Welcome to English with Elyse!

Welcome!

I'm Elyse. I teach English for speakers of other languages. Formerly known as "ESL," "ESOL," and most recently "ELD."

I started teaching language acquisition in 2007 with Latin. It was during this time that I truly started to appreciate how language is acquired, beyond the grammar-translation method that worked for me. I thought I knew Latin in-and-out, until I was forced to speak it exclusively for an immersion workshop. There, in the dining hall, among other like-minded Latin enthusiasts, I faltered miserably. I had to abandon simple conversations because my mind was too caught up on which subjunctive ending I should use. It was beyond humbling. And I realized that. Iwas not giving speaking another language the respect that it deserves. Speaking is tough!

So what changed?

Eventually, I attended multiple immersive experiences that all seemed to have one thing in common: comprehensible input. That is, in place of dedicating precious learning moments memorizing charts of endings (which still holds a giant place in my heart), we just spoke. About whatever was on our minds. And when we didn't know how to say something, we just described it (we language nerds call this circumlocution). I felt alive. I wanted to talk to anyone and list to whatever people were saying. Basic stuff, like their weekend routine or their favorite teacher in college. It was a new method of play for me. Playing in the language. And because none of us were born native speakers of Latin, no one could judge me. They had each been in my shoes before.

Fast-forward a decade or so and I find myself teaching English to speakers of other languages at a budding high school program outside of Baltimore, Maryland. I love it. I mean, I am absolutely obsessed with it. I have been able to carry over my experience with teaching language acquisition to teaching a language that I speak natively. Plus, my students are amazing. Their experiences, personalities, kindness, and ambitions all blow me away. I would do anything for them!

So, here I am, starting an online tutoring service to share my love of languages with those learning English.

Whether you’re just starting to learn English or looking to polish your skills, I am here to help! This virtual English language tutoring service offers personalized, one-on-one lessons tailored to your unique needs and goals. From beginners to advanced learners, I am dedicated to helping you improve your English speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills.

Let's go!

-Elyse

So excited to be here!