After hosting ESL students for many years, I discovered that I love helping people to learn English. I returned to university to complete a certificate in teaching English as a second language. I am accredited by teslontario.com.
My Teaching Philosophy
I studied many theories about teaching English while completing a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (CTESL). My view is that everyone is unique and requires an approach suited to them.
I believe that a student will gain the most when they feel engaged with both the material and the teacher. Finding the right teacher and program design are important. That is why meeting each other ahead of time and investing in preliminary language assessment is essential. We will evaluate and modify the program as required.
I prefer to use the task-based teaching method. The idea of engagement is central to this method. I supported homestay students for many years. I also have experience as a French immersion student. These experiences taught me that when you deeply engage in sincere communication, you can almost forget that you are learning a language. This is a good thing. The drive to communicate can motivate you to take chances with language. You may find you know more than you realize. You may discover what you don’t know and be motivated to improve upon it. Taking these leaps helps to propel you to a higher level.
It is helpful to have someone supportive to guide you, who can give you the words when needed and gently point out your errors. Research has shown that students need to notice their errors to improve. The teacher needs to draw attention to required corrections without inhibiting the student.
It is up to each student to decide their desired level of proficiency. It may be that the goal is to be understood rather than to speak impeccable English. However, if impeccable English is your goal, I respect that. It is a matter of personal choice.
How I work
We will have an initial meeting free of charge to talk about what your goals are.
In our next meeting, after more formally assessing your current abilities and your needs, we will design a program tailored to you.
We can meet as often or as frequently as you need. We will agree on a schedule that works for both of us.
I can teach over Zoom, Skype, or Google Classroom. I may be able to accommodate you on another platform. My rate is $25 per hour-long class.
ESL-related teaching experience
Private Tutoring
2023 to present
Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre
Tutoring high school students in the Homework Club 2021/22
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services
Facilitating an ESL conversation circle 2021
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)
(2019)
I did my first practicum placement in a LINC 1 class (early beginners)
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM-Canada)
(2020)
I completed my second practicum placement with intermediate to advanced speakers.
ESL with Jane 