From United StatesLiving in Other, United States (11:15 UTC-04:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Jun 30, 2018
InterestsMusicHistoryFilms & TV Series
As a Political Science graduate, I thrive on exploring history, global politics, and current events—perfect for dynamic English discussions! My travels across Europe and Asia (plus German/Italian skills) help me connect cultures seamlessly. When not teaching, I channel my creativity into oil painting or swing jazz playlists—both of which inspire my lessons. Let’s make English vibrant together!
Me as a Teacher
People have told me that I am a natural teacher. I worked most of my life in law enforcement, then after retiring, I did some substitute teaching in public schools in Vermont. I taught all grade levels and subjects and found that I loved working with young people. More recently, I obtained a TEFL/TESOL certification and began teaching English as a second language. This has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life. I would say that my strengths as a teacher are patience and persistence. I am willing to do what it takes to see that the student succeeds.
My lessons & teaching style
My lessons for beginning students involve the use of readings and pictures to introduce initial vocabulary and grammar. I follow the curriculum in "Practice Makes Perfect Basic English, Second Edition"to ensure that essential grammar is covered. For more advanced students, I tend to use a lot of IELTS preparation material,whether or not the student is planning to take that test. I just find those materials to be excellent for developing grammar, vocabulary and fluency. I also use materials taken from news articles, literature, poems and song lyrics. I try to customize these materials for the needs of the particular student and to always leave time for free conversation practice.
My teaching material
PDF file
Text Documents
Image files
Articles and news
Graphs and charts
5.0
Rating
639
Students
4,484
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
5.0
Rating
639
Students
4484
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
276 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
Informal Tutoring
A1 - C2Language Essentials2,234 lessons completed
USD 11.00+
Package with 19% off
Beginner to Intermediate
A1 - B2Language Essentials597 lessons completed
USD 12.00+
Package with 20% off
Intermediate to Advance
B2 - C2Language Essentials1,011 lessons completed
USD 12.00+
Package with 20% off
Availability
652 Reviews
Selda
5 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
John is a brilliant teacher. He explains the meanings of words by giving funny examples and also by explaining where those words come from and how they are used in a daily life or in the academic world, which helps me learn them much more easily. During the class, he uses different techniques to improve my reading and listening skills besides my speaking skills. Also, he is punctual and gives importance to finish the task at hand even though our time is over.
May 8, 2019
mobile1693
10 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Having classes and talking with John was a great experience, he has a good sence of humor which makes the class very interesting. He is very patient and open-mineded and well prepared and a good listener. I have learned many new words and really enjoyed the lessons.
Jul 27, 2018
Pavel Fedarynau
17 English lessons
Excellent teacher
Sep 24, 2025
Julia
46 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
I liked to talk to John very much. We had a great conversation about everything. Very enjoyable and fun. Thank you, John!
Aug 31, 2018
Chris
6 English lessons
Everyday the class is enjoyable with teacher John, because he always creates something to make you talk and correct your mistakes.
Nov 17, 2025
ArtyomGorskii
1 English lesson
It was a nice informal tutoring lesson because it was both conversational lesson and guided reading of the text! John helped my with vocabulary that I didn't understand in the text and he draw pictures for words and explained them clearly. He also asked me questions and I was glad to answer all of them! He is kind, patient, inspiring and a nice person to have a conversation with! I hope I'll book a lesson with him again and see him soon! It was nice to meet him!
Sep 21, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 10.00
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