I started teaching when I was 14 yo. At that time, my neighbors' kids needed help studying for exams. I tutored them and they all passed their exams. I realized I was able to teach any subject kids needed help with; better yet, students could learn what I taught them. A teacher was born!
To get proper training, I went to college and got a degree in English Language and Literature from a university in Brazil. Then, I got a Master's Degree in British Literature from NMSU, Missouri, and, finally, I went to ASU, AZ, for a Ph.D. in Higher and Adult Ed. So far, I've taught children, teenagers, and adults from different nationalities. I've taught both ESL/EFL and British Literature, and my specific areas in ESL/EFL are writing, reading, and speaking. I was a teaching associate at ASU Dept. of English for 6 years and have a lot of experience teaching writing.
About what I like to do when I'm not teaching, I like to read and encourage my students to read often. I tell them that a person who reads often, speaks, writes, and understands his language better. If they're learning ESL/EFL, reading much also helps them to acquire vocabulary and understand grammar without difficulties. I also enjoy writing and have written several stories. Finally, when I'm not teaching, reading, or writing, I like to cook and travel.