Teacher Case Studies

Language Trainers: Hi Syarifah! Will you tell our readers why you chose to teach Japanese and a little about your teaching history?

Syarifah: Learning languages is one of my favorite hobbies and teaching Japanese in a foreign country has been my dream since I was a child. Since I spent most of my life in Japan, I was embedded in the Japanese culture, sense of thinking, values, norms and etiquette. Having this background knowledge about Japanese, and to some extent Malay, my mother tongue, enabled me to offer a more complete and refined way of teaching. I further enhanced my knowledge of the Japanese language and its cultures by enrolling at Musashino University Tokyo, where I earned my first degree in Japanese Literature and Cultures. At the time, I was already interested in second language acquisition, so I went on to study Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at the Western University in London, Ontario. I have been teaching Japanese ever since and, over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to improve my bilingual (i.e. Japanese and English) skills to aid my lesson planning and learner evaluation abilities.

Language Trainers: What made you want to work with Language Trainers?

Syarifah: Language Trainers allow teachers to work with fantastic, enthusiastic students. And the company supported my teaching in so many ways, including providing teaching materials, teaching tips, and access to resources.

Language Trainers: And what has been your most memorable experience with us, so far?

Syarifah: I always feel happy when I see my students are making progress. It is the best moment when I can communicate with them in Japanese.

Language Trainers: And what do you expect from your students for them to achieve this progress quickly and efficiently?

Syarifah: Curiosity and constancy are the key requirements to learning any new language.

Language Trainers: Similarly, what should students expect from you?

Syarifah: I keep in mind each student’s goals and interests, so I can make lessons interesting and keep the student motivated in their learning.

Language Trainers: So, would you recommend students to sign up for a course with Language Trainers?

Syarifah: Absolutely! Language Trainers take care of their students and encourage their language learning. You can get so much support from them!

Language Trainers: Good morning, Kassia! Please begin by telling us the What languages you teach and something about your teaching career.

Kassia: I love to teach and help other people to accomplish their goals, and languages have always been my passion. In fact, I started very early, when I was just six or seven years old. I loved to play school and would sit my dolls on the couch while I pretended to be the best Polish Language teacher they’d ever had. By the time I was 12 years old, I spoke four languages, and 15 years later, I graduated from the University of Warsaw in Poland, where I learned a couple more languages. Now, my dreams have come true, and I am a teacher with Language Trainers, and I teach Polish, English, and Ukrainian. I love learning and teaching different languages because each new language gives a different vision of life. Teaching is challenging, but it gives me the opportunity to meet the new people from all around the world, and I enjoy every single hour I spend with my students; I hope they enjoy the learning from me as much as I enjoy teaching them!

Language Trainers: Wow, teaching languages really is a dream come true for you! I’m delighted you enjoy teaching with Language Trainers so much!

Kassia: I started my teaching career with Language Trainers, who helped me develop and refine my teaching skills, and they gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet students from all around the world. I would never be where I am now without Language Trainers’ support. I am thankful and very happy to work for them. Every single day, we make a difference in someone's life and which goes far beyond simply acquiring knowledge.

Language Trainers: That’s great that you enjoy meeting and teaching different students. Is there something in particular you look for in each learner?

Kassia: I like my students to be enthusiastic about learning, not about getting a particular grade. A good student is someone who makes mistakes and learns from them.

Language Trainers: Definitely. And what do you promise your students in return for their enthusiasm?

Kassia: I am always friendly, communicate clearly, and am patient. These are the traits of a good teacher, and a good teacher is someone a student will remember for the rest of their life.

Language Trainers: What would you say is the main reason students should study their desired languages with Language Trainers?

Kassia: Learning a language with us is easier and more efficient than any other way. Language Trainers has the best, most professional and experienced tutors, who are comfortable teaching in any environment, including online, and who always encourage students to achieve their goals.

Language Trainers: Tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favorite expression you ask your students to learn.

Kassia: Even for Polish speakers, the language is really difficult. Just try to read this sentence from a popular polish movie: Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz Mszczonowieścice, gmina Grzmiszczosławice, powiat Trzcinogrzechotnikowo

Language Trainers: What language do you teach and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Catherine: I teach Spanish and English for Language Trainers. My childhood in Belgium, love of traveling, and desire to communicate instilled in me the value of language learning.

Language Trainers: You know many languages. Where did you study?

Catherine: I studied language at the University of Houston. But growing up in Belgium, you don’t study language; it’s more a way of life. So I’ve been learning and speaking different languages my entire life. By the time I moved to the states, I felt like I couldn't live here without learning Spanish. So I began studying and traveling. By traveling, I learned how language barriers can be a huge impediment and just how much languages should be valued.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Catherine: I certainly expect that my students are very involved in their own learning process. That’s number one. I want students to concentrate on doing every day activities in their target language. Through this, I believe teachers can help students gain fluency, without immersion. Some people think, “I only have three weeks to learn a foreign language. I can’t go to (whichever desired country).” But, yes you can! All you need is the knowledge and desire to succeed.

Language Trainers. What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Catherine: I remember once I was at the airport in Tokyo and there were students waiting in line to get their passports checked, just to practice their English. I like to work especially with students in their areas of interest. Like these Japanese students, I prefer that my students do something they would already normally need to do and in their target language. If they like cooking, I advise students to look up recipes in their target language. If they listen to music while exercising, I recommend they search for songs in their target language.

Language Trainers: What is one of your favorite experiences from your time with Language Trainers?

Catherine: I’ve recently been working with a couple in Houston. It was difficult at first because they were each at very different skill levels: the husband knew a lot but spoke little, and the wife knew barely any Spanish. So we set up a system where the husband would start classes first, and then the wife would join in later. All of a sudden, there was this jump. I used exercises in business language with the husband to show how to express himself in the workplace –now the confidence is there, and he speaks with ease and fluency. The wife was more timid, and thought she wouldn't be able to learn, saying she was too old to start from scratch. Now she sits in on meetings, understand the majority of conversations, and contributes to them with ease. Her goal for this year is fluency. It’s been amazing to watch the transformation through their lessons. And it’s the flexibility and diligence Language Trainers provides that allows them to succeed at great lengths.

Language Trainers: What language do you teach and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Linda Maria: Teaching chose ME as a career after a number of years in the corporate world. I went through a life-changing evaluation of my personal and professional priorities and goals. I wanted to use the international work experience in a way that would “give back” to the world, and I felt this was possible through teaching English and coaching adult professionals on international cultural and business practices.

Language Trainers: What age group do you usually teach?

Linda Maria: I teach adults and all of my Language Trainers students thus far have been lawyers, investment bankers, IT specialists, politicians, company owners/founders, advertising and marketing executives, and a number of wives of foreign executives. Every student is unique and an inspiration to me to be a better teacher!

Language Trainers: What is your teaching philosophy?

Linda Maria: I believe that in life, we are all teachers and students to one another. My general philosophy is that our lessons are either positive —or not so positive—and we learn important lessons from both. When I teach, I’m personally and professionally so much happier. I’m helping and mentoring others in a very positive way. Our mutual experiences together as teacher-students reach so many others in the most amazing way!

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Linda Maria: On a personal level, I look for curiosity in a student, a willingness to make the most of their experience in NYC and in the USA in general, and the ability to think critically, probe deeper, and understand the bigger picture. On the technical and practical side, I look for a few things and assess these in every class or as often as possible. These are: a student’s need for the targeted language, the student’s motivation, the student’s individual prominent learning style, and any outside learning barriers or interferences.

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Linda Maria: As a teacher, I am enthusiastic, caring, and strongly encouraging of my students that they try their best…and then some! I expect much out of my students and I hope they expect even MORE from me. I do give a lot of myself. I’m empathetic and understanding to their feelings and life situations, as I’ve been in their same situation myself. Many of my Language Trainers students have been ‘shell shocked’ by their working experience in the United States; both at the pace to perform and the workload to handle. Our classes are the one place they can comfortably express this and feel understood.

Language Trainers: Describe your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers.

Linda Maria: I love working for Language Trainers as well as the opportunity to work with such fantastic and interesting students from all over the world. I really cannot describe just one favorite teaching experience. Every class and every student is different. What I love most of all about teaching is that my students are teachers to ME. They push me to be a better teacher and a better person. They bring their world to me, and they do so with much grace, charm, humor, and integrity. To Language Trainers I’d like to say, thank you for the privilege to work with such students, and for the opportunity to be their teacher.

Language Trainers: What language do you teach and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Jim: I teach Spanish and chose teaching as a career because I viewed it as a fantastic second job. Also, if a person has experience teaching Spanish, they may be able to combine various forms of experience.

Language Trainers: Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching?

Jim: I studied at the University of Nebraska, at Kearney, and at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. I have been teaching for nearly two years and the age group I usually have taught have been adults over the age of 18.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Jim: I like a student who is positive about wanting to learn. I especially like a student who makes an effort to learn, and also understands that what they learn is not only up to the person teaching them, but also up to their own efforts and what they want to get out of learning.

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Jim: Students should expect me to know how to teach a class. I don’t think it is unreasonable to have a teacher who may not know every little bit of information about the subject material, but a keen knowledge should be expected. In any case, there are times in which I have learned from my students rather than the relationship being the other way around.

Language Trainers: Describe your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers:

Jim: My favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers is that it allows me to continue to add experience to my teaching credentials anywhere that I live. I am in a career in which I have to move from place to place periodically, and it’s nice to have the experience and connections. The program is really a fantastic one for someone looking for part-time supplemental experience.

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.

Language Trainers: What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Maribel: I teach English as a second —or other—language. I come from a long line of teachers: both parents, aunts, and uncles are all teachers. To me, there is no career more rewarding. I love to see that sparkle in the eyes of my students when they start to understand. Knowledge is power and I want all of my students to have everything they need to succeed in any endeavor they choose.

Language Trainers: Where did you study, how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

Maribel: My focus has been Business English for the most part –however not exclusively. I’ve taught all levels from beginner to advanced. I studied English literature at Fullerton College in Fullerton, California and journalism at University of North Texas. I have the TEFL certification and have completed The Compton Method of Accent Reduction.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Maribel: I love to see a motivated student. I also make it my mission to give students the confidence they need. I try to make sure classes are interesting and seek to motivate them through my own desire to learn.

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Maribel: Students should expect and receive a program which suits their individual needs. My curriculum is very specific to each student, built according to what they wish to focus on. As a teacher, I will push them; it might get repetitive, and their jaw muscles may hurt, but we will always have fun.

Language Trainers: What’s your teaching secret to success?

Maribel: I always tell my students, “Together, we can do this!” I have said that to all of them. I want their feedback. It helps me build lessons plans specifically for them. I have seen programs that worked, and those that didn’t. From these and throughout my 15 years of teaching ESL, I build successful lessons plans that work for my student.

Language Trainers: Describe your favorite aspect of working with Language Trainers.

Maribel: I get so much support from the team. I’m used to having to bear everything on my own, so the support I get from Language Trainers is essential. From materials for the students, to great links to books, I trust them to send me the best resources. I’ve been working with Language Trainers for three years and I can say with all honesty, they are one of the best schools I have worked with. They care about the students and want the best teaching experience and outcome for them.

Language Trainers: What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Michele: I became a teacher for two reasons. First, I have always loved studying foreign languages and cultures; and secondly, I enjoy the relationships that develop between my students and myself.

Language Trainers: Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

Michele: I have a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University in French and Spanish, and a MA from NYU in French Literature. In addition, I’ve lived in both France and Spain. Since the age of 22, I have been teaching almost continuously. I have taught all levels –secondary, college, and language institutes that cater to adults.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Michele: The best language student is both curious and analytical. Most important, he/she is willing to speak and make mistakes in the process! That’s the only way to improve.

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Michele: As a teacher, I have never adhered to only one pedagogical method. I find what works best for each individual.

Language Trainers: Describe your favorite aspect of working as a language teacher:

Michele: It’s always fascinating to hear how my foreign-born students react to life in the United States. I’m able to view American culture through their eyes.

Language Trainers: What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Chavah: I teach English. And my reason for choosing to teach is simple. There is nothing more important than communication. If I can help a person communicate, they are functional and confident. That is why I teach –to enable effective, confident people to express themselves.

Language Trainers: Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching?

Chavah: I studied at the University of Wisconsin, George Williams College, and Loyola University. I have taught for twenty-five years. I teach adults, of any age. Sometimes I’ll teach kids one-on-one as well.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Chavah: Both curiosity and initiative.

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Chavah: Students should expect both attention and empathy from me.

Language Trainers: What is your favorite aspect of working for Language Trainers?

Chavah: My favorite aspect of working with Language Trainers is the variety of people and their variety of needs: from reading or writing, to speaking or listening!

Language Trainers: What language do you teach, and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Dimitar: Well I began teaching at Sofia University immediately after I received my MA in Bulgarian studies. My major is literature, and I began focusing on language relatively recently in 2007. In that year, I became a Bulgarian instructor at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. I realized then that through language, I could do more for my culture. Being a Fulbrighter myself, I started teaching Bulgarian literature and culture to American Fellows at the Fulbright International Summer Institute in Bulgaria. For two years now, I teach also at the Bulgarian School in New York, HristoBotey. I actually came to New York with a perhaps too ambitious project to launch the first Bulgarian academic unit in the city and the Tristate area. This is to account for my visions and intentions –as I haven’t yet given up on this idea.

Language Trainers: Where did you study, how long have you been teaching, and what age group do you usually teach?

Dimitar: My BA, two MAs (Bulgarian Studies; Cultural Studies) and my PhD (in Literary Theory) I got from Sofia University. I specialize in teaching BA, MA and PhD students but lately I’ve been teaching Bulgarian to children between 5 and 12 year old and also to people between 30 and 70 year old. The approaches are different, but the language is the same, so the challenges are not that unique. Kids learn faster, but men and women value the magic of learning a language more.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Dimitar: Curiosity; curiosity towards the “mystical” ability of every language to project a world that is not entirely the same. Bulgarian aspects of the verb, for example, always open a new horizon –it’s like an alternative reality, our system of tenses and moods. Diligence and seriousness unhampered by a sense of humor and lightness in approaching language’s strangeness are also important qualities. The most important moment is the “click,” this readiness to collaborate and interact with the teacher.

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Dimitar: I believe that teaching a new language is an integral process that involves not only repetition, learning by heart, exercising, practicing, creating situations for students to identify/perform, etc. but also to get into language’s character, mentality, and worldview –to get to know the people who speak this language.

Language Trainers: What is your favorite aspect of working with Language Trainers?

Dimitar: With Language Trainers, students are monitored and taken care of every step of the way. Not only are they meticulous to the very last detail, but they allow students to be involved in their own learning process every step of the way.

Language Trainers: Do you have a favorite teaching experience?

Dimitar: My favorite teaching experience is the moment when I feel that the student has come to the point of entering the language. This is the moment when I discover that the student has already created intuitions, sense, and sensibility about their new language.

Language Trainers: What language do you teach and why did you choose teaching as your career?

Friedel: I teach English and German. I choose this career because I have a passion for teaching and making a difference in a person’s life.

Language Trainers: Where did you study, and how long have you been teaching?

Friedel: I’ve studied at several universities, all in Canada. I have several degrees including a Masters in English Literature.

Language Trainers: What age group do you usually teach?

Friedel: I’m qualified to teach from pre-Kindergarten onwards and I have taught in almost every level, however I focus on adult and high school students.

Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?

Friedel: Above all, the desire to learn!

Language Trainers: What should students expect in you as a teacher?

Friedel: Students can expect dedication and a love of learning. I work differently with each student according to their learning styles, and I always focus on their needs and what they want to learn. I work in a state of the art teaching style and encourage learning opportunities.

Language Trainers: What has been your favorite teaching experience?

Friedel: All of the students I've received through Language Trainers have been fantastic people. Beyond that, they've been great students to work with –both driven and motivated to learn!