Courtney

Certified Tutor

I'm Courtney, a New York State certified Spanish teacher with 11+ years of experience in the classroom and tutoring. I hold degrees in Spanish, Adolescent Education, and Inclusive Education. My education also includes study abroad at la Universidad de Oviedo in Oviedo, Spain. I am certified to teach both Spanish and Special Education for grades 7-12.

My tutoring experience began when I was living in Spain. I tutored students ages 5-17 who were learning English as their second language. I became skilled in working with individuals and small groups, tailoring my instruction to their age and individual needs.

As a Spanish teacher, I have taught students who are true beginners in 7th and 8th grades, all the way up to high school seniors who are earning high school credit in dual enrollment courses. I have had a great deal of success in preparing students to achieve on the Checkpoint A and B exams required by New York State, as well as on college placement tests.

When I teach and tutor, I remember what it was like to learn a new language as a teenager. I use a comprehensible input-based approach, meaning that I focus on giving my students written and spoken Spanish at a level that is challenging, but not too challenging for them. From there, I build their confidence in writing and speaking through personalized questioning and stories and discussions based on their interests and senses of humor.

In an individual or small group class, I focus on individual student needs, from vocabulary and verb study skills, memory tools, and test-taking strategies. I thoroughly enjoy helping students reach their goals with Spanish, whatever they may be.