English Literature, Language And ESL Tutoring

This depends entirely on the student's age, ability and linguistic background.

When students are younger, I generally begin by consulting with the parents to gain an understanding of their child's needs and learning style. The first session often includes some conversation to get to know each other and an informal assessment using reading and educational games. Once we are acquainted and I know more about the student, I begin preparing a personalized curriculum in order to supplement their schooling. This typically consists of educational videos, songs/chants, games, books and worksheets. 

When students are older, they are more directly involved in the process. I will speak to them as well as their parents to gain insight into their learning style, academic goals, interests and any areas with which they may be struggling. The first session often includes some conversation to get to know each other. I'll usually ask to be provided with a sample of the student's work including teacher feedback or practice assessments, if available. With this information, the student and I will build a plan to reach achieve their aims. This may range from learning study and time management skills in order to better balance school with other aspects of life, improving writing or reading comprehension, getter higher grades on assignments or preparing for standardized assessments. 

 I typically work as a high school teacher but I have chosen not to return to the classroom due to Covid-19. I hold a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education with a specialization in English language and literature with additional coursework which I obtained at the University of Edinburgh. I also graduated with honours from McGill University, majoring in English and Art History. I have previously worked as a High School English teacher, an ESL instructor, a private English and French tutor, and a creative writing and visual arts instructor to French-English bilingual classes at local educational centres. 

For an hour-long lesson, I charge $30. This fee includes my preparation time and the teaching materials I create for the lesson, the instruction I give in the lesson itself and regular progress reports. 

I began teaching first as a private tutor while I was in university earning my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in Art History. I also spent my summers as a creative writing and visual arts instructor at local education and art centres. These experiences helped me to realize that my love of working with young people as well as my passion for English and Art lent themselves well to becoming a teacher. I then decided to pursue my teaching qualification at a post-graduate level. I taught ESL classes online and tutored privately while I studied to obtain my Professional Graduate Degree in Education.

My students have ranged in age from 5 to 18. I have taught in classrooms of 30, online to groups of 4-8 and in-person one-on-one or to sibling groups. Many of my students have been learning English as an additional language and some have had learning difficulties including but not limited to Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia.

My advice is first and foremost to view yourself as an autonomous agent in your education. You have control over your schooling. It is not something enacted upon you but rather something in which you play a crucial role. 

Education is a relationship. Teachers and students are partners. While I may be here to guide and instruct you, ultimately you are responsible for your own success. You are accountable to yourself as well as to me and your parents. 

Your teachers should understand this. Do they spend all your sessions speaking, or do they invite you to contribute equally? Are they responsive to your questions and concerns or do they dismiss them? Are they understanding of the challenges you may be facing? If not, you're working with the wrong person.

Firstly, identify any areas in which you may be experiencing difficulty. These may be indicated by teacher or parent feedback, practice assessments, grades or your own observations. 

Next ask yourself, "Where does the difficulty lie"? You may be struggling to pay attention in class, find you need more time to complete assignments at home, or you may simply not understand a concept and need it explained in a different way.

 If you can, the next step is to think through "What would help me with this?" You may already know, if so articulate that to your teacher respectfully. If not, share the above information and it will lead us in the right direction. Together, we'll find a way to meet your needs.