About
I have been a teacher all my adult life. For me, it is a calling. Since 2010, I have been working in the Belltown area of Seattle with adults from all over the world to help them advance in their careers, get a job, feel more comfortable socially, and just be understood. I work with tech professionals, business people, students, teachers, stay-at-home moms and dads, and anyone who wants to perfect the American accent.
There is no set curriculum. I teach each student according to their individual needs and goals. Because my background is broad, I am also able to help with essays and applications, grammar and vocabulary.
Professional Background:
Adjunct Professor, Writing, New York University
Director, NYU Summer Institute in Public Relations
Director of Marketing, Seattle University, College of Education
Instructor in Writing, Bellevue College
Adjunct Instructor, Writing, University of Washington
Principal, Suzanne Rothenberg Communications, New York City
High School English Teacher, Yonkers, NY
Education:
BA, English Education, Carnegie Mellon University
MA, Speech and Theatre, City University of New York
PhD Coursework, Communications, New York University
Seattle Literacy Council ESL certification
I love this work because I get to meet so many interesting people and learn so much about their countries and cultures. I meet individuals, not stereotypes, and learn more from them than they do from me.
Highlights
Details
Subject
Photos and videos
Reviews
Aracelis N.
Sui, J.
Mayuko
Tarik A.
Denis F.
Luz
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We meet for a free consultation first, where we discuss our backgrounds, the student's goals and desires, and explore the possibility of working together. The first lesson is diagnostic; I learn what the student's major language issues are. We proceed from there!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a teacher for over 20 years -- from high school English to college level writing (at New York University, University of Washington, Bellevue Community College) to accent modification tutoring for adults. Before moving to Seattle in 2003, and while teaching at NYU, I owned a public relations business in New York City, where I represented major clients, such as Scholastic and PBS with film and television projects. In Seattle, I have served as Director of Marketing for the College of Education at Seattle University, as a volunteer tutor at Washington Middle School, and volunteer ESL tutor with the Seattle Literacy Council.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40/hr+ Rates vary according to students' goals, hours per week, and whether private or semi-private sessions are required.
How did you get started teaching?
I began ESL/Accent modification tutoring with a Colombian lawyer whom I had helped with writing to pass the Washington State Bar Exam. After she passed the exam, she asked me to help her with her English.
What types of students have you worked with?
I tutor many from Amazon, Microsoft and other tech companies, lawyers, teachers, executives, graduate students, job seekers, parents, and other adults who want to improve their fluency in American Englishin order to advance in their careers or simply be comfortable in America.
i am very interested in other cultures and I'm sure I learn I learn more from my students than they learn from me! My students are natives of France, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and elsewhere.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A Chinese student got a new job at twice his salary.
I attended one of my students' wedding.
I helped a mom from Russia get a job and be comfortable enrolling her pre schooler in local activities.
A Hispanic student went home for a visit, and friends told her she sounded like "a gringa." (I really like that one!)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for experience, flexibility, and personal chemistry.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time they are able to devote to tutoring sessions. Are they committed to improving their speech?