Teaching Experience: 5 years
Courses: Conversational English, Business English, English literature classes
Education: CELTA
My name is Nikki and I am from the United States, I have a BA in Social Epidemiology and CELTA certification from Cambridge. I have lived in many parts of the United States like Washington DC, Illinois and Colorado as well as Germany and Mexico. For the last 2.5 years I have been living in Mexico teaching and enjoying the tropical climate, beaches and rainforests.
I have 5 years experience teaching in preschool, elementary, junior high and adult classes and I am a CELTA certified instructor. I have been teaching Conversation classes and Business English online for over two years.
If you are interested in conversation and fluency skills, I use conversation topics and TED Talks to guide lessons and discussions with students. This may include discussion of phrases and idioms as well as vocabulary but mainly focuses on a student’s ability to discuss a topic presented in a TED video. If students not interested in “homework” I can provided conversation prompts and we will choose a topic one week in advance.
For business English I can help students prepare for interviews as well as practice communication and writing skills. Students should be clear about their job roles or objectives because I want to avoid general business classes and help students reach their personal goals. It is important that students can respond to real world situations, topics and problems specific to their field or position. Simulated activities and role play require students to respond to phone calls, emails and other office situations like presentations and meetings.. Discussion topics will vary based on student’s needs and interests but can include current events, technology and career specific discussions.
Finally I have a literature or book club class. I have been working with online junior high and high school students to read some books, mostly American Literature and discuss them weekly or biweekly. I have lead lessons covering James and the Giant Peach, The Giver and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I give a weekly writing prompt and students read some in class, some alone to increase their confidence and ability. Older students and adults would do all the reading outside of class and participate in discussions and writing assignments.