Experienced International ESL / ELA Tutor, Teacher Available for Online Meetings To Practice.

Find out more about Rick

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I first became interested in teaching when I coached my first sports team as a teenager. I became successful that I volunteered in my high school to tutor younger students in my chosen subjects. As a result, these experienced motivated me to study Education and Communications at my university to eventually become a certified public school teacher in Chicago.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I majored in Education and Communications so I could first teach 4-skill English related subjects and communication activities like Speech and Drama, Debate, and Public Speaking. After meeting my Japanese wife, I had the motivation to become certified in ESL and I recently returned to the USA after 20 rewarding years tutoring in Japan.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My teacher role model was my sophomore Geometry teacher in high school. I hated the subject but he took an interest in me and through our nice chemistry, he was able to help me understand the subject. To this day I always try to develop chemistry with my students and work to develop their skills to their satisfaction.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I believe there are 3 necessary qualities in being a good tutor: First, be student focused to achieve student activity; Second, develop chemistry do that the relationship is enjoyable as well as rewarding; Third, get student feedback on the lessons and goal achievement so that a happy student is a satisfied student in their learning.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One of my favorite stories is how a student in my language school in Japan converted his book schools into improved communication skills which motivated him to get his MBA in English which allowed him to be accepted for a position in Thailand. Quite a success story.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  The main difficulty I have tutoring ESL is to help students not get frustrated with the pace of their learning. English is tough and to be a global communicator needs time and patience. Sometimes students want the quick shortcut method so learning is always a work in progress especially when it comes to learning a language.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion on tutoring comes from my experience teaching students of all ages and backgrounds from multiple global environments. It is so interesting to see how communication can really bring people together especially on the tutor-student level.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  I am not sure if I qualify to be a Superprof because I also continue to learn more and more on how to be a better and better tutor. My training also continues and will continue until I no longer decide to continue teaching. Teacher learning for me is also a work in progress.