Educator Information - Maria Jose Evans

 My name is Maria Silva, and I have been teaching Portuguese for over 10 years. I hold a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Lisbon and a CELPE-Bras certification, which is the official Brazilian Portuguese proficiency test. I am passionate about sharing the beauty of the Portuguese language and culture with my students. Whether you are learning Portuguese for travel, business, or simply to enjoy the richness of our literature and music, I am here to guide you every step of the way.

My teaching approach is student-centered, and I focus on creating engaging lessons that cater to individual learning styles. I believe that language learning should be an enjoyable and immersive experience, so I incorporate real-life situations, cultural elements, and interactive activities into my lessons.

Teaching Style:

I use a communicative approach to teaching, emphasizing practical, conversational Portuguese from day one. My lessons focus on all aspects of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

I start with building a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary but quickly move to applying what we learn in real-world contexts. Whether you're ordering coffee in a café in Lisbon, discussing current events, or writing an email in a professional setting, I will make sure you feel confident in your Portuguese skills.

To make learning more dynamic, I include videos, music, podcasts, and readings from contemporary Brazilian and Portuguese authors, as well as interactive role-playing exercises to help you practice speaking. I also love sharing insights into Portuguese and Brazilian culture, including traditions, festivals, and food!

Specialties:

Conversational Portuguese: Helping students feel confident speaking with native speakers in real-life situations.

Business Portuguese: Tailoring lessons for those who need to communicate professionally in Portuguese, with a focus on emails, meetings, and presentations.

Portuguese for Travelers: Teaching essential phrases, cultural tips, and practical language skills for tourists visiting Portuguese-speaking countries.

Portuguese Grammar: Clear explanations of verb conjugations, sentence structure, and nuances of the language.

Brazilian Portuguese: Offering a deep dive into Brazilian culture, slang, and regional dialects for those interested in the Brazilian way of speaking.

Cultural Immersion: Discussing literature, music, film, and history to connect the language to the culture.

Why Learn Portuguese With Me?

I offer a personalized, supportive approach to learning that adapts to your pace and goals.

I bring real-world, cultural insights into every lesson, giving you not just the language but an understanding of the culture behind it.

I provide constant feedback and encourage active participation, ensuring you make steady progress.

My lessons are fun and interactive, keeping you engaged and motivated to continue your learning journey.