Beatrice Mckenna

Specialties: Language Arts (French)

Bonjour,

I am Béatrice and I am a French native speaker!

Although I currently reside in the south of France, I have been teaching and tutoring French in the Chicago area for most of my life.  I am very fortunate to be able to call both the United States and France my homes.

I strive to make our time together as engaging as possible and I use authentic sources to give relevance to the material students encounter in the classroom. I believe that students must feel that our work is fulfilling and a source of tangible growth. I am here to help them reach their goals!

As a tutor, I meet language learners at whatever level they are at and support them in very specific ways. I  help students discover their area of strength as language learners so we can both utilize these strengths to the fullest and gain confidence at the outset. 

My current focus is in mentoring new language teachers. I see it as my life’s work to help students expand their horizons and know that they can include their French skills and their knowledge of francophone culture in their future professional and personal lives

Together, we work methodically, focusing on whatever skill is most needed - writing, reading, speaking or listening.

 For the past 15 years, I have been teaching all levels of French at North Shore Country Day school - from French 1 to AP French (prep to the AP language and culture exam). 

 I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of the concepts students need to master in order to move with confidence and success from one level to the next. I’ve also been in charge of developing a student exchange program with a high school based in St Malo (Brittany).