Meet Native English Teacher Carlee
[one_second]In this series of introducing some of our Native English Tutors, we are featuring Carlee today. Carlee has a strong background in Childhood Education as well as a passion for working with English learners from around the world. Today she shares some of her insights in language learning and how she sees her role as a Native English Teacher working at Spoken English Practice. If you are interested in scheduling a trial Skype English lesson with Carlee, send us an email to info@spokenenglishpractice.com with “Carlee”on the subject.
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Tell us a bit about your past experiences teaching English
In the past, I have mostly worked with young children. I have never formally taught English to adolescents nor adults. However, I have always expressed a strong inclination in school to do very well with English, literature, and writing. And working with young children taught me patience with people who are learning the basics.
Tell us more about your education?
I received my undergraduate degree in History, and am currently a graduate student going for my teaching licensure. All throughout high school I studied Spanish and a little French. I have always loved learning about other languages and cultures, and I am very interested in language as a whole. I love being in school because it expands my realm of thought. I hope to one day have a Master’s in Education.
How would you describe a typical English lesson at Spoken English Practice?
If it were our first session on skype, I would like to start with the basics. We would work through and practice the basic questions one would ask in an English conversation. For example, “What is your name?” “How are you?” “What is your age?” “What did you do last night or weekend?” We could discuss hobbies, novel experiences you may have had, what aspirations you have for yourself. I am learning to be a teacher, so I have a lot of patience, I do not pass judgement on abilities, and I would offer encouragement and helpful critiques.
What are your favorite conversation topics?
I enjoy talking about movies, T.V. shows, history, animals, exercise, looking at religion objectively, and cultural norms and practices across cultures. I love hearing and telling funny stories. I am very easy going and even in my personal life, never meet a stranger. I have been told I have a nurturing way about me, and people find it very easy to talk to me.
In your experience, what area in English do students need the most help? Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation or something else? How would you address this in your classes?
I am thinking back to when I was studying to learn Spanish as a second language, and what I struggled with most was grammar and sentence structure—the actual writing part was difficult for me. But free forming and free flowing conversations were always the most enjoyable, and I feel that most people learn a new language by first speaking in casual scenarios, the writing comes later J. I also understand that everyone is different. And I would cater each lesson to the individual needs of the student.
What are your top 3 tips to ESL students around the world?
Immerse yourself as much as you can. Learn a song in the language you are trying to acquire. And don’t let yourself get discouraged. Learning a new language is a very difficult task to accomplish. Remember that it takes a lot of work and dedication.
A little bit about what you like to do when you are not teaching English.
I enjoy running. My favorite time to run is mid-late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. Running clears my head and makes me feel powerful. I love living in Vermont, pilates, riding my bike, and eating healthy delicious food. I love going out and having drinks with my boyfriend. I love taking my dog places; he is my best companion. I like studying, learning, writing, and I love to read. In my spare time I also make an effort to talk with family who are far away, and I enjoy painting and creating art.
What kind of students do you prefer?
I prefer to work with people who are willing to learn. I like seeing a drive in my students to want to make themselves better in some way. I prefer students who are open to new experiences, and know the importance of perseverance.
