Jeffrey S.

About me:

I come from a diverse and humble background. I have a rounded education, developed methodology, and a wide array of experience in both domestic and international settings. I am a very dedicated English teacher and I ensure that my students receive the best educational opportunities. I have experience with all ages and levels. I moved to São Paulo and fell in love with the city, people, and culture. Since 2010, I have studied, worked, and managed my own business number (CNPJ) as a permanent resident of Brazil. Both in-person and online, I have been teaching English as a Second Language as well as assisting companies with editing, translations, and other projects in English. My greatest accomplishments have been the successes of my students.

Education:
1999-2003 Scottsboro High School Scottsboro, AL - USA
Degree: AP High School Diploma

2003-2009 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL - USA
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Music
Minor: Business Administration

2010-2012 Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie
São Paulo/SP- Brazil
Degree: Completion of BA with Proficiency in the Portuguese Language

Graduated in Performance Arts in Music from the University of Alabama, the federal institution located in Tuscaloosa, state of Alabama - USA; earned proficiency certificate in Portuguese as a foreign language by Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, located in São Paulo / SP - Brazil; certified in extracurricular activities by the YMCA of Tuscaloosa, AL - USA; still an active musician after ten years of professional experience as the principal bassoonist in the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, Huxford Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Theater Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Chamber Music, Georgetown Chamber Music; approximately 13 years of experience as an English as a Second Language teacher in São Paulo / SP - Brazil; experience working with all levels of institutions from elementary, middle, and high school to universities; experience working directly with companies teaching English for business professionals from every sector of the market with a client portfolio of over 50 companies from the top of the Forbes 500 list to small, local companies; administrating my own business for private teaching and other services in the English language; experience teaching curricular and extracurricular courses in English. Although my focus is always on teaching the English language, I have taught other subjects parallel to only the English language, such as humanities, history, and fine arts. Foreign language is in the area of Humanities, so I think it is essential that the content and activities follow not only traditional methodology in theory, but also as a tool to communicate in practice similar to a performance.

The methodology I use is the standard established by the TOEFL system, being the most standard test for federal (flagship) universities in the United States as well as many private institutional universties in the United States and Canada, under the principal English language periodical: "The Chicago Manual of Style". Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2017-present.

My method follows the work of Betty Azar, linguist and educator, in terms of the grammar guidelines and learning standards for teaching English as a Second Language. Betty Azar's method is one of the few that has been approved for teaching ESL by The Library of Congress of the United States :
Azar, Betty Schrampfer
"Understanding and using English grammar" / Betty Schrampfer Azar
- - 3rd ed.
P. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 0-13-097605-9 1.

The main point that distinguishes me from others in the field of ESL is my independence. After becoming uncomfortable with the ethics and negative reputation of ESL schools, which only offer non-native speakers, a system of selling books and tests for third-party sources, and costing a high price to students while paying a low wage to teachers. My success has been dependent on my students having success. I am not afraid to share references who are all success stories because I depend on recommendations to continue to provide students with confidence and independence rather than endless contracts and questionable teacher qualifications.

Please feel free to contact me for more information. I have 12+ years of international teaching experience focused on Business Language, test preparation to the IELTS and TOEFL levels, I am native English speaker was born and raised in the USA, where all my family can offer extra opportunities for traveling abroad, and I use a neutral, North American accent that follows a rhythm and pitch that I am able to control and teach from my studies in music and performance arts.

My classroom online is a relaxed learning environment, I speak Portuguese and offer classes for all ages/levels from beginner to advanced levels, I work to improve communication skills quickly using technology to put my students in control of their own progress, and in a difficult period of time and transitions, I love to share my culture and see my students having fun.

I provide customized materials, progress reports, a clear and direct learning program, and the confidence, independence, and certainty that all students deserve.

Before any proposal or negotiations, I offer a free trial class to show students how the class is organized, how I present materials, and how to plan for each student's particular goals. If a student can't see their own success, I look for where they will find success. Honesty, respect, and humility that I am not the teacher for everyone has always rewarded me more often than not with students who are successful with my teaching style.

Don't be afraid to enter into contact, schedule a trial class, and finally learn English from a native speaker living in Brazil because I love my job!