About Andrew
Hello from sunny California, situated in the bustling San Francisco Bay Area!
Andrew, a Canadian by birth, has adapted to the diverse professional landscape of the United States, having navigated careers in construction, insurance, and IT sales. This adaptability is a key strength he brings to his English lessons, ensuring that he can connect the language to various professional settings and cater to the individual needs of his students.
Outside the virtual classroom, Andrew can often be found enjoying a round of golf, immersing himself in California's natural beauty, cycling through scenic routes, or exchanging stories with his fantastic wife, an inspirational figure for middle school students.
His teaching approach is organic and captivating, centered on everyday conversations, storytelling, and social interactions, similar to how native speakers naturally acquire language. His unique methodology encourages learners to understand grammar through context, reducing the need for rote memorization and focusing on recognizing patterns, making language learning more intuitive and enjoyable.
Andrew studied engineering and music at Los Medanos College in California, bringing many experiences into the educational setting. His TEFL Certification equips him to offer top-quality English learning experiences tailored to each learner’s specific needs. Whether someone is just starting with the basics or looking to refine their English skills, Andrew guides supports and motivates them on their language-learning journey.
Andrew is committed to guiding his students on this exciting path, breaking through linguistic barriers and building pathways to limitless possibilities. Reach out now and experience the value and importance he places on each student's English learning journey.
Andrew's Story
Every journey begins with a spark, and for Andrew, a deep curiosity about the origins and meanings of words ignited his. He was endlessly fascinated by how languages intertwine, often uncovering connections to languages he and his wife knew. This curiosity led Andrew to a profound realization: he wanted to pursue a career centered around language.
However, the path ahead was unclear. Andrew didn’t know where to start, how to gain the necessary training, or if there would be any interest in what he could offer. It was a daunting challenge, but his passion for language kept pushing him forward.
In his search for answers, Andrew stumbled upon a website offering training and certification in tutoring English as a foreign language. It felt like the answer to his quest, a guiding light toward a meaningful career. He enrolled in a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification course, eager to dive into grammar and teaching methodologies.
But this new journey was far from easy. Although Andrew had always excelled academically, returning to formal education after decades proved more challenging than he had imagined. There were moments when he felt overwhelmed and even considered giving up. Yet, his desire to succeed was more potent than his doubts. He pressed on, fueled by determination and the unwavering support of his wonderful wife, a public-school language arts teacher for over thirty years.
After an agonizingly slow process, Andrew finally completed the TEFL course. The moment he received his certification was a profound relief and accomplishment—a testament to his perseverance.
With newfound confidence, Andrew searched for a platform to host his tutoring practice. His initial attempts were disappointing, as he discovered that specific platforms didn’t accept tutors from California. But Andrew didn’t give up. His quest led him to a well-known global platform that connects tutors with students worldwide.
Andrew created his profile and embarked on his tutoring journey. To his surprise, students started booking sessions with him almost immediately. What began as a dream quickly turned into a bustling reality.
Today, Andrew is privileged to work with students from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique stories and cultures. Most of them have a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary but lack opportunities to practice their conversation skills with a native English speaker. Witnessing their progress as they gain confidence and fluency in English has been incredibly rewarding.
Through this journey, Andrew has seen his students achieve their career goals—whether landing their dream jobs or earning well-deserved promotions. The transformation in their lives has been heartwarming, and he is honored to have played a part in their success.
Andrew’s journey in language learning is ongoing, and he is excited to continue helping others achieve their dreams, one word at a time.