Language Lessons in Clinton Township, MI. It's your time.

I'm Valentina and I'm Italian, born and raised in Torino, Italy. I've just moved here in Michigan and I'm very excited to share my language and tradition here! I have been teaching Italian for the past 3 years. As far as my teaching experience goes, I have previously tutored Italian for young students ranging in age from elementary school to adults while I still lived in Turin.
I’m outgoing, versatile and enthusiastic to share everything about my language, culture and traditions.

Improve spelling, grammar, punctuation, pronunciation, formatting of papers, essays, reports, interpretation and more!

I have been teaching Sign Language for the Deaf for over twenty years.
I have taught it in the classroom because I have had two students who were Deaf, and I had to find a way to communicate with them so I took classes in Sign Language for the Deaf so I could communicate with Pam and Charles, and my students could communicate with them as well.
I start out by teaching my students the ABC'S, Numbers one to ten, simple phrases such as please, thank you, your welcome, the colors of the rainbow and simple questions and answers. I also teach words to songs that students can sing in church.
I have been the only Customer Service Representative at Fairlane Town Center that could Sign to the Deaf customers, and I have also Signed for my church.
I ask that if a student wants to learn Sign Language for the Deaf that they bring someone with them that they can practice with throughout the week.

I took 8 years of Spanish classes and lived in Ecuador where I used Spanish on a daily basis.

My teaching philosophy is to help students engage in learning. I find that a personal connection to new information makes it more engaging and meaningful, and students remember it better too. It's also more fun.

That being said, if learning is more readily achieved for your student through other methods, we will do whatever works best. I cater to results, because my ultimate goal is the student's success.

I am a bilingual teacher with 5 years of experience teaching Spanish and English to non-native speakers of all levels. I am also a credentialed teacher with a master's in teaching. Although my emphasis is in Elementary education, I have experience with all ages, from preschool children to business professionals. I am a native English speaker, but have studied Spanish for 5 years and have lived abroad in South America for one and half years acquiring the language. Teaching Spanish, teaching English, and learning Spanish myself has provided me with a unique perspective that allows me to anticipate connections that bridge English and Spanish, as well as common areas of difficulty that exist between the two languages. I love personalizing lessons based on the needs of my students, making our time together both engaging and useful to meet personal goals. I can't wait to open your eyes to a new a language!

My background as a singer and speaking voice expert has allowed me to help many not native English speakers gain confidence! I also work with regional accents to help "neutralize" . Bet you can't tell I'm from Chicago: I got rid of MY OWN accent through vowel work!