Teaching Experience: 13+ years
Courses: IELTS and TOEFL preparation, Business English, Conversational English, Cambridge exams: FCE, CAE, CPE
Education: CELTA
I have been teaching English as a foreign language since 2003 and have taught in Algeria, France and the U.K. in addition to teaching online. My students have ranged in age from 3-80+. I have also worked as Director of Studies and School Principal so do not be worried to ask any questions as I have usually heard them many times before. I have a CELTA (the standard examination as required by most reputable language schools worldwide) and I have passed internal certification for 2 international language schools that I have worked for.
My students are often very busy, without being able to give a fixed schedule, so I am used to working to your needs. Many of my students are in high profile positions requiring specific areas of the English language such as for Diplomats or the Military but I am equally at ease with teenagers preparing for their first set of school exams.
I have taught many hours of General and Business English, as well as preparation for all Cambridge based exams (FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS and BULATS). My approach is conversation based with language taught within a broader context. When teaching grammar, I try to give a broad range of examples so that grammar rules are self-taught, as it is a very powerful learning technique, although an explanation can be used where necessary.
I will unusually speak with prospective students to find out their exact needs for the course. I am willing to work with any textbook that the student feels comfortable with, as I understand that there is no perfect textbook that works with everybody. I will assess your goals and discuss a realistic target to be met, rather than promising something that cannot be delivered. The way that I work is that we work towards a common goal, working as a team.