Ed
Hello!
No one really needs to call me "Dr Ed!" It's just an easy way to remember who I am, though I do have a PhD. I'm a lifelong learner, really: world traveler, student of other cultures, hiker, reader... I'm always interested in getting to know others, and every person each of us meets in life represents an opportunity. I hope you'll take the opportunity to learn and practice English with me, whether you are more of a beginner or if you hope to take those extra steps to greater fluency. *** We are hosting visitors next week, from 19 July to 26 July, during which I will have much reduced hours. Thanks! - Ed - ***
For someone who initially had not intended to teach, I've ended up teaching in a mix of venues, from teaching on site and "in the field" for a wildlife museum, to certifying folks in first aid and CPR classes, to teaching philosophy and history at the collegiate level, I've continued developing my skills and interests, becoming a lifelong learner in the process. When not working on my next novel (two published so far, a third manuscript done, and a fourth in the works...), I divide my time among working for my local school district, practicing the martial art of aikido, hiking with our dogs, reading, and ballroom dancing. I look forward to meeting and working with you, whatever your background with English and how you want to learn more about it. I grew up abroad (Australia, Mexico) and have traveled extensively in six continents, keeping friendships in several other countries, so I know what it's like to be the foreigner and also to work on learning a new language!
About
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My experience with teaching so far has been the most rewarding when it has included the most active participation. Teaching English enables this on a continual basis, compared to in the past, when I have had students who wanted to remain quiet and not get called on. The best way to learn another language is to get talking, and having guidance helps learners stay on track. I learned this at a young age, as my family moved to other countries, and I found myself in a Spanish immersion program by age eight. Teachers are guides, really. Previously, I have taught philosophy and history at the university level; first aid and CPR to professionals and the general public; and wildlife education to persons of all ages. More recently I have been able to work at local elementary and middle schools, including many native Spanish-speakers, so I can sympathize with them, remembering my own childhood learning new cultures and a different language. Most of all, I recognize that the best way to learn new things is to make plenty of mistakes. I believe this is what makes language students – both children and adults – anxious about learning other languages, since the mistakes are immediate and obvious. Yet I have also traveled extensively enough throughout the world to know that we can each open many doors simply by trying the local dialect!