Visited 43 minutes ago
Thomas
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Native
German
Speaks
Spanish
Chinese (Mandarin)
Japanese
Making amazing life experiences possible with language
Teaches
English
Native
German
Speaks
Spanish
Chinese (Mandarin)
Japanese
Making amazing life experiences possible with language
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United StatesLiving in Berlin, Germany (17:42 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Mar 27, 2020InterestsSports & FitnessTechScience
Hey! My name is Thomas. I'm from California, and I live in Berlin, Germany. I work in early childhood education.
When I was a teenager, I got really curious about the Japanese language. I ended up spending many years learning different languages, using them to live in different countries, and travel. Now I use my language expertise in my work with children, and I teach languages for fun here on iTalki.
I'm passionate about people and human development. I'm a curious person, and I'm interested in cities/geography, music and dance, fitness/health and lots more. I love meeting people on iTalki and learning and laughing together, and helping people make great things happen in their lives.Me as a Teacher
I can help with several areas of language:
- relocating to and settling into German or English-speaking country
- developing communication skills for work, socializing, family and relatives, interviews, and more
- developing interaction skills like humor, curiosity, professionalism, neutrality, politeness, and more
- reaching B1 fast (within a few months)
- language-learning consulting - the best methods, materials, resources, attitudes, and applications of AI
I've spent more than fifteen years learning and speaking foreign languages. I have a lot of knowledge and wisdom about learning and using language, from academic papers to banter with taxi drivers in primarily oral languages. My lessons & teaching style
I teach lessons 90-100% in the target language.
I ask a lot of questions, and I create many chances for students to speak. I always talk in a way that you can understand, with clear pronunciation, appropriate pacing, and intentional use of vocabulary that allows you to understand and keep growing to the next level.
I document every lesson with a list of key words in sentences.
I love to make jokes, laugh, and have fun during lessons!
The content and format of lessons always depend on the student's interests and goals. We might enjoy a spontaneous conversation about technology or pets, learn new words from a vocab list, discuss an ethical issue at work, or something else.Certificates
Employment contract - Germanic American Institute - 2019
Certificate verified
Recommendation letter - Claudia Aurand - Germanic American Insitute - 2019Recommendation letter from supervisor and head of language services department at my current place of employment as a professional teacher.
Certificate verified
German C2 Certificate - Speaking - Goethe Institut - 2018
Certificate verified
German C2 Certificate - Listening - Goethe Institut - 2018
Certificate verified
German C2 Certificate - Reading - Goethe Institut - 2018
Certificate verified
Education
2011 - 2016
Bachelor’s - International Relations and German
Work Experience
2018 - 2019
English TeacherEnglish teacher with adult ESL learners, primarily from Somalia. Designed and implemented curriculum for students, including those with limited literacy skills in their primary language and little to no formal education.
2017 - 2018
English teacherOnline work for six months as an English teacher for children aged 4-14.
2019 - 2020
Adult German instructorAdult German instructor. Work with total beginners, experienced beginners, and intermediate level following a standardized textbook curriculum. Adapt curriculum in lively, stimulating, and productive activities and classroom environments. Design and implement all-online courses for groups.
2019 - 2020
Assistant teacherAssistant teacher in German immersion preschool. Create a positive and beneficial environment for children and colleagues. Collaborate on implementation of Reggio Emilia approach.
2020 - 2021
Humanities TeacherContribute to boarding school experience for students as a teacher, counselor, and in a variety of capacities.
Work with students ages 12 to 16 teaching a competency-based curriculum combining aspects of American curriculum, student-centered pedagogy, and ESL.
Design and implement an education program for fifty boys living in an orphanage, taught by students from the boarding school.
2021 - 2024
Kindergarten School Leader
5.0
Rating
135
Students
1,256
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
German Lessons
German
English
Trial Lesson
23 lessons completed
USD 20.00+
Lektion im Gespräch
A1 - C1Conversation571 lessons completed
USD 25.00+
Package with 10% off
Availability
Joshua Marsh
52 German lessons
Teacher’s pick
Thomas does a great job of mixing natural conversation with structured topics to make each lesson feel organic, yet focused.
Jun 29, 2025
Natalie
51 German lessons
Teacher’s pick
Ich genieße meinen Unterricht bei Thomas sehr. Er ist geduldig, flexibel und sehr professionell. Die Zeit vergeht schnell, weil der Unterricht mit Thomas Spaß macht, abwechslungsreich und praktisch ist. In unserer ersten Stunde fragte er mich nach meinen Zielen und Motivationen, die deutsche Sprache zu lernen. Durch unseren Unterricht habe ich mehr über den täglichen Gebrauch der deutschen Sprache gelernt. Ich fühle mich sicherer beim Sprechen im Alltag. Ich bin sehr zufrieden und würde Thomas weiter empfehlen.
Jun 2, 2022
bucherpa
59 German lessons
Die Lektionen mit Thomas sind eine grosse Hilfe für die Vertiefung meiner Deutschkenntnisse. Seit ich mit Thomas zusammenarbeite, mache ich erfreulich positive Fortschritte !
Aug 6, 2024
Sergei
101 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Thomas is a great teacher! I took speaking classes and that was a really amazing experience. Although speaking other languages sometimes is really difficult Thomas always found ways to make it easier and comfortable, so lessons with him were more useful and interesting.
Oct 28, 2022
David Kennedy
10 German lessons
Thomas is an excellent teacher. From the first lesson, I felt at ease, supported and motivated. Thomas has a wonderful teaching method and makes learning German easy and fun.
Jan 25, 2026
John
3 German lessons
Thomas is an excellent teacher.
Aug 3, 2024
Trial Lesson
USD 20.00
Your final payment will be made in USD