From United StatesLiving in Rochester, United States (22:18 UTC-04:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Dec 8, 2016
Interest topicScienceTechPets & Animals
After 25 years working in Information Technology (IT), I discovered that what I really wanted to do was to help people learn. For the last few years, I have been helping people like you become more confident speakers, regardless of the language they are learning - this, through one-on-one teaching and conversation practice here on italki.
I have been tutoring foreign languages part time since 1998. In 2016, I got involved full time, started teaching ESL locally, and mentored under the best teachers I could find. Learning and teaching Esperanto has broadened my knowledge of my own native English, and helped me learn how to explain things in a clear and understandable way.
Me as a Teacher
Teaching (and language learning) is who I am. In university, many of my friends were international students. I took pride in my ability to adapt my English to the appropriate level as they progressed. I was learning German, and this really helped me see things from their perspective. Now I am well-known in the Esperanto community - a regular teacher-in-residence at NASK and other events. In 1988 I became a tutor in a Free Esperanto Course (which I now administer), and when I left my IT career in 2016, I started teaching once a week at the local ESOL Association, as well as tutoring on line and in person. Teaching different languages in these situations has given me a unique perspective.
My lessons & teaching style
The main thing is that I want my students to speak. The first step is to feel comfortable. You will receive solid feedback, but you don't need to worry about being constantly corrected or about making mistakes. You're going to make mistakes. We can expect that ahead of time. The important thing is that we learn in the process.
For English, once you're ready to try your first conversation, I will help you get to the next level - including intermediate and advanced English, accent reduction, and Business English. For German, I like to help people get started right in the beginning, or to help if you're struggling with understanding German grammar. For Esperanto, I cover the whole range.
Esperanto: Text only and other non-traditional lessons (permission required)
A1 - B1General1 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
Package with 6% off
Esperanto - 10 lesson package discount (regular Esperanto lessons)
A1 - C2Conversation Practice74 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 60% off
Esperanto - 20 lesson package discount (regular Esperanto lessons)
A1 - C2Conversation Practice44 lessons completed
USD 40.00+
Package with 74% off
Esperanto five lesson package discount (regular Esperanto lessons)
A1 - C2General1 lessons completed
USD 25.00+
Package with 41% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
501 Reviews
All
Esperanto
English
Lívia Mendes
21 German lessons
Teacher’s pick
Thomas has been very helpful and patient with my German learning process. He adjusts the classes whenever it's necessary to improve the productivity and meet the expectations. He is able to understand your specific difficulties and tailor the teaching to meet your needs.
Aug 5, 2020
Bernie USMLE TOEFL
57 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Thomas is very easy going and attentive. I always learn something new in our classes. I highly recommend him. See u next time teacher!
Apr 15, 2017
William Somerville
5 Esperanto lessons
Teacher’s pick
Thomas is an excellent teacher of Esperanto! He is very skilled in the language, and is patient, supportive and friendly. The lessons are well structured, encouraging and easy to follow. With Thomas's help, I was able to identify and correct problems that I have been struggling with during the introductory lesson. I look forward to my future sessions with Thomas and feel confident that he will help me achieve my goals (and fluency) in Esperanto!
Mar 20, 2017
Charles H.
1 German lesson
it was an introduction lesson. I felt like we reached commonality as to where I actually want to go with learning German. Mr Alexander was friendly and had a lot of different items to share with me that will be helpful. I look forward to another lesson.
Apr 29, 2024
Jacob Laguerre
1 Esperanto lesson
Thomas is an amazing and patient teacher. He's very easy to talk to. I was a little nervous at first but the nerves quickly went away as we got into it. I highly recommend taking a lesson with him to experience it yourself