Start your English journey with a native speaker and build skills to succeed in IELTS & beyond!
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Turkish
Spanish
Greek (Ancient)
Persian (Farsi)
Uzbek
Specialties
Test Preparation
Start your English journey with a native speaker and build skills to succeed in IELTS & beyond!
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United StatesLiving in Other, Turkey (15:43 UTC+03:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Apr 26, 2024
InterestsFoodTechTravelHistoryFilms & TV Series
Hi, I’m Matthew! Originally from Miami, Florida, I’m passionate about languages and travel. I’m a CELTA Certified, Colombian-American English Teacher & IELTS Coach living in Istanbul, Türkiye.
I have spent my entire life with English language learners. I grew up in a home with an American dad and a Colombian mom, who I witnessed learning English as I grew up in university. I spent a lot of time with international students from all over the world and helped them adjust to life in America. and after I graduated, I moved to Istanbul, Türkiye, and learned Turkish.
My experiences make me uniquely empathetic to you as a learner and allow me to better help you improve your language skills.
Me as a Teacher
📚 Message me to receive a special discount on your first lesson! 💸
I have experience teaching students in a variety of settings and from diverse backgrounds. One-on-one with a man from Yemen, group classes in a 100% Hispanic community, in a classroom setting with students who have mild to severe disabilities, and online with students from Türkiye and Germany.
As a CELTA-certified teacher, I design lessons that are student-centered and focus on real-life, practical language use. I want you to feel confident and prepared to use English in everyday situations.
My lessons & teaching style
1. 🗣️🌎 Conversation & Culture
Learn survival English for travel or settling in a new country. Perfect for travelers, expats, and those adapting to a new culture.
2. 📚🎓English Test Prep: IELTS | TOEFL | Duolingo English Test
Get ready for your exams with tailored lessons focused on IELTS, TOEFL, and DET, ensuring you achieve your desired score. Having analyzed several real IELTS test recordings, I have gained unique insights into common challenges and effective test-taking strategies.
3. 🎙️✨ Accent Reduction and Pronunciation Mastery
Learn how to refine your English pronunciation to sound more natural and confident.
My teaching material
Text Documents
Test templates and examples
Homework Assignments
Certificates
Sound Foundations - International House London - 2025Completed the 20-hour How to Teach Pronunciation course by Adrian Underhill with International House London, focusing on effective techniques for teaching pronunciation, including the use of the phonemic chart, stress, rhythm, and intonation.
Certificate verified
TOEFL iBT Skills Teacher Training - ETS - 2025Completed the Teacher Training for TOEFL iBT Skills for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing through ETS, the official administrator of the TOEFL iBT test.
Certificate verified
IELTS Teacher Training - IDP - 2024Completed the IELTS Teacher Training with IDP, one of the official administrators of the IELTS exam. The training involved analyzing several actual interviews and learning strategies to help improve their scores.
Certificate verified
CELTA - ITI Istanbul - 2024Completed the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), an intensive program that included 120 hours of training in language analysis, lesson planning, and teaching methodology. The course also involved six hours of observed teaching practice, providing real-world experience with adult learners and ongoing feedback to improve my teaching skills.
Certificate verified
IELTS Teacher Training - IDP - 2024Completed the IELTS Teacher Training with IDP, one of the official administrators of the IELTS exam. The training involved analyzing several actual interviews and learning strategies to help improve their scores.
Certificate verified
Teaching experience
2019 - 2020
Student TeacherWatagua High School - United States
2018 - 2019
Reading TutorAppalachian State University - United States
2017 - 2018
ESL TutorCaldwell Community College - United States
Education
2016 - 2020
Bachelor’s - Special EducationAppalachian State University
Work Experience
2024 - Current
Professional Teacheritalki
4.9
Rating
21
Students
134
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
4.9
Rating
21
Students
134
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
6 lessons completed
USD 9.00+
🗣️🌎 Conversation & Culture with a Native English Speaker
A1 - C2Conversation114 lessons completed
USD 11.00+
Package with 15% off
📚🎓English Test Prep: IELTS | TOEFL | Duolingo English Test
A1 - C2Test Preparation11 lessons completed
USD 14.00+
Package with 12% off
🎙️✨ Accent Reduction and Pronunciation Mastery
A1 - C2Language Essentials1 lessons completed
USD 19.00+
Package with 9% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
22 Reviews
Tata Tata
37 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
I'm incredibly happy to have found a teacher like Matthew. For me, the lessons are not just classes; they are enjoyable conversations with a friend. In such an atmosphere, learning the language is a pleasure, and I feel motivated to continue improving my skills. I highly recommend Matthew to anyone who wants to move away from routine language learning and make it a delightful experience!
Oct 8, 2024
Magda
13 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
It's my second lesson with Matthew and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm a somewhat experienced English speaker which is why I usually don't learn new words in a regular conversation. But with Matthew's lesson I learned a whole lot of new words, expressions and idioms because he prepared useful speaking activities for the lesson. They were also really fun! He also gave me tips on how to improve my pronunciation. Thank you very much! :)
Jun 18, 2024
Magda
13 English lessons
Matthew is a phenomenal English teacher and a lot of fun to talk to! The lessons are very enjoyable. I think he's a great match for students of all levels from beginner to fluent. 😊👍
Feb 4, 2025
Atakan Şaşmaz
21 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Matthew is very good at his job. I think he is one of the best in his field.
Aug 28, 2024
Philippe Hudson
10 English lessons
Matthew is a great teacher, he has knowledge of English and knows guides the classes. I'm having classes in preparation to Duolingo English Test, and he is giving me exercises, homework and feedbacks to improve my English. Besides that, he is fun and a good teacher to improve the speaking too.
Mar 18, 2025
Sam
1 English lesson
Matthew, I had my first lesson with you today, and I truly enjoyed it. Thank you. I think you are highly skilled in your field and one of the best.