Doctor of education with 30 years of teaching experience. Skilled in grammar, formatting, writing, editing, and APA style. Send me your paper and we will fix it together!

Find out more about Finn

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have always wanted to be a teacher. My initial choice of profession was as a Spanish teacher. Spanish was an enjoyable subject for me, and understanding grammar and language came easily. Teaching Spanish gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures and build new friendships. As my career developed, I decided to teach others how to be teachers. When I began working on my dissertation for my doctorate in education, I realized that scholarly writing can be challenging. I wanted to help others meet that challenge.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  English is my first language, and I enjoy teaching it across two contexts: English as a second language for non-native speakers, and academic writing for college students who are native speakers. I focus on the topics that are assigned and take cues from the student.
  Spanish is my second language. Having learned it as a teen, I understand the common pitfalls and can guide students toward natural-sounding pronunciation and usage. My favorite Spanish students are beginners — there is something uniquely rewarding about watching someone go from knowing nothing to holding short conversations on topics they care about. I design lessons by asking students what they want to learn, then building from there.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  The teacher who inspired me most taught a combination of 4th grade and 5th grade. She told personal stories and related to students very well. She was very talented in music, dance, and visual arts. She taught all subjects, so she was really an impressive teacher. I love how she decorated for each season. Everything was unique. She gave me the inspiration to connect with students and be unique in my environment.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor should be able to listen to students and understand their needs. Each student comes to the experience with different levels of education and understanding. Additionally, a tutor should be completely qualified in the subject area. Higher degrees and certifications are beneficial as well. Most importantly, the tutor should provide a safe space for making mistakes and correcting them.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Spanish was such a fun subject for me in high school. I thought it was amazing that I would be able to communicate with an entire group of people with whom I had never communicated. As I was driving home from school one day, a woman needed alternative directions around a tree that had fallen across the way she needed to go. I gave her directions in Spanish and went home proud that I had helped someone in need.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  The difficulty I face in communicating in Spanish is that I cannot always understand people who speak with strong accents from the rural areas of some Spanish speaking countries.
  I have always been able to communicate and write well in English. The difficulty I have now is that English is changing to be less and less formal. Being able to help my clients to understand proper grammar is a challenge when they rely so heavily on current media.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Teaching is my passion! It almost does not matter which subject. I am certified in Spanish, but I have a Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. and a doctorate (Ed.D.) in Higher Education. I just do not want to stop learning so that I can continue teaching.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  I am a Superprof because I am qualified, I listen, I adjust, and I care.