SM
Philosophy of Language Acquisition
Learning a language is not the same as acquiring a language.
When you think of language classes you probably envision endless lists of vocabulary and tiring notes on grammar constructions. There is nothing wrong with this, but this is not always helpful to most people with a goal of speaking a second language, at least not at the beginning. After all, when you were a child learning to speak your first language, you weren’t handed a vocab list, were you?
While there is a time and place for grammar and vocabulary focus, I believe that language is acquired faster and more efficiently through story-telling and input that is comprehensible. To that end, much of the class time is in the target language (using native language for clarification) and spent co-creating stories that are entertaining and relevant for the student.
You may be asking if you should be taking classes with a native language speaker. There is a time and place for this also. Conversational practice with a native speaker may be beneficial, especially if you can find someone who speaks the same dialect that you are focused on, if you know which dialect you want to focus on. Without advanced language training on the part of the teacher, however, sometimes you may not get the explanations that you are looking for when trying to understand why something is the way it is grammatically. That is what makes Polyglot Prose unique.
As a tutor, it’s my job to work in tandem with a class or teacher toward a common goal for the student. From almost twenty years of experience, I have an arsenal of materials, techniques, and practices that I can draw from once I am able to determine where the learner’s strengths and weaknesses are and how they learn best!
Services
Contact me for pricing. Individual and 10 class packages available.
Scholarships may be available. Email for details.
Available Online1 hr
Available Online1 hr
Available Online1 hr
Available Online1 hr
Available Online1 hr
Founder and
Spanish/ESL Instructor
Amy Bainbridge-Jordan
A native Berkshire-ite, Amy’s attraction to and love for other cultures and language started from a young age. Like so many school-aged children, she began her language study in the classroom, supplementing this with multiple mission trips to South America with her local church. This only fed her curiosity and drive to continue pursuing her passion.
After completing an internship in Colombia as part of her undergrad program and creating and maintaining multiple friendships with native Spanish-speakers in her hometown, she followed in her father's footsteps and began her teaching career in Pittsfield, MA. At this time, she also began medical interpreting in the county. During her tenure in Pittsfield, she was motivated to advance her knowledge and competence in Spanish linguistics by completing a Master’s degree at Middlebury College.
Following her studies, including a semester in Mexico and a year in Spain, she stayed for an additional year in Madrid to teach English at a pharmaceutical university, extending her professional experience of language instruction from Spanish to ESL. Upon return to the states, Amy returned to the classroom teaching multiple levels of Spanish, specializing in Advanced Placement. She currently uses a wide-range of teaching strategies and approaches from traditional techniques to TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Story-telling) and CI (Comprehensible Input).
After nearly twenty years in the classroom, one thing is clear to Amy: you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Anyone can acquire a second language, they just need to have the motivation.
French/ESL Instructor
Suzanne Moquin
Suzanne Moquin’s passion for languages and cultures was evident from a very young age. As a child, she accompanied her grandmother on several trips to France and Belgium to visit family. During those formative experiences, she became enamored with the French language and culture — a fascination that would shape both her studies and her career.
Determined to deepen her global understanding, Suzanne pursued numerous opportunities to study abroad, including earning a prestigious scholarship through Rotary International to spend a year studying in Sicily. She is fluent in French and Spanish and has a working knowledge of Italian. Her language proficiency has been cultivated through dedicated study in high school, a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a year of study in France, a Master’s degree in Education from SUNY Albany, and a second Master’s degree in French and Spanish from University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Initially drawn to international business, Suzanne spent several years working in organizations that supported international employees through recruitment and training. However, in her late thirties, she felt called to the classroom. Transitioning into teaching, Suzanne devoted 25 years to teaching French and Spanish at the high school level while also teaching ESOL to adult learners. She further strengthened her expertise by earning certification in English as a Second Language.
Passionate about sharing her love of language and culture, Suzanne believes education opens doors not only to communication but to friendship and understanding across borders. She has led students on multiple educational trips to Europe and Canada, creating opportunities for them to experience firsthand the cultures they studied.
Throughout her life and career, Suzanne has remained guided by a simple truth: meaningful connection, curiosity, and shared experience are among life’s greatest pleasures — and they are available to us all.