Hi there!
I've worked in literacy, ESL and assessment for about 15 years. I am relatively new to online teaching though I've tutored working adults one-on-one for years, mostly for professional presentations and for success in English at work. I enjoy teaching from home because I live in the country and balance my online activities with my gardening, work, volunteer activities, my family and my studies.
I used to teach BIG classes. I don't know if that is the best way to learn language, though...one-to-one is a lot faster.
I like working one-on-one with students because it's better! This is the era of the self-directed adult learner. Each speaking practice conversation is different and dynamic.
I believe that practice is the key to becoming an advanced English speaker. You can practice with anyone but a trained teacher is the best partner because I can give you good feedback.
Learning beginner English is very different from learning English at higher levels. I will show you non-traditional ways to look at language and speaking/listening that will help you speak more creatively and more fluently.
I'm a fan of working with short videos to learn real vocabulary and natural ways of speaking. I use videos to create good discussions about contemporary issues and topics.
Speaking practice with a skilled teacher is a very valid and stress-free way for intermediate+ learners to make progress. Once you have the basic grammar and vocabulary, simple conversational exchange (with feedback + new vocabulary taught in situ) can be very helpful.
I'm certified to teach English as a Second Language federally and provincially in my country and I work at a community college. I can be as academic and "serious" or as casual and "conversational" as you like.
Sometimes it's nice to have a qualified person to practice on -- with a teacher's knowledge/skills but not a formal "lesson". That's the middle ground that I find works with online ESL.
