I am a teacher of Russian as a Second Language. After graduating from Cherkassy National Pedagogical University, I taught for 14 years at Cherkassy State Technological University. After this, I worked with Peace Corps Ukraine as a Language and Cross Cultural Facilitator for 10 more years, during which I taught survival Ukrainian or Russian to American volunteers. For nearly five years I have been teaching online.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Online Tutor (self-employed) – April 2014 – Present

  • Providing weekly tutoring via Skype for students to learn or improve Russian or Ukrainian language.
  • Gained extensive experience using Skype and teaching people living in other countries (in particular, the United States).
  • Developing language instructional materials and visual aids for each person according they level, interests and needs.
  • Delivering language sessions according to student’s request.
  • Providing relevant and constructive feedback to Skype students on their progress in language learning. The range of students is also very diverse: from beginners to those with a high level of Ukrainian or Russian language, as well as people of different ages. The topics and contents of lessons are determined by the student, so each class is unique and created for the specific needs of each student.
  • Working constantly with my own language website – http://tsotula.wixsite.com/tamelasotula, http://tamila-language-tutor.com.
  • Searching for potential students.
  • Bookkeeping.
  • Providing former Peace Corps Volunteers with new information about the social, political and economic situation in Ukraine and other Post-Soviet Union countries.

Peace Corps of the United States in Ukraine -Sept. 15, 2003 –  Dec. 2019

Language/Cross-cultural Facilitator (short-term contract positions, 20 Pre-Service Trainings)

  • Implemented language and cross-cultural components of the Peace Corps Ukraine Pre-Service Training Program.
  • Developed language training session plans appropriate for the competencies and overall language training design, incorporating field experiences and processing in keeping with adult experiential learning principles.
  • Delivered language sessions according to curriculum.
  • Facilitated trainees’ Ukrainian or Russian language skills acquisition.
  • Designed training sessions, tutoring classes, field trips and self-directed activities taking into account trainees’ individual learning styles and training needs.
  • Developed language instruction materials and visual aids prior and during the training program.
  • Facilitated trainees’ community integration.
  • Participated in trainees’ on-going language skills assessment.
  • Provided relevant and constructive feedback to trainees on their progress in language learning and cultural integration.
  • Worked with Ukrainian host families on regular basis.
  • Provided guidance and counselling to trainees, placing the highest priority on providing friendly, prompt and efficient service and support to trainees and volunteers.

Individual Tutor to current Peace Corps Volunteers in Cherkassy – Oct. 2002-Sept. 2003

  • Developed and taught lessons based on volunteers’ individual needs.
  • Developed a Russian language course for volunteers that would prepare them for the graduate school in the USA, international relations major with concentration on Russian language proficiency.
  • Worked twice weekly with an American.

Cherkassy State Engineering and Technological University – 1988 – April 2002

Language Instructor, International Department

  • Taught intensive Russian courses to students from Latin America, Africa, China and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Developed individualized programs for foreign students studying subject such as engineering.
  • Wrote various articles on teaching Russian to foreigners.
  • Organized tours of Cherkassy for foreign students to learn more about Ukraine.

Cherkassy Elementary School #3 – 1986-1988  

Taught Russian language and literature to 10- and 11-year-old children.

Participated in organizing school activities.

  • EDUCATION

Cherkassy Pedagogical Institute, Specialist in Philology, Philology Faculty, 1981 – 1986

Cherkassy State Engineering and Technological University, Post – Graduate course of History of Ukraine, 1997-2000

SKILLS AND INTERESTS

  • Strong facilitation, presentation, management and organization skills, strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work as a member of a team, and to interact with diverse trainees and trainers, counseling skills
  • Languages: Russian and Ukrainian native speaker, working level of English
  • Computer skills: Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet Explorer, Skype
  • Interests: Reading science fiction short stories and novels, learning about new cultures and meeting people from different countries