Mary Ellen

Founder, Authentic Lingo

Where the Authentic Lingo Concept Began

Enthused to teach after college, I found that the spark I had for foreign language learning was difficult to ignite in my students. I was relying too much on a prescribed ‘curriculum’ and got weighed down by racing to complete dry lessons and meet deadlines.

But soon enough I realized that what enthused me about language (as I had learned it abroad) was being IN it, that is, seeing the culture, hearing it spoken often and using it – even little bits at first – to actually say something. Mine was an auditory, visual, kinesthetic, 3-dimensional experience. Relevant and useful.

One professional workshop helped me identify what I had already begun to inject into teaching – the key to igniting that spark of understanding and enthusiasm in students – focus on real communication. Students learn in different ways and so I needed relevant, basic tools for them, presented in as many active, right-brain oriented ways as I could think of. I learned to tune into key principles of multi-faceted presentation and teach the basic elements of the language/then build on that and remix material in meaningful context/then present opportunities for students to USE what they learned in real life.

How We Teach

Our approach to language learning is a bit different than you'll find anywhere else and combines the very best of effective approaches.

Authentic Lingo's approach simply works better. Here's Why.

Languages Have Been a Lifelong Focus

I have been a lifelong student of romance languages, and have decades of experience in teaching French and Spanish in various educational settings. Through living overseas for a few years I gained a natural French accent, learned culture and developed the ear for French language cadence onsite in Switzerland and Algeria.

Out of a desire to engage learners creatively and effectively, I earned a degree in both French and Spanish with a lifetime Texas certification in secondary education. Noticing a large gap between the active, immersive learning I had experienced and the static, textbook based classes most people go through, I employed a right-brain oriented, communication-focused approach that I have honed for many years.

After seeing solid success for my students with a wide range of learning styles in public and private schools, I developed an original curriculum for home schooling and adult learning – with the goal of providing a vibrant and effective option for foreign language development.

Real World Language Application

My husband and I learned volumes about homeschooling as we took our children through high school as homeschoolers, (living in northern Montana at the time it was a solid choice!) where they not only excelled academically but learned many practical skills. Among them, problem solving and how to apply what they learned in real life. They both own their own successful businesses now.

A second career as a manager and trainer in the outdoor retail industry further convinced me of the extreme value of excellent communication skills and hands-on learning. Associates were energized and grew in their sales skills quickly as I presented multi-faceted training with a goal of making the work relevant to their needs. It seems that no matter the team or subject material the spark of student engagement (active participation) and feedback via conversation generates positive results!