Julie Yamamoto
Expert English Language 

Consulting

Teaching

Philosophy
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My understanding of teaching is that it is, and always has been, about the connection between the instructor and the student that helps the student learn the skill or material (and by extension, the teacher learn more effective ways of reaching the student). Anything that helps that connection is valuable; anything that impedes it is a problem.

I have been teaching for more than 15 years and have greatly enjoyed – and learned from – connecting with students. That has been true in every place I’ve taught – the Midwest, the Deep South, South Texas, Japan, and now in the Pacific Northwest. My teaching style is personal, and informed by my own experience as a writer and editor. (I teach better when I practice the skill myself, and bring my own writing into the classroom for discussion.) Along with group work, I always incorporate individual conferences with students into the class; these serve to strengthen our relationship and help me figure out what an individual student needs from me to be successful. I have adapted my classroom approach over the years to accommodate new methods and technologies, along with elements of the culture I’m in. My focus is always on what a particular student needs.

Since literature and writing are not courses students might choose to take, I am compelled to find ways to draw them in, to help them navigate the complexities of language and writing so that the material, whether it be a short story or their own essay, comes alive for them and they see the power in the written and spoken word. Ultimately, I see my role as guiding them as they learn to use this power to express their own ideas. Seeing them build confidence in their own understanding and expression is my reward.

What Students are saying:

​“I feel that the class has helped to hone and refine my research process as well as provide tools for me to use. Overall great job, great class! It was a pleasure.”

“You have taught me a great deal not only about research, but you have also made me a better writer. Writing was a burden for me but you changed that. Now I don’t worry about the [number of] pages. Instead I worry about the quality of the writing. If I ever write a book or research paper again, can I ask you for advice?”

“I am really pleased how it all came together. I feel good about the end project. I enjoyed this class a lot, and feel like it pushed me to be the best that I could be, not just sufficient enough to pass the class. Thanks Julie, it’s been a fun ride!”

​​English language support includes:
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Teaching and learning take place constantly, inside and outside classrooms, in academic and business settings, at home, and even in your local coffee shop. An effective teacher connects with students wherever they are (intellectually and geographically) and provides the support to bring students through the lesson with greater understanding and stronger skills.

My teaching services include: 

• skills workshops
  
• idea generation
  
• drafting
  
• revising
  
• style conventions 
  
• classes (classroom, meeting, and online)
  
• one-on-one tutoring
  
• one-on-one coaching in writing and speaking 
  

English language support for non-native speakers includes:
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• coaching
• clarity, syntax, grammar, and sentence structure
  
• slang and idioms
  
• spelling and other conventions
  
• speaking
  
• preparing manuscripts for publication

Courses previously taught:

• ​Developmental Writing
  
• Expository Writing
  
• The Research Paper
  
• Speech
  
• Introduction to Fiction
  
• Introduction to Drama
  
• Professional and Academic Writing
  
• Business Communications
  
• English Language and Culture (for non-native speakers of English)