Meet your instructor
Hi, I'm Mark.
Welcome to my bio page on AZ English. My training as an teacher began with a foundation in speech therapy during my undergraduate studies. It was there that I learned the intricacies of pronunciation from a clinical perspective, laying the groundwork for my passion for linguistics and language education.
During my graduate studies at Ohio University, I pursued a Master's in applied linguistics, there I learned that the rules governing our language are not as mysterious as seem. My time at OU also gave me the opportunity to work in the Pronunciation and Presentation Lab, where I tutored international teaching assistants, aiding them in improving their public speaking skills. My teaching journey has spanned various demographics, from international teaching assistants to children ranging from 4th to 8th grade, as well as countless individuals in between.
In my teaching philosophy, I place a strong emphasis on syntactic thinking, a concept that enables students to delve into sentence structure at a profound level. This approach not only equips learners with the tools to comprehend and construct complex sentences but also enhances their overall language fluency. One of the key skills that all good writers have is a sensitivity to the details of a sentence. By grasping the fundamental building blocks of language, students gain the confidence to express themselves effectively and with precision.
Additionally, I advocate for a genre-based approach to English instruction, allowing the curriculum to be as tailored as necessary to meet the unique needs and goals of each learner. This approach empowers students to explore specific genres of English, whether it's for academic, professional, or personal communication. It ensures that the learning experience is both relevant and practical, fostering a deep connection with the language.
I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.