Leigh Russell

I have been helping students around the world to improve their English skills for the past 20 years! I completed my Master's in Education while teaching in the classroom of a small language school and then served as a teacher trainer in West Africa for the Peace Corps. I then returned to the classroom in the US where I taught general/vacation and business English to students from all over Europe, Japan and Brazil and also prepared a large number of Swiss and Saudi students for the Cambridge Exams.  From there, I became the Academic Director of EC San Diego for 3 years where I helped design global programs and managed a large and busy school, helping teachers teach and students find the best courses for their needs.  I left San Diego and moved to Colorado where I have spent the last 5 years preparing students from China and the Middle East for entrance into American universities. I also helped develop and taught an English program for the employees at the university so that they had better opportunities for promotion and better daily skills on the job. I truly love helping people see their strengths and understand how to make progress to reach their individual goals. I also love  the creativity as well as  the interaction and connection that teaching allows.

I am a very interactive and engaging teacher! I think it's so important to enjoy your learning and growth as a student and see that the progress you are making enables you to be a powerful communicator. Learning can open so many doors for you on your own journey. It's important to me that lessons are clear and instructive while allowing for authentic application and practice. I am very open to adapting to your learning style and giving you whatever tools and practice you feel you need. This means some lessons may be unorthodox at times. If you prefer a more traditional approach to teaching and learning, I can do that too! The most important thing is that the lessons meet your specific needs. I will do my best to find materials and practice that align with your goals and interests and create a comfortable, fun space for learning together.