Robert Thiesen - ESL Tutoring - BC Marketplace

Robert Thiesen – ESL Tutoring

I am a private tutor who specializes in teaching ESL to teenage and adult students at an intermediate level.

I am an ESL tutor based in Abbotsford, BC. I am open to students of every age and level, but will say that most of my past experience has been with intermediate-level English speakers over the age of twelve. Right now, because of the pandemic, I’m offering one-on-one lessons on an online video platform, like Zoom or Skype. Before beginning, I will discuss with you how best to customize the lessons for your particular goals, interests, and English language level. And then we will make a plan together on how best to achieve your goals for speaking English accurately and fluently.

I have experience teaching ESL for three semesters in South Korea to middle school, high school and college-aged students. I have also taught undergrad Philosophy tutorials at a university level and various other topics through community organizations.

I have a TEFL certificate (TQUK certified) from the International TEFL Academy; have taken a specialty course in Teaching English Online, also from ITA; a B.A. in Philosophy and English from the University of the Fraser Valley; and an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario.

When I was in South Korea, I taught at a unique intentional community called “the Dandelion Community,” which has a mission to live simply and in solidarity with the rural poor around Asia. The community ran a middle and high school which encouraged students to take ownership for unique school projects and make them their own. It also focused on teaching students practical skills meant to help them throughout the rest of their lives. I am hugely inspired by my time as a teacher living in this community and by its charismatic leader, Dr. Insoo Kim, who has a deep love for his students and a passion for what he aims to teach them. I endeavor to bring the same ideals and passion to my students here in Canada.

We respectfully acknowledge our place of work is within the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and that we serve the Peoples of the many Nations throughout British Columbia.