My classes are fun and always include several different kinds of activities to make the classes interesting, super-useful, and challenging. If the client (student) wants homework, I send him/her practice exercises to do--or--an audio file to listen to and practice with. I'm always patient, respectful, and kind--in part, because I know how hard it is to learn another language, having studied several of them, myself!
I've taught ESL for over 20 years and to thousands of students from all over the world--and I've loved it!
I always adapt my approach to match the goals of my particular student(s).
I can teach all skill areas--speaking, listening, grammar,reading, and writing--but I especially enjoy helping students learn how to talk more easily with Americans and how to present their ideas more comfortably.
My students describe me as: kind, creative, knowledgeable, and fun.
Cancellation policy: to be discussed with client
My CV includes the following degrees, work experience, and languages:
Degrees:
-BA in English, BA in French, minor in Education (LeMoyne College);
-MA in Linguistics (area of focus: sociolinguists);
-TESOL Certification (University of Pittsburgh); and
-MA in Professional Writing (Carnegie Mellon University).
Work Experience:
-teacher/curriculum designer/program director: of English, of French, of Technical Writing, and many years of ESL at American universities (including Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and the University of Maryland, and UCLA);
-technical writer and editor (for companies that included Blue Cross, People's Natural Gas, and Mitsubishi; and for dozens of graduate students, faculty, and researchers associated with universities and companies in the US and abroad);
-medical writer (e.g., for the National Institutes of Health);
-director of communications for an international restaurant chain;
-program designer/manager (of "survival"-English programs for immigrants and of academic-English program for international students hoping to attend college in the US);
-entrepreneur: of a social-educational service for home-educated students called The Homeschoolers Society; and, especially, of the editing/tutoring/conversation coaching service Edits International ((concealed information) which for many years has helped international clients "find the words to succeed."
Languages:
-native speaker of English,
-highly proficient in Spanish, and
-proficient in French, and
-slightly proficient in Portuguese.
Perfect! Nancy is very enthusiastic about teaching. She is also enjoyable to speak with. Patience and encouragement are her middle names. She manages lessons specific to your needs and also gives super feedbacks. I can truly say that she is a reliable English teacher. I totally recommend Nancy. Be assured that you will be grateful for every session.
Serkan is one in a million: intelligent, focused, and a joy to work with.
Nancy is an extremely knowledgeable, personable, and highly experienced writing/ESL professional I wholeheartedly recommend her!
I found Nancy through Carnegie Mellon University’s Intercultural Communication Center, and had worked with her for about a year to improve my English language skill, with an emphasis on intonation and variations of language use in different settings. She used teaching-by-doing method (perhaps she might have a better way to describe her own method) that uses non-textbook and topic-based practice sessions. After each session, she would prepare notes and exercises around specific skills that I needed to work on. I find these notes very helpful because, as a learner, I often wasn’t aware of my own mistakes, weaknesses and strengths. I recommend that anyone who want to improve their English language skill and especially to try out her new method of teaching, should work with her.
I've known Nancy since 2008: first, as her student at an ESL program in Pittsburgh, PA; then as a private student for face-to-face instruction; and currently as a private student working on conversation skills via Skype. I have been able to succeed beyond my expectations in all of these periods, thanks to Nancy's patience, creativity, and teaching competence. Nancy has a solid and remarkable understanding of how to teach ESL to adult students.
S.Carneiro, M.D.
Throughout my time with Teacher Nancy, she has been reliable, well-prepared, understanding of my deficiencies, and highly organized. I've never had any need that she hasn't met, and she's always been there when I've needed help. Highly recommend if you're looking to improve quickly, with tailor-made classes to suit your needs.
I met Nancy at our local coffeeshop, and I am truly blessed to know her. She is loyal, compassionate and able to hold conversation with anyone, truly anyone. She is a force, has a determined work ethic and never stops learning. I highly recommend working with her.
You can’t possibly find a better teacher than Nancy! With ideal credentials in English, linguistics, languages and writing, Nancy approaches teaching from a highly informed perspective. Having worked with Nancy, I know that she plans individualized lessons with a deep understanding of how language works and the best techniques to promote language learning. Couple that with many years of successful teaching experience and she’s just the person you want to guide your learning. in addition, Nancy is culturally sensitive, empathetic, kind, warm and funny. She is highly organized and very responsible. Interacting with her is a delight. I recommend Nancy wholeheartedly.
Nancy is very experienced in teaching. She cares about her students and their progress. I have known Nancy for about four years, and she has always tutored students of all ages. Also, she has a Master's degree and is multilingual. I highly endorse her to be one of your tutors. Sincerely, Andrea DiBello
Nancy is my sister, but also my professional colleague. I'm a college prof., and we've worked together frequently on projects involving teaching. Nancy's smart as heck yet gets along with everyone, determined yet amazingly pleasant and accommodating. She's worked with a wide variety of clients from all over the US and the world. You'll love learning with her!
I have known Nancy Downes for many years. Her thoughtfulness, creativity in approaching issues and dealing with problems, and energetic curiosity have always been very apparent to me! Nancy responds quickly and really tries to see different peoples' perspectives. I would highly recommend Nancy as a teacher!
Nancy is extremely knowledgeable and fantastically dedicated to her work and her students. She is friendly, helpful and a model teacher.
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at her home | at your home | By webcam | |
1 hour | Not available | $30 | $30 |
5 hours | Not available | $140 | $150 |
10 hours | Not available | $280 | $300 |