About Elana

I've been a language skills and ESL teacher for eight years, with students of all ages from diverse backgrounds both in the USA and abroad. Most recently, I taught an after-school program at the local library that targeted academic and social development for children aged 6-12, with a focus on literacy, computer, and social skills. I also tutored Cuban and Haitian refugee youth in English language and literacy, math, and social skills at a nonprofit organization. Many of these students struggled with basic language and reading skills and were unable to get the individualized support and attention they needed. While designing and implementing my lessons and materials, I tried to foster an environment that encouraged creativity, analytical thinking, and autonomous learning. In addition to working on phonemic awareness and development, reading and listening comprehension, and writing skills, developing close relationships with my students and their families helped me recognize and address not only their academic needs, but their social and emotional ones as well, and enhanced my ability to be a successful teacher and supportive mentor.