Super ESL teacher offers customized classes to individuals or small groups.

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.