Open English

Meet Kirk Novitsky, Open English teacher!

Ermelinda Maglione - September 18th, 2012

Every month we bring you an interview made to one of Open English’s teachers. In this opportunity you’ll be able to learn more about Kirk Novitsky from Kansas, United States.

Open English’s teachers are in charge of the Live Sessions, which are the key tools to achieve English fluency because they allow you to speak live and directly with native speakers and other students form everywhere in the world.

 

What do like the most about teaching English? I like teaching English because I know how important it is to learn new languages, and how difficult it can be! It’s great knowing that I am helping someone further their career or even just get better at their hobby.

How do you feel about teaching English online at Open English? I am very happy teaching here at Open English! It’s great to be a part of a group of people who put so much effort into what they’re doing. The teachers here are always talking about how to make things better or ways they can improve to make their classes even better. One of the biggest roadblocks for most people when learning a new language is time. Oftentimes they won’t sign up for classes because they know they won’t be able to make the classes or have time to drive there on top of their busy lives. With Open English, they are able to take classes whenever they have time, and they don’t even have to leave their house. There’s really nothing else like Open English out there, and I honestly wish I had something like that for the languages I am learning!

What is it like for you to have students from such different backgrounds and nationalities? Of course I think it is awesome! I feel like I’m learning something new every time I work. I especially like it when my students tell me about the best food from their countries! I always attempt to find the recipes online and cook it in my spare time.

Besides our Live Sessions, what’s your favorite Open English tool?
I think the coolest tool at Open English is the Conversation Classroom. It is something very important to use because it helps you begin to think in English. It’s great because these classrooms are really going to help get rid of that nasty habit of translating in your head while speaking. The more you practice speaking freely, the more speaking English will become second nature. Live sessions are awesome because you can come in, get corrections and learn new words and grammar; but in the conversation classrooms you can actually go and really practice everything.

What song/movie/book do you recommend for practicing English?There really isn’t anything in particular that I’d recommend. I think as long as you’re reading or watching something in English, you’re going to be learning. Most movies have a lot of American expressions and slang; and books are a great enhancement for new vocabulary. That being said, two of my favorite movies would have to be Once Upon a Time in America and Good Will Hunting.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I love playing sports. I grew up playing hockey and (American) football. I enjoy running and working out at the gym too; but lately my favorite hobby is probably golf. I love traveling and being able to see how people live in other parts of the world. Last but not least, I love learning languages!

Have you had a Live Session with Kirk? Which teacher would you like us to interview? Tell us!