Real ESL

My name is Kim Purcell and I’ve been an ESL teacher for over 10 years. I’ve been teaching one thing or another since I was fourteen and I’m now 37. So, I guess that’s over 20 years of teaching experience!

I’ve taught ESL in Mexico, Korea and Los Angeles. Most recently, I taught for six years at one of the most expensive private ESL schools in Los Angeles - Kaplan in Westwood. At Kaplan, I taught intermediate ESL, advanced ESL and TOEFL. I also did private lessons to help students prepare their applications for master’s programs and I helped several foreign doctors prepare successfully for their residency interviews.

I quit Kaplan to start a family. I have two wonderful daughters who are now 1 and 3. Over the last three years, I have continued teaching some private lessons. Also, before my second daughter was born, I also worked part-time as the curriculum director and instructor trainer for WriteGirl (writegirl.org), I co-wrote a curriculum guide to help teachers teach writing and I did some freelance writing.

After my second daughter was born, I decided I was too busy to do everything. All of you parents know what I’m talking about! I now teach a couple private lessons per week, work on my writing, do this blog and, of course, take care of my family.

As you can see, I know what it’s like to be busy. I think busy people are the ones who get things done in this world. I believe in your goals. I think you can accomplish anything if you want it badly enough. (accomplish = achieve) I hope you enjoy the blog!