Thanks for reading the info below. It should give you some idea of how I like to structure things in a language-learning environment.
Private classes are 1 hour and cost $25. Because each class is tailored to your specific ablilites and desires, my students say they get the equivalent of about three weeks of a community college course in one class with me. It all depends on the student's focus and motivation, of course.
I usually like to schedule ONE lesson just to see whether we both feel it's valuable to continue. Not all teachers are right for all students, and it needs to be a fit for both of us.
I'll give you a handout for the first class, which deals with the sounds of the language, and if we decide to continue, there are two really great workbooks I use from the “Practice Makes Perfect” Series called Spanish Verb Tenses and Spanish Pronouns and Prepositions, both by Dewey and Richmond. They can be ordered online from Amazon in the US or purchased at Tecolote bookstore in Todos Santos, BCS, MX.
Below is an agreement which is obviously not in the least legally binding but which I ask students to read and commit to verbally if we're going to work together. No one has ever had a problem with it. You can email it back or bring it signed to our first class, whichever is easier.
Con mucho carino,
Feeny
Our Agreement
Teaching languages, for me, is a great joy. It's particularly satisfying in an environment where students can practice what they're learning with immediate results. We're blessed to find ourselves in that environment here. I work with a very limited number of students, chosen for natural linguistic gifts or personal qualities (often both), and my schedule is usually full.
To my students, I make the following commitments:
- To be prepared with a lesson plan geared to their particular needs.
- To be ready and available to teach at the time scheduled.
- To use their class time efficiently, with minimal personal/social talk
- To begin and end the class as scheduled, being respectful of their time.
- To make the experience of learning together as delightful as it can be.
From my students, I ask the following commitments:
- To stick to their class schedule except in case of emergency
- To reschedule, if it's necessary, with a minimum of 24 hours notice
- To come to class prepared, with any assignments completed
- To understand that class begins and ends as scheduled, regardless of when they arrive, and that no-shows, though paid*, impede progress.
I understand and can commit to the above.
*Class time is paid for unless cancellation occurs with 24 hours notice.