Online
Lars California
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Native
Speaks
Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish
Indonesian
Specialties
KidsProfessional, experienced teacher inspires kids and adults to be diligent=productive=competent=fun!
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish
Indonesian
Specialties
KidsProfessional, experienced teacher inspires kids and adults to be diligent=productive=competent=fun!
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United StatesLiving in Shanghai, China (18:34 UTC+08:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Jul 20, 2016InterestsFilms & TV SeriesWritingFood
I’m an American professional TEFL teacher, currently living in Shanghai, China with my wife and son. I compose and perform music in my spare time.
Free online 1-to-1 video communication is the ideal environment for working with a language tutor – an ‘academically intimate’ atmosphere. I bring to each private class years of experience with helping students get the best results from this ideal learning environment.
An avid reader since I was a child, I read all of Tolkien’s major works (Lord of the Rings, etc.) as a teenager. I credit this activity for developing a high degree of skill with English grammar, and excellent expression. I love to write in English, particularly songs.Me as a Teacher
I have taught mainly at International Schools in Shanghai, since 2007. I hold an INTESOL 120-hour teacher training qualification. A native English speaker from the US Midwest, I can confidently teach accent improvement and vocabulary/word usage. I also have extensive experience with editing formal English text, including several novels and a Master’s dissertation.
I was delightfully employed at an English training center in Shanghai, teaching ages 6-10, but had to leave after 3 years, late in 2021. Very pleased now to have many more children in my online classroom, some attending several times a week. My lessons & teaching style
Most intermediate and advanced students have difficulty communicating in English because of insufficient speaking training. I provide a framework for improving those habits, including grammar review/practice, guided conversations, and writing exercises. Patience is required! but the rewards are worth the effort. My teaching manner is relaxed, yet very focused and supportive – my students achieve great results.
For students of school age: a friendly face, and expert guidance for performing the familiar and powerful exercises found in National Geographic Learning textbooks (usually Reach Higher or Reading Explorer) is all the inspiration needed for a productive learning routine.My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Audio files
- Image files
- Articles and news
- Quizzes
- Test templates and examples
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
Certificate in TEFL with TEYL - INTESOL Worldwide - 2017accredited by ALAP
Certificate verified
Certificate in TEFL with TEYL - Intesol Worldwide - 2017Though this is a basic TEFL (teaching English to foreign learners) 120 hours training certificate - already approved by italki - my training did include an optional component (which I chose to add) for TEYL (teaching English to young learners.
In case this application does not provide another place for it, let me include this information: From 2018 to 2021, I was employed by an English Training Center in Shanghai, to conduct classroom English teaching to 4-12 kids aged 5-12. 100s of classes.
Certificate verified
Education
1988 - 1992
Bachelor’s - Music Theory and Composition
Work Experience
2001 - 2006
Financial AssistantThe job included routine accounting work, keeping financial records, meetings and discussions. Lots of useful language of business.
2007 - Current
Private language tutorAt times, I've had as many as 45 private lessons per week. Great experience with lots of different learning styles! Every student has different needs.
5.0
Rating
425
Students
3,935
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
267 lessons completed
USD 5.00+
Tailored English Course 定制英语课程
A2 - C2Language Essentials3,222 lessons completed
USD 19.00+
Package with 7% off
CV and Presentation Proofreading/Coaching
B2 - C2Language Essentials196 lessons completed
USD 19.00+
Package with 13% off
Supplemental Language Training for Children and Teens 儿童和青少年的补充语言培训
A2 - C1Kids2 lessons completed
USD 19.00+
Package with 7% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
277 Reviews
Mike
26 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
孩子非常喜欢这个老师！
Sep 7, 2023
孙珊珊
15 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
I have been learning English with Lars for about three months. It really helps me. Lars is humorous,articulate and every lesson is well prepared. It is the first time I know that learning English can be that interesting. I think I have made progress in pronunciation and grammar. I really appreciate that, thanks for all you did, Lars!
Jan 6, 2018
Zachariel Wu
5 English lessons
This lesson I’m better than yesterday listen, I feel more good
Dec 10, 2025
July
11 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Very good teacher, patient, earnest. I learned a lot! Lars is a teacher who can teach at different levels. I am very lucky to find such a good teacher. I will continue to learn English
Dec 30, 2021
Zachariel Wu
5 English lessons
Very fun，good teacher good class
Dec 20, 2025
wuyi
1 English lesson
老师很有耐心
Dec 6, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 5.00
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