"Bonjour! Je m’appelle Julie Ann et je suis prof de français.

I grew up in Michigan, where I first fell in love with French in high school. After graduation, I spent a year as an exchange student living with French families and attending high school in Amiens, France—a city known for its stunning Gothic cathedral. I didn’t go just to study the language; I wanted to experience a new culture. By the end of the year, I was thinking, speaking, and even dreaming in French.

When I returned to the U.S., I earned my BA in French and discovered my passion for teaching through tutoring. I tutored French students and also worked at the university’s writing center, supporting both native speakers and English language learners. While earning my MA in French, I taught beginner French courses at the university. That experience confirmed that teaching was where I belonged. I became a licensed teacher and taught all levels of French—from beginners learning the basics to advanced students preparing for the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam.

I also taught English in Japan, which gave me a fresh perspective on the language-learning process. Being a beginner again brought back the challenges of navigating unfamiliar sounds, grammar, and cultural differences. That experience made me a more empathetic teacher—I know how intimidating it can feel to speak a new language, and I’m here to help you move past those nerves and gain confidence.

Over my 20 years of teaching, I’ve learned where students tend to get stuck and found ways to help them move forward. My students often said my encouraging, down-to-earth approach helped them feel more confident. I love bringing the language to life with songs, short stories, videos, and role-playing. Now, as a tutor, I tailor my lessons to your goals, combining structured practice with conversation so you can build both vocabulary and confidence. Language learning should be both practical and fun—let’s work together to make French a skill you can really use!" less...