Carol
Language Trainers: What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?
Carol: Teaching was one of my careers, and the other was public policy and advocacy, with extensive writing. I chose teaching because I felt that I would be good at it, and I wanted to reach people in ways that I'd rarely been reached when I was a student. I particularly like to teach upper-level English to adult professionals because we discuss topics of mutual interest, like social policy, the work place, current events, the arts and literature. I love teaching writing in particular, and have many years of professional writing experience.
Language Trainers: Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?
Carol: I studied at Ohio Wesleyan University, the University of Madrid, George Washington University and Colgate University. I have taught students from ages 13 to maybe 45. I was a classroom Spanish and English teacher in public and private high schools, and also taught at George Washington and Southeastern Universities. In my second career I conducted workshops on Congress and how to have an impact on public policy.
Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?
Carol: I look for clarity of why the student wants to improve his/her English; how he or she will use it. I look for someone with interest in discussing topics in the above-mentioned areas. And I look for someone willing to put some time beyond our tutoring sessions into study.
Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?
Carol: Students should expect a well-rounded adult with a lot of experience in teaching, writing and public policy analysis who listens well and tailors the sessions to the student's needs and interests.
Language Trainers: Describe your favorite teaching experience with Language Trainers:
Carol: I have had only two students, and enjoyed both of them tremendously. One was a middle-aged German male executive in a high tech firm with two children and a diplomat wife. The other was a young Chinese female accountant who has many, many interests and was willing to read American classics to discuss them.
