Speak English Confidently at Work — Learn Naturally, Improve Quickly, and Enjoy the Process

Find out more about Margaret

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

  I have dedicated my entire life to the hospitality and travel industry, a journey that began at an early age when my parents owned a hotel and restaurant. This experience ingrained in me a profound love for interacting with people, a passion that has never waned. As I grew older, my fascination with aviation blossomed, leading me to explore this exciting field further. I find immense joy in the business side of these industries and have had the privilege of working as a corporate instructor for over 20 years.
  
  Being the daughter of immigrant parents, I witnessed firsthand the struggles they faced while trying to learn English. Their determination and resilience inspired me, and I have always made it a personal mission to assist others in improving their English skills. I understand the challenges that come with having an accent and navigating a new language, and I am committed to making this process easier for others.
  
  In recent years, I discovered that I could make a significant impact by offering private tutoring lessons. This realization marked the beginning of my journey in teaching English as a second language. I am passionate about helping my students excel, whether they are preparing for their careers or enhancing their business communication skills. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students gain confidence and achieve their professional goals through improved English proficiency.

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

  Teaching English as a second language is truly my passion, and I find immense joy in every aspect of it. Whether I'm teaching conversational English or business English, I love helping students improve their language skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
  
  In my conversational English classes, I focus on practical, everyday interactions, ensuring that my students can navigate various social situations with ease. I use engaging activities and real-life scenarios to make learning both enjoyable and effective. Seeing my students progress from hesitant speakers to confident conversationalists is incredibly rewarding.
  
  On the other hand, my business English classes are tailored to help students excel in professional environments. I enjoy teaching people how to prepare presentations, craft professional emails, and communicate effectively in meetings. It's fulfilling to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in their work lives and watch them grow into competent professionals.
  
  Additionally, I have a special interest in preparing students for world travel. I teach them essential English phrases that they will need on their journeys, as well as key language skills relevant to the countries they are visiting. This includes cultural tips and etiquette, which help them feel more comfortable and confident in foreign settings.
  
  Overall, my love for teaching English extends beyond the classroom. It's about empowering my students, helping them achieve their goals, and opening doors to new opportunities and experiences.

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

  My Godmother has always been my number one role model. During the 1950s, she played a significant role in the Hungarian Revolution Immigrants welcome group in New York State. As a Hungarian/English translator, she dedicated her time to helping immigrants like my parents adapt to their new environment. She not only translated for them but also took on the crucial role of teaching them how to speak English. Her patience, kindness, and unwavering support left an indelible mark on me.
  
  Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges my parents faced as immigrants with accents. Despite their hard work and determination, they were often treated unfairly and faced prejudice. This experience deeply influenced my decision to pursue a career in teaching. I wanted to make a difference, just as my Godmother had, by empowering others through language. My passion for teaching English as a second language stems from a desire to help individuals like my parents overcome language barriers and gain the confidence they need to thrive in their new surroundings.

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

  The qualities required to be an effective tutor bear striking similarities to those needed to be a good friend. Foremost among these are patience, understanding, and exceptional listening skills. True patience involves more than merely waiting for a student to grasp a concept; it requires a calm and steady approach, recognizing that each learner progresses at their own pace and that some days will inevitably present more challenges than others.
  
  Understanding goes beyond merely acknowledging a student's struggles; it involves empathy and the ability to see things from their perspective. It's about creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their uncertainties and make mistakes, knowing that their tutor is there to guide them without judgment.
  
  Listening is perhaps the most critical skill. It's important to distinguish between hearing and listening-while hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound, listening involves actively engaging with the student's words, emotions, and needs. This means giving your full attention, interpreting not just what is said, but also what is left unsaid, and responding thoughtfully to encourage and support the student's learning journey.
  
  Every lesson will not be easy, and that's where patience is paramount. There will be days when progress seems slow or obstacles appear insurmountable. On such days, a good tutor remains steadfast, offering encouragement and adapting their approach to meet the student's needs. In essence, being a good tutor is about building a trusting and nurturing relationship, much like a good friendship, where mutual respect and commitment to growth are at the core.

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

  A few months ago, I had the pleasure of teaching English to a spirited student from Brazil named Ana. Ana was enthusiastic and eager to improve her conversational skills, but she was also quite shy about speaking in a new language. We decided to meet twice a week, and our lessons quickly became the highlight of my week.
  
  One particular session stands out in my memory. We were practicing everyday phrases and idiomatic expressions. Ana was always fascinated by the quirks of English idioms, and she enjoyed trying to use them in sentences. On this day, we were discussing the phrase "break the ice." To illustrate its meaning, I asked Ana to imagine we were at a virtual party where she didn't know anyone. I suggested she could say, "Hi, I'm Ana. I love reading and cooking. What about you?" to break the ice.
  
  Ana laughed nervously and gave it a try. I pretended to be another party guest, and we role-played the scenario. After a few attempts, her confidence began to grow. Her sentences became more fluid, and her smile widened with each success. By the end of the session, she was confidently using several new idioms.
  
  The real magic happened in our next lesson. Ana excitedly shared a story from her week: she had attended an online networking event and used her new phrases to introduce herself and engage in conversations. She told me how proud she felt when she saw people's positive reactions and how she no longer felt so shy.
  
  Teaching English online has allowed me to witness incredible transformations like Ana's. It's a reminder that, no matter the distance, the connection and growth we achieve through learning are profound and deeply rewarding.

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

  Teaching ESL online presents several challenges, including technical issues like unstable internet connections and software glitches, which can disrupt lessons. Engaging students and maintaining their attention is difficult due to limited non-verbal communication and home distractions. Personalizing lessons and providing timely feedback can be harder online, especially with larger groups. Cultural and language barriers may also complicate explanations. Classroom management is challenging due to students' home environments and consistency issues. Lastly, keeping students motivated and offering emotional support is more difficult without face-to-face interaction. Despite these hurdles, online teaching offers flexibility and global reach, making it a valuable platform for education.

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

  My passion lies in the pursuit of knowledge, making me a lifelong student who is constantly eager to learn. I devote a significant portion of my spare time to studying and mastering new languages, as I believe that language is a gateway to understanding different cultures and perspectives.
  
  Teaching comes as a close second to my love for learning. The joy I derive from imparting knowledge and witnessing my students' growth is nearly as profound as my own journey of discovery. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a student's eyes light up with understanding, and knowing that I played a part in that moment.
  
  Beyond the realms of learning and teaching, I am also an avid traveler. My travels have taken me across various continents, allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures. With each journey, my respect for different ways of life deepens, and I gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world. This exposure not only enriches my personal growth but also enhances my teaching, as I can share real-world experiences and cultural insights with my students.

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

  While I recognize that my approach might not be entirely unique, my genuine commitment to my students' needs and goals sets me apart. I am dedicated to ensuring that each student achieves their objectives, whatever they may be. My teaching method focuses on addressing major mistakes first. Once my students can confidently formulate sentences and clearly convey their thoughts, we then revisit and refine the smaller errors. The key questions I always ask myself are: Do I understand you? And, more importantly, will the person you are speaking to understand the main point of what you are saying?
  
  Whether you are preparing to pass your next TOEIC exam or simply seeking help with effective communication, I am here for you-100%. My dedication to my students extends beyond regular hours; I am willing to make time for you at any hour of the day. This unwavering support and accessibility are what make my approach truly distinct from others. I am committed to your success and am here to help you achieve your goals in the most supportive and effective way possible.