Student Favorite
Spanish Lessons
Available Locations:
Online
Teacher's Studio
Student's Home
Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Melissa M.
I have been teaching Spanish, Portuguese and English at both the high school and college levels since 2007. I have a PhD in Spanish and Portuguese (Romance Languages) from Harvard University, and I have taught everything from Spanish 1 through advanced literature courses, to Portuguese for Spanish Speakers.
I enjoy working with students one on one and helping them feel empowered to use the language right away. I put a lot of time and joy into planning classes for each student, based on their goals and interests. I keep my classes really light and fun, but I will also make sure that you are learning!
I have experience working with students with learning differences, and have worked with children and adults.
If you want to work with a real teacher who can design a class just for you, I am the teacher you are looking for!
Whatever your goals are with your language of interest, I can help you get there. Get in touch any time to tell me about your goals. Hasta pronto!
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Speaks Spanish, Portuguese -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced -
Awarded Award of Excellence and Distinction in Teaching from Harvard Derek Bok Center for Teaching
Reviews (10)
Melissa is a miracle worker! My mother-in-law moved to the United States 40 years ago unable to speak english and while she has done a good job at learning on her own, she had significant gaps in her ability to effectively communicate. For her 68th birthday, I bought her lessons with Melissa. My mother-in-law told me I was wasting my money because she couldn't learn anything new. Well, needless to say, she can learn and with Melissa's excellent tutelage has dramatically increased her ability to speak and comprehend english. This has enabled a new level of confidence and freedom that she did not previously have and is a game changer for her. I attribute her improvement directly to Melissa's ability to understand her student's needs and personalities and craft and deliver a quality, tailored curriculum. After our first round of classes, my mother-in-law is excited to continue the lessons and has a renewed curiosity and interest in learning. Great job and thank you Melissa!!!
Show MoreMelissa has a lovely calming personality. She made us feel completely at ease while learning a foreign language. She was prepared and tailored the lesson for our specific goals and level.
She displayed an expert knowledge of the language, but was still able to teach beginners. Plus we could tell she really loved Portuguese.
The online format was great. Cant wait for the next lesson.
Melissa is the best! Extremely knowledgeable and patient with her students. I highly recommend her.
Melissa is the most wonderful teacher in the world. Very patient with me and taylors my lessons to what I need at that time. I honestly couldn't ask for a better teacher!!! She has a wonderful grasp of Spanish and you cannot tell it's not her first language. Thanks you Melissa for the wonderful experience!!!!
Show MoreMelissa has an in-depth knowledge of Portuguese and is able to effectively explain complicated grammatical concepts, helping me to finally grasp some of the trickier verb tenses. Her passion for the language and teaching makes working with her a pleasure.
Melissa has helped my middle schooler tremendously. He is much more conversational with his Spanish and grades have improved dramatically.
Melissa is amazing! She is a patient and talented teacher who has helped me so much. Very highly recommend.
My 8 year old daughter loves working with Dr. Machit. She often sings her songs through out the week.
I appreciate Dr. Machit’s promptness and flexibility.
I would recommend her.
Melissa is an amazing tutor. She has helped my child so much in just a few weeks. She works with our schedule and is completely committed to helping my daughter succeed. She keeps up with her progress throughout the week, and we are so thankful we found her.
Show MoreMellisa is great. She is really specific on what you need to work on. She is also really flexible on when you can meet.
Experience
High School Spanish Instructor
Aug 2013 - May 2017High School
Instructed Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4, 3 Honors, and AP Literature. Certified in AP Spanish Language teaching.
College Spanish Instructor
Aug 2008 - May 2012Harvard University
Portuguese Instructor
Aug 2009 - May 2011Harvard University
Instructed Portuguese 1 and 2, and accelerated Portuguese for Spanish Speakers.
Education
Doctorate - Romance Languages and Literatures, Spanish and Portuguese
Aug 2008 - May 2013Harvard University
Masters - Romance Languages and Literatures, Spanish and Portuguese
Aug 2006 - May 2008Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts: Comparative Literature, Spanish, Portuguese, English
Aug 2000 - Jul 2005UC Berkeley
Languages
Portuguese
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Spanish
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Certifications
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Jul 2014Monterey Institute
Awards
Award of Excellence and Distinction in Teaching
May 2011Harvard Derek Bok Center for Teaching