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Spanish with Christy V.

Champaign, Illinois

4.9
(55)
Background check
Teaches online
Teaches Intermediate, Advanced
Age: 8-100
Speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese
Teaching since 2007
PhD in Spanish Literature and Culture

    About Christy V.

    4.9
    (55)
    I was exposed to Spanish throughout my childhood from my dad who is from Colombia, and from my great Spanish teachers. After minoring in it at college, I perfected my fluency from living in Spain for 2 years and studying it for 20 years! My adventures with the language led me to pursue an MA in Spanish. I am currently a PhD student in Spanish Literature and work as a university instructor for Spanish conversation. I've also been tutoring individual and small groups of all levels for the past 7 years - Young children, high schoolers, college students, and adult learners! I enjoy leading creative, interactive lessons that are different for each student I work with. My students have gone on to pursue bilingual positions, live in South America, or improve their performance in Spanish class by 2+ letter grades! I truly enjoy the work I do in helping others learn an important new skill. Because I became fluent while immersed in the language, I believe language learning comes from speaking and communicating! So, my lessons focus mainly on speaking. I create interactive activities that help students learn speaking skills like making comparisons or ordering food. I also make sure to cover other aspects of the language (grammar, listening comprehension, reading, and writing) through explanations, in-class activities and homework. But, every lesson I teach is different! I tailor them to each student according to level, goals, pace, and learning style. And I make sure to get feedback from students at the end of each lesson to help plan future lessons. Overall, I am a resourceful, enthusiastic, attentive and creative tutor. I strive to challenge students while creating a comfortable and fun learning environment. Students of any level are welcome! I look forward to possibly working with you... ¡Hasta pronto!

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Saturday
    8 AM-3 PM
    Sunday
    7 AM-8 AM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $15
    45 minutes
    $25
    60 minutes
    $35
    75 minutes
    $45
    90 minutes
    $55
    105 minutes
    $65
    120 minutes
    $75
    ReviewsWrite a review
    5
    91%
    4
    9%
    3
    0%
    2
    0%
    1
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    4.9
    55 Reviews
    Lihanna
    Online
    Fantastico!!!
    Posted Apr 16, 2020
    Sasha
    I need some patience for sure because I'm SO self critical I can block my own progress. Christy is great, patient and so far, is bringing my conversational spanish out of its shell.
    Posted Dec 6, 2019
    Miles
    Online
    I appreciate her willingness to accommodate me and my schedule and, although I have only had 1 lesson so far, can feel that I am already growing in knowledge and confidence. I really like that she gives me assignments I can work on between lessons so that I can make the most of my lesson time with her.
    Posted May 29, 2019
    112233...1919Next >Next >

    Experience

    Instructor of Intermediate Spanish Conversation

    Aug, 2016 - Present

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Created original lesson plans to foster speaking and comprehension skills about specialized topics.

    Instructor of Introduction to Spanish Grammar

    Aug, 2015 - May, 2016

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Taught third semester Spanish: Introductory to Spanish grammar. Led interactive class activities to practice grammar concepts. Facilitated class discussion, moderated online discussion boards, assessed student compositions, and graded final and midterm exams. Also provided one-to-one grammar explanations to students during office hours.

    Instructor of Introductory Conversational Spanish

    Aug, 2014 - May, 2015

    University of Illinois

    Taught 3 sections of introductory conversational Spanish. Led conversation activities that helped solidify the students' knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Also moderated online discussion boards, assessed student compositions, and graded final and midterm exams.

    Private Spanish Instructor

    Jan, 2011 - Present

    Self-Employed

    Gives one-on-one and small group Spanish lessons to students ages 8 to adults, from beginners to advanced learners. Some classes are unstructured, focusing on conversation practice. Other classes are structured around a theme with a grammar concept and corresponding vocabulary. Also tutors high school students and college students from beginners to advanced.

    English Language and Culture Classroom Assistant

    Oct, 2010 - May, 2011

    Estepa Language Academy, Spain

    Worked in Spain, leading weekly classes for adult students learning English as a foreign language. Worked with students ages 14-65. Created and led conversation, vocabulary, and review activities appropriate to students' levels.

    English as a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant

    Oct, 2009 - May, 2010

    Junior High la Llitera, Spain

    Worked as a language and culture assistant in Spain. Led weekly English classes to improve speaking, reading, and listening comprehension.

    English as a Foreign Language Teacher

    Jan, 2008 - May, 2008

    Center for International Educational Exchange

    Led a Spanish class for two adult students with an advanced Spanish level.

    Spanish Teaching Assistant

    Aug, 2007 - Dec, 2007

    Illinois Wesleyan University

    Led weekly conversation groups for students in 100-level Spanish classes, helped with homework, and proofread compositions.

    Education

    Bachelor of Arts in Music, Minors in Spanish and Psychology

    Aug, 2005 - May, 2009

    Illinois Wesleyan University

    PhD in Spanish Literature and Culture

    Aug, 2015

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Master of Arts in Spanish Literature and Culture

    Aug, 2013 - May, 2015

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Spanish

    Jan, 2008 - May, 2008

    Universidad de Sevilla

    Awards

    Thomas J. Watson Scholarship

    Mar, 2005

    IBM

    Summer Research Fellowship

    Jun, 2017

    University of Illinois

    Summer Research Fellowship

    Jun, 2016

    University of Illinois Spanish Department

    University Graduate Fellowship

    May, 2013

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Scholarship

    May, 2009

    Illinois Wesleyan University

    Affiliations

    Alpha Phi Omega

    Sep, 2006

    Alpha Phi Omega is a national coeducational service organization founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation, and to the organization. With more than 400,000 members on over 375 campuses, Alpha Phi Omega continues to provide more service on more campuses than any other collegiate service organization.

    Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ)

    Oct, 2006

    Sigma Alpha Iota is a professional International Music Fraternity for women. Formed to uphold the highest standards of music and to further the development of music in America and throughout the world, it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public.Sigma Alpha Iota operates its own national philanthropy, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.

    Languages

    Portuguese

    Limited Proficiency

    English

    Native Proficiency

    Spanish

    Native Proficiency

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