English Language Learner One-on-One: Fun Connections Talking and Listening

"Never lose your sense of Wonder." --Anonymous

With a passion for lifelong learning and supporting children and young people as they explore and navigate the world, I've been teaching for over two decades with students from preschool through 8th grade, working in public and private brick and mortar schools, as well as in an online school and ministry environments. It's a joy for me to help learners see the "Wonder" all around them and make "Captivating Connections" with the world, with language and with stories. I focus on creating a fun, interactive and inspiring classroom environment that draws on the learner's interests, experiences, and learning style. 

In addition, I've been a Storyteller who brings books and stories alive through creative interpretation and presentation. For the past three years, I've had a wonderful experience teaching thousands of classes online to English as a Second Language learners. For several years, I've mentored college students and young adults, encouraging and supporting them in their journeys. With an undergraduate degree in Media Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel, as well as a certificate and graduate courses in communications, educational psychology, and TESOL, I bring great knowledge and expertise to teaching children in creative and engaging ways.

As part of my professional journey, I've also worked in the following positions: writer, copyeditor, proofreader for newspapers and publishing companies; public relations writer; library storyteller; college admissions hospitality liaison; and community field interviewer. I enjoy seeking new challenges and always looking for opportunities to learn and to grow. This year I'm returning to school to study for my Masters of Science in Teaching English as a Second Language with a Teacher Certification. I'm so excited to have this opportunity to study teaching the English language and to meet students from all over the world.
     
For over 20 years, my family and I had the marvelous opportunity to live in two countries outside of the U.S. and in eight different communities. We traveled extensively in Europe and Canada and have lived in several different states in the U.S. These experiences have broadened my perspective and understanding of people all around the world. It has given me a strong desire to continue to explore and learn about all the wonders around me. It is this zest for life and interest in their world that I try to share with each of my students in every class I teach. My hope is that my students will also develop a desire to always be learning and growing as they enjoy the wonders of our world.

As an avid reader and communicator, I enjoy sharing the wonders of language, literature, words, and stories with my learners. In addition, I believe that storytelling opens up the world around them through bringing books to life for children. Storytelling allows me to share my love of words and language with others.

My greatest joys are spending time with my family of six; enjoying nature walks through the four seasons; exercising; cooking; gardening; bird watching; traveling; attending theater and arts events; community involvement and service; as well as reading and discussing books with my community book clubs.

In Outschool, I will focus on teaching classes that highlight helping students develop great communications skills, such as Social Clubs, Life Skills classes, Arts Classes, Social Studies, ESL Classes, Storytelling Classes, Book Clubs and History Classes -- all presented in an interactive, engaging way to foster students' imaginations and desire to learn more about the topic.

I look forward to meeting your Learner in one of my classes as we both explore the World of Wonder together. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.