!