Riccardo: Glendale tutor

Certified Tutor

I'm a native Italian speaker and a passionate language teacher with extensive experience working with students of all ages, in many different cultural contexts. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, from the University of Florence, and I started my teaching career in Special Education 13 years ago. Since then, I've taught Spanish, Italian, and English in India; conducted Italian, Spanish, and English scuba diving courses in Thailand; and have worked as an interpreter and translator at conferences, for corporate clients, and for legal firms. Now, I am eager to continue my teaching career right here in Pittsburgh, and would love to help you improve your Spanish and Italian skills!

My passion for language started as a teenager, when I chose foreign language as my concentration in high school in Arezzo, Italy. Later, my love of international travel put these language skills to use, and I dramatically improved my vocabulary and fluency in Spanish through extended stays in Mexico and Latin America. Because of this immersive exposure, I can now move fluidly between Italian, Spanish and English. In addition to the great deal of experience I have with language as a traveler, I have spent the last 6 years teaching Spanish and Italian as a foreign language to elementary school children, adult students at language institutes and universities, and to corporate clients in intensive language training workshops. In addition, I've served as an interpreter in a variety of settings and worked as a Spanish, Italian, and English translator for technical and legal documents.

My unique background, including my work outside of an academic setting, helps to keep my language skills fresh and my lessons fun, relevant, and useful. In addition, my experience working with learners of varying abilities, including those with special academic needs, means that I can quickly learn your unique learning style and work with you to create a personalized academic plan with clear and achievable goals.

I can't wait to put my diverse experience, passion for teaching, and strong language skills to work for you.