Lisa C. Hayden
Espenschade

SERVICES

BACKGROUND

Lisa C. Hayden Espenschade
P.O. Box 6635
Scarborough, Maine 04070
lisahesp@yahoo.com

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Russian Teaching and Tutoring


I offer Russian lessons to students of all levels. I tailor material to students’ needs, whether they want specialized vocabulary for a project, technical drills to perfect Russian grammar, or a few courtesy phrases for travel. Here are some specifics about my teaching:

  • Russian is a fun language!
  • Students
  • What I teach
  • Where I teach
  • Internet resources for students
  • Qualifications and methodology
  • Costs and payments
  • Other policies

  • Russian is a fun language!
    I love watching students learn to speak Russian. I am a native speaker of English who achieved a high level of Russian language proficiency through hard work. I still remember -- in vivid detail! -- the challenges and satisfaction of learning the basics. Student reviews of some of my courses are available here.

    Students
    I have taught students of all ages, from 14 to “no comment.” I enjoy tutoring university students who need to improve their skills for courses, but also love teaching practical phrases to travelers. I’ve worked with families preparing to travel to Russia or Kazakhstan to adopt children. Having visited several orphanages and baby houses when I lived in Russia, I’m glad to be able to tell them a bit about what to expect with adoption.

    What I teach
    I work with students of all levels, covering basic skills for speaking, listening, reading, and writing. I use proficiency-based methodology, stressing communication. Accuracy and “correct” answers are important, but getting a point across to order food can be much more crucial!

    Where I teach
    I teach and tutor in Greater Portland, Maine, usually in small groups or private lessons. For those of you further away... I have been considering taking on a cyberstudent or two, on an experimental basis. Cybertutoring could involve telephone calls and Yahoo instant messaging in Russian and English.

    Internet resources for students
    For links to sites with learning resources or fun ways to practice your language skills, please visit my link page.

    Qualifications and methodology
    I began working as a Russian teacher in 1985, as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. My teacher, a Muscovite, trained me in teaching methodology. I incorporate many Internet materials into my classes, including music downloads and song lyrics, restaurant menus, poetry readings, and news stories.

    Costs and payments
    My typical rates are $35/hour for individual tutoring. Group class rates vary depending on number of students. Rates may be higher if travel is involved. I accept checks, money orders, and PayPal.

    Other policies
    I observe ethical standards, such as confidentiality, whenever appropriate.
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    Copyright © 2008, Lisa C. Hayden Espenschade, All Rights Reserved.
    All images, with the exception of my author photo on “Bios,” are from stock.xchng.