My Apologies and the Pitch

Many, many apologies dear readers. As much as I would prefer not to use my book review blog as a vehicle to promote my new online small business (https://englishtodaynow.com/), desperate times call for desperate measures.

I was one of 120 people laid off from my company last October — along with 200,000 others nationwide in the United States (according to layoffs.fyi) in my field of UX Content Creators (this includes UX Writers, Designers, and Editors).

I personally know of some people who have been searching for work for more than a year! In light of these very sad and scary statistics, I decided dust off my Oxford Seminars certifications in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and my specialization in Business English, and start my own English language tutoring business—as soon as possible.

Details at a Glance

Since my first student was new to the United States and didn’t have access to a computer, I developed a curriculum that could be taught over WhatsApp. My second student lives in Costa Rica and had a computer, so I began offering classes over Zoom as well. A third student, who is living in Honduras may join soon, I hope. (I speak some Spanish. I am studying every day so I can be a better teacher to my students!)

I cater my classes to adults. I have been charging $25 for 50 minutes for weekly lessons, but I am reducing my price to $20/lesson for those who pay for 4 lessons at the beginning of the month.

I teach all levels from beginning to advanced. My beginning student and I are focusing on how to handle going to the grocery store, taking an Uber, and studying for a driver’s license. My advanced student is a Marketing professional and has requested help reviewing/editing her written promotional materials.

I am happy to help wherever I’m needed.

I started a Facebook group (with one subscriber — guess who?) and I have also started a YouTube Channel Joanna’s English Today Now (which has one desperately embarrassing video).

If you know of anyone who might be interested in English classes and would rather study with a regular person (i.e., yours truly) rather than a big corporation, please send them my way.

Many thanks and many blessings!