Courtney
Certified Tutor
As a TESOL professional with 10 years of experience, I've enjoyed working with many unique and wonderful students as they achieve their English language goals. After receiving my Bachelors of English (Creative Writing) and Masters of Arts (TESL) from the University of Memphis, I began teaching and tutoring in ESL, EFL, and ESP disciplines concentrating on English grammar, speaking and pronunciation, listening, and writing. I have worked domestically and internationally, and I can honestly say that my favorite subject to tutor is English grammar. Grammar is the real mechanics of the English language; it is the basis of English, giving order to what can appear to be a chaos.
My teaching philosophy is based in the belief that students learn best when complex and difficult concepts are simplified, allowing them to be easier to understand. This way the students' needs to understand and utilized information are met. It is also important that I do what I can to help students learn English while at the same time creating a friendly and professional rapport to facilitate easy and effective learning.
In my spare time, I like to read books: mainly poetry, classical mythology, and other interesting topics. I like visiting museums, writing poetry, watching movies, spending time with my friends, listening to and playing classical music and opera (I play flute/piccolo and percussion), bowling, stargazing, and running. I'm also thinking of taking up yoga soon.
Connect with a tutor like Courtney
Undergraduate Degree: University of Memphis - Bachelors, English-creative Writing
Graduate Degree: University of Memphis - Masters, English- TESL
Netflix, writing poetry, and playing music
- College English
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- High School English
- Other
- Public Speaking
- Summer
- Writing
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
The first thing I would do is start the session by talking with the student informally to assess any problems that they might have. Then I ask what problems they want to address and go from there.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is based in the belief that students learn best when complex and difficult concepts are simplified, allowing them to be easier to understand. This way the student's needs to understand and utilize information are met. Also, doing what I can to help them learn English while creating a friendly and professional rapport to facilitate easy and effective learning.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By building the student's confidence through positive reinforcement and an accurate assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By ensuring that they are aware and focused on the end goal and that achievement of the goal is well within reach. Also, I would ensure that the student knows their strengths and what to do to maintain their strengths, while at the same time making them aware of the areas that need improvement, so they can increase their competency in these areas.