Case Studies: Teachers>

Hi, Vera! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a Portuguese instructor?

Certainly! My name is Vera. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and have been living in Houston, Texas, since January 2001. I’m a psychologist specializing in Human Resources and Education. My sister, Sue Anderson, invited me to join her language company, which led me to teaching Portuguese.

How long have you been teaching, and who have your students been over the years?

I’ve been teaching Portuguese since 2001, working with both individual students and groups, often from oil companies. I also taught Portuguese to over 25 students from an American church who were preparing for missions in Brazil. Currently, I teach Portuguese at Rice University. In 2014, I began offering online Portuguese classes, and in 2017, I started teaching children.

Could you describe your teaching approach and the materials you use in your classes?

Students learn Portuguese through a range of materials, including textbooks, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and audio and video equipment. I also develop teaching materials and strategies tailored to ensure every student reaches their language goals. I adapt my lessons to each student's needs, especially for those who have specific learning requirements or schedules. And I love integrating cultural insights into the language lessons! For example, I might explain the origin of the days of the week in Portuguese and then ask students about the days in their own language, which they often find surprising and intriguing.

You seem very engaged with the Portuguese-speaking community. Can you share more about that?

Absolutely! I’m a translator (English ↔ Portuguese) and a notary, and since 2004, I've been organizing the Houston Expat Brazilian and Portuguese Speaking Meetup group. We now have over 1,700 members! I’m very connected to my culture and love sharing it with others who want to learn about Brazil and the Portuguese language.

What attracted you to working with Language Trainers?

Language Trainers stands out because they prioritize finding native instructors, which is so important for anyone wanting to truly understand a language. They’re professional and reputable, with a presence on LinkedIn that reflects their serious approach to language learning.

Thank you, Vera! Your dedication to teaching and sharing Brazilian culture is inspiring.