Native English Speaker (Canadian)
TEFL Accredited: Basic Teaching Certification (2021)
Online Teaching Certification (2021)
Exam Preparation Certification (2023)
Fellow of Rosebud School of the Arts--- Playwrighting and Acting (2010)
High School Diploma (2005)
Hello! My name is Chrissie and I am a Canadian living in Northern Ireland.
For the last year and a half, I have been a full-time Online English language teacher, as well as for a year, I was an au pair in Switzerland where I taught the two small girls that I looked after to speak English. As well as being an English language teacher, I speak semi-fluent French and am currently learning Italian and Swedish. I also grew up speaking Ukrainian as my mother is Ukrainian-Canadian (though I unfortunately no longer speak it).
I believe in finding out what each student needs in regard to their English abilities since everyone learns differently and has various skills and needs, and therefore, I don't really have 'a certain way' of teaching.
The first class is usually spent with me asking you questions about why you need English, how long you have been learning, what you believe your strong and weak points are, and what your goals are. Together, we will then figure out a plan in which practice and study are balanced, as they are both needed in order to improve. We will then also figure out what work we should do together and what you can do alone, so that you can ask me any questions that may come up in the moment, as well a practicing self- guided study.
I also have expectations of my students: first of all, be kind to yourself. Learning any language is very difficult, and being unkind to yourself, pushing yourself too hard, or moving on while still confused as to what we are learning is not helpful. At all, or to anyone. I of course know personally how frustrating and difficult it is to learn to communicate in another language, and I believe that 'slow is smooth, and smooth is fast'.
Second, no matter how much or how little you wish to study, I am happy to help you. However, whatever you commit to, I will expect you to adhere to that commitment. Not only for your own improvement, but because this is my job and planning and effort goes into what I prepare for you.
And finally, although I take my planning seriously, classes themselves are very casual. I am known as a person who likes to have conversations, answer questions, and I basically try to make class feel as comfortable as possible for my students and have been told that my students feel like they're speaking to a friend, not a teacher. Any other questions you may have, please feel free to message me and I hope we can meet soon!
