You choose the topics for your ESL lessons with a native, certified teacher! Focus on conversation, culture and fluency.

Find out more about Rebecca

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  English is my native language as I was born and raised in northern New Jersey. However, since I learned my second language, Spanish, as an adult, I'm aware of the struggles a language-learner might have in their journey towards gaining fluency. I've been there, so I can help you!

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  One emblematic representative of the American English language is Mark Twain. An iconic author known for his humor and distinctive writing style, he wrote the classic American tales "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which are still read in classrooms across the United States today.
  
  Twain's use of colloquial language and regional dialects captured the essence of American English during his time. The characters' dialogues reflect the diverse linguistic landscape of the United States by showcasing the idiosyncrasies of different regions and social classes, differences that still exist in present day America.
  
  Although Twain's works were written more than 140 years ago, he had a big impact on the shaping and popularization of American English as a language.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One of my favorite idiomatic phrases in English is "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," which means that the perception of beauty is subjective and depends on who is judging. I learned this phrase when I was 10 years old after I saw an impactful episode of "The Twilight Zone." This episode made a big impression on me, and I truly understood the meaning of this symbolic phrase after watching.
  
  Basically, each person has their own unique set of experiences, values, and cultural influences that shape their perception. This is also an important concept to acknowledge when teaching a language. Every student is unique, with their own strengths, personalities and needs, and this is something I keep in mind when I'm creating my lessons.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I believe that English is a powerful tool that can open many doors. Widely used in global communication, it can be useful during international travel. In the competitive job market, it can be the key you need to reach career opportunities. It also has other benefits, such as improving memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Not to mention that the majority of the world's scientific, technological, and academic knowledge is in English.
  
  In my various years of teaching, I've come across students with many different motives for learning or improving their level of English, namely: improving communication, accessing knowledge, pursuing education and career opportunities, engaging in cultural exchange, as well as in personal growth. Reaching a proficient level of English empowers learners to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and participate actively in a globalized world.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Because every person is different, when it comes to mastering a language, the key is knowing what kind of learner you are. We all have our own strengths and being aware of yours when attempting to study something new is important. However, my general advice is to immerse yourself in your target language as much as you can: watching movies, reading books, listening to music are all fun and more passive ways to learn through exposure.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  In 2017, a few months after receiving my TEFL certificate, I was in a class with a beginner, 7-year-old student. We were using the Cambridge Starters book, and we got to an exercise where I didn't know the answer. There on the page was a word I'd never seen nor heard before: lorry. At that moment I felt so silly, like an imposter of an English teacher! However, this simple experience taught me a lesson: learning a language is an ongoing process that lasts a lifetime.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Before moving to Buenos Aires in 2017, I very rarely had contact with English speakers from outside of the United States. Within a few months of my move, I was able to meet people from all countries and cultures of the world, and I realized that I had been quite unaware of the differences that existed in the various dialects of the English language. Once this door was opened, it was fascinating to compare the English that I was familiar with, with the kind of English that people speak in England, or Australia, South Africa, or Barbados. Understanding that language is a fluid, constantly morphing and evolving feature of humanity just like every other aspect of culture is an amazing thing to witness.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I love teaching English in a way that's entertaining, but also useful and impactful. That's why I've made my lesson plans based on various topics (travel, sports, job interviews, beauty, business, health, marketing etc) so that my students can choose the subjects that are most relevant to their lives and individual needs. Each session includes a variety of activities including games, trivia and role plays, as well as learning about typical phrases and cultural differences. Many of the sessions involve deep and interesting conversations, where my students share opinions and exchange ideas and stories with me. During my lessons, I'm not just teaching, but also learning. That is what I love most about what I do, and my students really seem to enjoy this approach as well. Practicing a language should be fun, not boring. Try this method for yourself and you'll see!