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Buongiorno!
I’m an expert foreign language teacher and fluency specialist with more than 20 years’ experience teaching, learning, and using languages in all areas of life – academic, business, and everyday living.
I’m passionate about languages and how they enrich our lives. And I am especially passionate about the Italian language, having spent a significant part (nearly 10 years) of my life in my adopted hometown of Milan, Italy. I’m proficient in Italian, Spanish, and English, and functional in French. I have lived, worked, and taught in the US, Spain, and Italy (where I began my teaching career).
I approach language teaching and learning contextually (rather than grammatically), with a student-centered focus.
This means that my teaching method is highly interactive, and I will get you talking right away and learning to use and appreciate a language through topics and material relevant to your life and travels. Also through culture, music, film, and real-life content… based on your needs and interests. And most important, I create an enjoyable and supportive environment for learning language. Classes and lessons are fun, as they should be!
I have worked in California public schools as well as private institutions, and I’m up-to-date on and trained in the latest foreign language teaching methods and theories. I hold a current California teaching credential with a specialization in teaching foreign language. I’ve taught language to students from all walks of life: adults – both older and younger, students, business people, travelers, children, home-schoolers, and families. I am known among students and fellow teachers for my dynamic and easy-to-follow teaching techniques.
I’ve been offering group classes, private lessons, and workshops in Italian language and culture and Spanish in North San Diego County since 2009. In addition to Italiano With Jodina offerings, I have also offered courses through such programs as Miracosta College, CSUSM (Cal State San Marcos), Osher Programs, and San Dieguito Adult School. Additionally, I offer Italian cooking instruction and organize tours to Italy.
Before relocating from Northern to Southern California, I taught for the OUSD (Oakland Unified School District) Adult & Career Education (OACE) program, and for LSI (Language Studies International) in Berkeley. I began my teaching career in Milan, Italy, with Berlitz. I have worked with speakers of Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and other languages, in my career as an ESL and adult literacy teacher. I have also spearheaded initiatives and events focusing on adult literacy among native English speakers.
In addition to language instruction, I have a background in business, international studies, and public relations. I’m also an experienced copywriter, editor, proofreader, translator, and interpreter. Essentially all things for me lead back to language… even in the business world, my positions have hinged on the ability to communicate with foreign markets and clients. I guess you could say I was born with the “gift of gab”, and I’ve been using that gift my whole life… or as my mother says, “You came out talking and you haven’t stopped since!” 🗨️😀 💬
I’m also an ardent advocate of life-long learning and personal enrichment. In the spirit of continually expanding my horizons, I’m currently working on creating new Italian language learning materials, audio recordings, instructional videos, online classroom offerings, an Italian podcast, and a travel blog.
