Rafael M.
Private tutor in New York, NY
Education
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez - BA, French Language and Literature , Middlebury College - MA, French Language and Literature
Experience
My interest in teaching languages began at a very early age for me, even if I was not conscious of it at the moment. Due to the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico, I was exposed to English as a second language since the beginning of my formal education. This is when it all began. As I grew up, I became aware of the incredible benefits of being bilingual. I could read, write, and speak in two languages. Fortunately it wouldn’t be just two for too long. Arriving in college naturally expanded my horizons. It was there when I realized how much I love the atmosphere in a classroom. The exchange of ideas between a teacher and a student became fascinating to me, and I was suddenly aware of how important this is for the proper function of our society. During my second year of college, I was introduced to the French language, and I was so intrigued by the possibilities offered to me by a third language that I decided to major in French Language and Literature. Thanks to this decision I have had the most incredibly enriching experiences, including a semester abroad in France. It was there when I knew that discovering another language meant discovering another culture and another way of viewing the world, which has been a very sensitizing and enlightening experience for me. I believe that this is something everyone should be exposed to, especially in the times that we live in, where globalization seems to be the order of the day. I also believe that teaching will be my way to help others expand their world as I have. Pursuing a Master's degree, I decided to enroll on the Middlebury Language School program, which gave me not only the chance to study in a French university at the graduate level, but also my first experience as a teacher. I worked as a teaching assistant for the Department of English at a local institute of technology. Through teaching French students, I began to understand the benefits and complexities of being a teacher. How rewarding and how challenging it can be. Through the useful tool of teaching journals, which were required of me as a part of my internship, I learned to self-examine and self-criticize in the hopes of becoming a better teacher. Immediately after, I was offered the opportunity to teach middle school French and Spanish at an excellent school in New York City. These past two years as a middle school teacher have taught me the importance of certain skills or traits that I believe are essential to any teacher at any level: patience, determination and dynamism, among others, which have proven quite effective in my classroom. Moreover, as a faculty member, I have learned the importance of teamwork when it comes to achieving collective success. Overall, these opportunities, which I have been most lucky and blessed to have, have only solidified my interest and willingness to continue to pursue a career in teaching. Sharing of everything I have learned as a language student and teacher is a priority for me, and I believe that tutoring is a great way to achieve my goals.
Availability
Weekdays at any time, Weekends at any time
Can Meet
20 miles at my regular hourly rate
Hobbies
Watching movies, reading, languages and good food.
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