About Me

I have a passion for learning and teaching languages and would like to infuse my students with that same enthusiasm. Language learning is not an easy task and with our day to day life, it is even more difficult to do something that is not easy. I hope my students see class time as an enjoyable way to have contact with a foreign language and learn as a byproduct of that fun experience. Now, a little bit more about me. I got my BA in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Oregon and after having lived in Spain for over 13 years I also got a Masters Degree in Secondary Education, Vocational Training and Language Teaching Specialising in Spanish Language and Literature from the Universidad de Valencia, in Spain. During those 13 years spent in Spain I taught English to students from age 5-55, working in schools, after school programs, company classes, vocational training schools, and individuals who wanted to learn English. As far as extra curricular activities, I do it all. I like being outdoors and travelling, I run, cycle, hike, ski, camp. I like to paint, and read, watch movies. I love to talk to people and socialize as well as learn about different cultures and traditions when I travel. I am a fun, happy, out-going person and I feel I synchronize well with people, which, by the way, makes me a good teacher. :)Concerning my teaching philosophy and my tutoring style, I would say that great educators give students the tools they need in order to empower the student to learn and interact with the world on their own. I try to explain the material at hand, give the student the opportunity to use it, experiment with it, do a few study exercises to build a good foundation, and then let them explore ways to give it meaning, by way of projects, or role plays, games, or real life encounters. A person can learn theory about a language on their own, but the reason why they seek out a tutor or an instructor is for the interaction, that is where I come in, I act as a facilitator and a guide so that the student can engage their own imagination to really learn.

Education & Certifications

Q&A with Sonia

Tutoring Subjects