Work with Kathy
About
With over 10 years of professional teaching experience both online and in schools, I’ve helped hundreds of students achieve their goals in English. I specialize in test preparation for exams like TOEFL, IELTS and SAT, and I hold a TOEFL certificate from ETS and a TESOL certificate. I am also currently expanding into TOEIC test preparation. My expertise in exam strategies and English language development ensures my students are well-prepared and confident on test day. My lessons are goal-oriented and designed to strengthen your skills across all major language components. Using a wide range of digital resources and targeted practice exercises, I tailor each session to your needs and track your progress to help you succeed. My ultimate goal is for you to pass your exam the first time, while improving self-study efficiency and reducing the number of lessons needed. I do offer discounts for new students, so be sure to ask during the intro call! Having lived in Kyrgyzstan for six years, I speak some Russian and Kyrgyz and understand the challenges of learning a new language. Whether you’re aiming for a higher TOEFL score or preparing for the SAT, I’m here to provide the support and strategies you need to succeed. Let’s work together to reach your goals!
Kathy’s TOEFL Qualifications
Coaches professionally
100+ TOEFL clients
Kathy has helped clients achieve these scores on the TOEFL
98 - 111
Hello and welcome to my profile! With a rich background in education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, I have dedicated my career to helping students excel in English language proficiency. As a former Head of English Department and Mentor Teacher at international schools, I have honed my skills in preparing students for standardized tests like the TOEFL. Over the years, I have successfully coached over 200 students, guiding them to achieve their target scores and gain admission to their desired programs. My approach is tailored to each individual's needs, focusing on enhancing speaking, writing, and comprehension skills. Let's work together to unlock your potential and achieve your TOEFL goals!
Kathy can help with:
Listening
Reading
Speaking
Tailored Study Plan
Test Prep Strategy
Writing
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’m passionate about helping people reach their goals and unlock their full potential. Seeing students grow in confidence, improve their skills, and achieve milestones like earning a higher TOEFL or SAT score is incredibly rewarding. I believe that these achievements open doors to new opportunities, and I’m honored to be part of that journey. Every student has unique strengths and challenges, and I enjoy creating personalized strategies to support their success. Coaching isn’t just about getting you that test score — it’s about empowering you to achieve your dreams.
Work Experience
Private Tutor
Freelance Tutor
September 2021 - Present
- Provided personalized tutoring to students preparing for TOEFL, SAT, and IELTS exams, focusing on test-specific strategies and language proficiency development - Delivered tailored lessons in General English, covering grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for learners at various proficiency levels - Assessed student progress using diagnostic tests and practice exams to identify strengths and areas for improvement, adjusting lesson plans accordingly - Developed individualized study plans and practice schedules to help students achieve target scores and academic goals within specified timelines - Incorporated authentic materials and real-world scenarios to enhance language acquisition and build practical communication skills - Utilized formative assessments and feedback to monitor progress and provide targeted support, ensuring consistent improvement and confidence building - Guided students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in standardized tests and academic settings - Created and maintained a supportive learning environment, promoting cultural awareness and confidence in using English in academic, professional, and social settings
Educational Consultant
Freelance Consultant
July 2021 - August 2022
- Collaborated within a specialized three-person team to design and develop a comprehensive self-study English fluency course for government employees in Kyrgyzstan, with a primary focus on TOEFL preparation - Created structured, interactive learning modules covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills aligned with TOEFL standards and test-taking strategies - Developed multimedia resources, practice exercises, and detailed study guides to support independent learning and track progress effectively - Designed assessment tools, including diagnostic tests and progress checks, to help participants evaluate their development and adjust their study plans as needed - Provided clear guidance on time management, goal setting, and self-study techniques to ensure learners maintained motivation and steady progress - Contributed to the successful implementation of a scalable, self-paced learning solution that equipped government personnel with the necessary language skills for academic and professional advancement
Head of English Department
Bright International School
September 2020 - June 2021
- Provided leadership as Head of the English Department, driving academic excellence and aligning instruction with the rigorous standards of the Cambridge curriculum - Coached a diverse cohort of English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, fostering their growth as confident global citizens with strong language proficiency and cross-cultural competence - Applied the Assessment for Learning approach to conduct regular and comprehensive evaluations of student progress, proactively identifying and addressing learning gaps to ensure continuous improvement - Developed and implemented a detailed annual teaching program, establishing clear long-term objectives and dynamic daily lesson plans that balanced academic rigor with student engagement - Mentored and supported homeroom and subject teachers through weekly lesson observations, providing actionable feedback to enhance instructional quality and promote professional development - Spearheaded the development of a collaborative, high-performance academic environment as a founding member of the school's leadership team, contributing to a culture of innovation, respect, and shared achievement - Established strong partnerships with parents and the school community, facilitating open communication and ensuring student success through a holistic, inclusive approach to education
Mentor Teacher
Sapat International Schools
June 2019 - June 2020
- Served as a mentor teacher across 16 schools within the Sapat International Schools network, conducting comprehensive classroom observations and providing constructive feedback to enhance English language instruction and teaching methodologies - Advised school leadership on the strategic development of the English Department, contributing to curriculum improvements and the adoption of best educational practices - Delivered 6 hours of weekly TOEFL preparation classes to high school students, equipping them with essential language skills and effective test-taking strategies to achieve their academic goals - Provided individualized mentorship and emotional support to English teachers, promoting both personal well-being and professional growth through regular check-ins and open communication - Designed and facilitated dynamic professional development workshops, addressing a range of pedagogical topics including differentiated instruction, language acquisition strategies, and student engagement techniques - Fostered a collaborative community of educators, encouraging knowledge-sharing and continuous learning to elevate teaching standards across the institution
English Teacher
Sapat International Schools
August 2018 - June 2019
- Delivered 25+ hours of weekly instruction in English language and literature to high school students, fostering a supportive learning environment that encouraged academic growth and language proficiency - Strengthened students’ speaking skills by emphasizing clear organization, effective use of evidence, and persuasive argumentation in discussions and presentations - Provided targeted instruction in academic essay writing, preparing students for the demands of college-level coursework and standardized writing assessments - Developed and implemented comprehensive SAT and TOEFL preparation programs, equipping students with essential test-taking strategies and language skills to achieve competitive scores - Enhanced student engagement by incorporating practical, interactive, and stimulating learning activities that applied real-world scenarios to language learning - Monitored student progress through regular assessments and provided individualized support to ensure consistent improvement and academic success
TEFL Teacher Trainer
Peace Corps
June 2016 - August 2018
- Served as a TEFL Teacher Trainer at Bishkek State University, delivering comprehensive instruction in both English language skills and teaching methodology and theory to pre-service English teachers - Developed and facilitated interactive workshops and training sessions on best practices in English language instruction, classroom management, and lesson planning tailored to local educational contexts - Provided individualized mentorship and constructive feedback to teachers, supporting their professional growth and enhancing their classroom effectiveness - Designed and implemented engaging General English courses for university students, focusing on developing proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills - Collaborated with university faculty and educational stakeholders to promote curriculum development and introduce innovative, student-centered teaching strategies - Contributed to cross-cultural exchange by incorporating elements of American culture and education systems into lessons, fostering mutual understanding and language acquisition - Evaluated student progress through formative and summative assessments, adapting lesson content to meet diverse learning needs and ensure measurable academic growth
Education
University of the Pacific
Master's Degree, Curriculum and Instruction
2012 - 2013
Rhodes College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Anthropology and Sociology
2008 - 2012
Activities and societies: Varsity Cross Country and Track
5.0 average review
43 reviews
Overall rating
Kathy has helped clients achieve these scores on the TOEFL
98 - 111
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