Aug 2023 Tutor of the Month - Isabella Almlie

Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hi, my name is Bella! I am a rising senior at Columbia University. In addition to my History major, I am on the Pre-Dental track. As someone with many interests, I'm grateful to have a balance between science and humanities classes! I love to dance and read in my free time.

Q. When did you start Ringle and how did you find out about it?

I began teaching through Ringle in May 2022. I had been looking for a job, and my mom - formerly an English teacher - inspired me to find a similar teaching position. My family travels a bit, so remote and flexible work is necessary for me. Thus, when I discovered Ringle through an online search, I knew it was the perfect choice.

3. Can you share your most memorable lesson on Ringle?

One of my students, who I began teaching about a year ago, shared a goal with me upon our first meeting. She hoped to study abroad at Columbia University; through Ringle, she aimed to become more comfortable with English before being launched into a new environment. She told me in our last lesson that she had arrived in New York and, despite some initial nervousness, did feel comfortable with English. Thus, our last lesson was one of the most memorable lessons for me. It was so special to hear her excitedly share her new adventures in New York and celebrate the fruits of her labor - it was special to know that I played a small part in that.

Q. What makes your teaching style unique?

As a language learner myself, I know what online language classes entail - sometimes, practicing speaking with a native speaker can be nerve wracking. Anxiety can bar any conversation from flowing. Thus, while teaching, I prioritize the student's comfort. I assure them that, from the get-go, making mistakes is okay and even encouraged; mistakes facilitate learning. It is incredible that they are brave enough to speak English at work, to speak English at school, to sign up and come to these classes - I remind them that they should be proud of themselves for putting in so much effort.

Q. How often do you teach on Ringle and how do you manage your time?

During the summer, I teach from six to seven hours Tuesday through Friday. This number dips a bit during the school year, and I typically work weekends. Making to-do lists helps me manage my time. Getting students quality feedback as soon as possible is a priority for me. Additionally, finishing reports immediately helps me compartmentalize my life - there are certain hours for work and certain hours for school, and I don't spend school time on work reports or vice versa.

Q. Any advice for new Ringle tutors?

Especially when starting out, take ample time to prepare for lessons. Read the insight packet and questions thoroughly, review the student's profile, and ask yourself what the student might need from you. Students feel more comfortable when they can see that their tutor is comfortable (and if you're anything like me, preparation makes you more at ease). At the beginning of a lesson, double-check their lesson requests and expectations for the lesson. This ensures that they are getting the most out of your time together.  

Tutor of the Month receives:

• Cash prize of $100
• Recognition on Ringle's web and social media platforms
• An opportunity to record a demo lesson for other tutors

Ringle selects a tutor every month based on their ratings, consistency of lessons, and reviews.