"I had to learn English in a hurry when I started Kindergarten, so I know firsthand the panic that can set in when a person doesn't understand! That experience gives me an edge and a lot of patience in helping a student learn another language.

I received my Ph.B. from Wayne State University majoring in Spanish, Natural Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities. I have a Permanent Secondary Certificate from the State of Michigan, and I continued in a Master's program in Foreign Language Education at Wayne State University. I have taught Spanish (beginner to advanced levels) in public and private schools from 6th to 12th grades. At one point I designed and taught an eighth-grade Spanish class in our school district when a government grant became available. At our middle school level I also designed and taught exploratory classes in Spanish, French and German. It was especially gratifying to have had the high school German enrollment increase to double the previous figure. At the middle school I have also taught science, math, social studies and study skills. To me, study skills are the key to success in learning, whatever the subject matter. I do focus on showing students various techniques to improve retention, to organize materials, to build confidence based on success.

After my retirement from full-time teaching, I have worked with adults wanting to improve their English-speaking skills through PALs International, and I have been acting as a free-lance interpreter (for Spanish and Polish) in courts, at medical appointments, and the like. I am comfortable working with children or adults and my schedule is flexible.

I do now live in the Gaylord-Lewiston area of Michigan.

Hopefully this information will boost your confidence in trusting me to help you in your goal of improving your language skills!" less...