RickInAlbi (15)

About Me

I am a retired attorney from California, now living in France. I have been teaching for over 8 years, and specialize in business and conversational English, especially for those who are relocating to an English-speaking country or preparing for an English competency exam. I also teach French at the beginning and intermediate conversational level. My students say that classes are engaging and informative, and help them achieve their goals. I look forward to working with you!

Teaching Experience

Professional teaching degrees:

Years taught offline: 2
Years taught online: 1

I've been teaching for 8 years, first in the US and now in France. My students have all been adults. Some have been beginners, others very advanced, and still others in-between. I have taught coversation, grammar, pronunciation, business English and writing, and legal English and writing. Indeed, much of my work in France is helping small businesses master English, so that they can expand their opportunites online and overseas. I also teach beginning and intermediate French. I have both my bachelor's degree and my law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. I taught for 5 years at the univeristy and junior college level before moving to Europe, and have taught small classes in person and on-line. While a webcam is not necessary, I like using a whiteboard and sharing documents. Classes are highly interactive, and I review my student's work carefully, correct their mistakes gently, and try to always be encouraging. I am also always available by Email to my students to help them between classes. My methodology varies with each student's respective goals and interests. Indeed, I find it very important to spend time with each student early on to find out what those goals and interests are. I do not use a textbook, except when a student asks for one. I prefer to use authentic recordings and reading materials available on line, as well as my own materials. I also encourage students to bring their outside English projects to class to work on together. I have helped students edit résumés and cover letters, business presentations, and school papers, among other things.