Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Who are these classes for?

  These classes are for children or adults who would like to improve their reading, writing, speaking, or listening skills They are for language learners, or native English speakers. I have 17 years’ experience teaching both. If you are a person with a need in literacy (speaking, reading, writing, listening), study skills, or organizational skills, these classes are for you.

• Is this teaching or tutoring?

  I am a trained, certified teacher. I work with students in private, one on one classes. Some of the classes I offer are group classes (see below). You can call it tutoring! Just know that you are receiving lessons from someone who has dedicated her life to learning. She has the qualifications to show for it.

• What are Teacher Kesa’s qualifications?

  Here is a copy of my resume. Here is where you’ll find news stories about my teaching, some of the awards I’ve won and the impact I’ve been able to make in my community. I’m Phi Beta Kappa from Southern Methodist University, a Teacher of the Year, and some other fancy things you can find out from the links above. I am bilingual in French, speak some Spanish, and love what I do as an educator. My teaching is research-based, and I am a member of the National Council of Teachers of English as well as a published curriculum author.

• What classes are available?

  I teach ESL classes, Reading & Writing, some special classes for college students, a literacy group for women, and a unique class for parents. Here is a list of those classes with descriptions for each of them.

• Are these single or group classes?

  All classes are one-on-one classes (1 teacher, 1 student) EXCEPT the Women’s Literacy Group and Mommie & Me Literacy!® classes. If any other group classes are added, it will indicate that it is a group class in the class description.

• Is this in person or online?

  Yes, this is online. Classes are 25 minutes or 55 minutes (except for the Women’s Literacy Group and the Mommie & Me Literacy!® classes) and are held via Zoom.  Zoom is a video chat program.  You can read more about how to setup Zoom here.

• We live near each other. Why can’t we just meet face-to-face?

  That’s a great question. It isn’t a matter of ability. It is more a matter of sustainability. I talk about what led me to online teaching here. I am a person living with a very bad illness. It is not contagious. But it makes life difficult. I have found a way to do what I love, which is teaching. The way to sustain that (to keep it going) is to make use of the gift of technology. I am skilled at engaging students. I believe that student engagement is about building trust more than it is about where or how you meet each other—in person or via Zoom.

• What extras come with classes?

  • access to the Student Portal (Click here for more information.)

  • written, detailed feedback called Lesson Notes in your Student Portal within 4 hours of your class ending

  • a recording of each class within 4 hours of your class ending

  • personalized instruction

  • consistent in-class feedback

  • “gentle” homework for practice (homework is always useful practice of a specific skill)

• What is the cost? 

  Prices are listed clearly here for each class. Prices are different for each TYPE of class. They are also different for each LENGTH of class.

• Why do some classes cost more?

  The benefit of private classes is that they are customized to fit your needs as a student. Certain classes, however, require quite a bit more intense outside class research, preparedness and labor by the teacher (me, I’m the teacher. 😃 ). I value my work, my training, and my time. And I find that when I value it, my students do, too.

• Are there discounts?

  There is a Recurring Student Discount. It is described at the blue bookmark here.

• How do I get started?

  If you are ready to book a class go here! These are the steps:

  • Choose your class & time.

  • Pay for your class.

  • If you are selecting more than 7 classes at a time, this qualifies as a Recurring Student Package. Please apply the coupon! Please note: The coupon can ONLY be applied to 8 or more classes purchased at one time.

  • Your booking will be confirmed.

  • Your Zoom link will be emailed to you immediately. That is where our session will take place!

  • Just click on the Zoom link a few minutes before class begins.

• What do I have to do before my first class? Why?

  Once you have booked your first class, you will need to do these 3 things below ONE time only. Your information is always secure and protected. Total time to complete these 3 things: Approximately 8 minutes.

  • Student Portal:

    • Go to the Portal tab on the website.

    • Fill it in.  You will get immediate access to your Student Portal. It will take about 2 minutes to complete this.

    • WHY? The Portal is a central communication hub for us. There is more here about all the things we will be using it for throughout our classes.

  • ESL Library:

    • There is a Welcome message in the Student Portal. It tells you how to join ESL Library. It will take about 2 minutes to complete this.

    • Once you do this, you will have access to the Individualized homework that I will assign through ESL Library; I will assign it as necessary after class. You will be notified via email once it has been assigned. 

    • Remember, I only assign necessary, useful practice.

    • WHY? It is important that my students have access to as much high-quality content as possible. You may not need much or any from this resource. If that is the case, we will simply deactivate your account once your classes with me are over. I do not want to waste time setting things up later. It is much better to have these things prepared ahead of time.

  • PreAssessment:

    • Please complete this Pre-Assessment. It is not difficult. It should take about 1-3 minutes  to complete this.

    • WHY? Our whole class is about YOU! To have successful classes, I need to know about you. This short quiz helps me know what your interests are. It also helps me know how familiar you are with some concepts we will be using over and over. I do not want to waste valuable teaching time teaching you what you already know.

• How do I choose between 25 minute and 55 minute classes?

  When in doubt, choose less. In other words, if you are unsure, choose the 25 minute classes. (If we find that you could benefit from longer classes, I will tell you.) I could give you a bunch of statistics from very fancy universities and institutes. I won’t do that. But believe me when I say that the brain needs time to rest. It is much better to have shorter classes more often, than it is to have long sessions where you are likely to get fatigued and overwhelmed.

• What if I don’t know which class to choose?

  Choose what you think is closest, or contact me. Remember that it’s my job to make sure you’re in the right place! I will use the first session to make sure that I understand your goals clearly. I communicate directly and honestly with my students. I will make the class fit what you need. That is my job in our relationship!

• What are the class expectations?

  Yes, there are expectations! You can find them here.

• Do I have to call you “Teacher Kesa”🤨?

  No, you do not. 🙃 I teach students from around the world. Many choose to call me Teacher Kesa or Teacher. You can call me either of those names, or Kesa, Ms. Kesa or what my classroom students called me: Ms. Whitaker.