I’m PAULA SCHNACKENBERG
PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LIFE COACH
I help ESL speakers to improve their English speaking and writing skills through my meaningful conversation methods
Language coaching
Do you want to feel confident speaking English, increase your vocabulary, and improve your accent? Do you need help preparing for an exam, presentation or updating your CV in English? Whatever your language goals are, I can help you get there quickly. Language coaching is a safe, effective and enjoyable environment to learn English. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation.
Life coaching
Do you feel stuck and need to make a change in your life? Do you wish you had an action plan for your life? Then you’ve reached the right place. Life coaching helps you to move forward in your life. With coaching, you will gain the confidence to make the changes needed in your life and the direction to get there. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation.
One-on-one English coaching online
Company classes online or in person
Presentation coaching
Writing coaching
Job interview coaching
Who is language coaching for?
My language coaching is for intermediate (B1) and advanced English as a second language (ESL) speakers who need to increase their English language skills for career advancement, academic reasons, or personal growth. In the end you want to:
- Sound more professional speaking English
- Feel more confident speaking English
- Learn how to write better
- Get an overseas job
- Work for an international company
- Move up the career ladder
- Work with international clients
- Improve your vocabulary
- Pass a company assessment center test
- Pass an English level exam
- Learn how to give presentations in English
If this sounds like you, we will have a fun journey getting you to your highest English potential.
Who do I work with?
So far, my clients have come from a variety of industries and professions including the following:
- Human resources managers
- International business executives
- IT specialists
- Automobile industry
- Logistics managers
- Scientistic development
- Music industry
- Publishing businesses
- Air and travel industry
- Sports industry
- Coaches and Trainers
- Students
- Professors, teachers, and academics
- Retired executives who want to keep up their language skills
If you are just looking to improve your English for personal reasons, I would gladly be your guide.
What is language coaching?
In language coaching, the coach is both a professional language teacher and a certified life coach thus combining both skills to help the student learn English and feel empowered.
Language coaching focuses on identifying the student’s needs and language goals. After the discovery session, the coach finds materials and topics that are important for the student, then makes a specialized plan with specific language targets.
As the coaching sessions progress, the student soon reaches her or his targets and feels motivated to learn more. The language coach continues to teach the language while guiding and supporting the student on the journey.
And it’s brain-friendly.
Research shows that the brain functions better when the student has emotional support. The language coach usually has learned a few languages herself and empathizes with the struggles of language learning.
Being aware of how the brain works, the coach provides a safe space where the student can practice speaking without feeling embarrassed to make mistakes.
How is this different from traditional language teaching?
Traditional language instruction employs books and tests to measure efficacy and is more teacher-centered. Language coaching makes sure the learning is challenging and motivating.
Why hire a language coach?
It is the same reason why people who want to get into the best physical shape hire a sports coach: to help them achieve their goals and keep them on track to success.
For example, the client tells the personal trainer which fitness goals, such as weight loss or strength training, she or he would like to attain. The coach then does a health and fitness check and comes up with a schedule, diet, and exercise regimen. After that, they meet regularly to keep the client on target and motivated.
It is similar with a language coach.
uI set up a schedule that works for you, and make a plan based on your particular language needs and learning style. Then we work together as coach and student (client) to reach your language goals.
You never feel like you are alone on this language journey because you are supported, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way.
What are meaningful conversations?
Meaningful conversations are topics that the client finds interesting or is relevant for professional or personal language goals. These topics vary from client to client. For example, we could talk about business topics, health and fitness, current events, personal growth, family life, etc.
Research proves that language learning is more successful when the learner is having fun. If you are ready to practise your English and have a good time, let’s start now.
Contact me for a free 20-minute conversation today.
What is the process like?
We start with a free 30-minute consultation to establish what you would like to achieve and where you are now. After this, sessions would be a combination of coaching (goal setting, motivational support, brain coaching tips for effective learning) and traditional language training (cleaning up grammar mistakes, fluency, correction, vocabulary input). Homework of some kind is given at every session and is a key aspect of the training.
Our meetings are held via Skype or Zoom.
If you live in the Wolfsburg, Hannover, or Braunschweig area of Germany, we can meet in person.
1. Discovery session: we talk about your needs and goals
2. We make a schedule that works for you and begin the lessons
3. We collaborate together about your progress
4. Your English fluency and confidence grow
5. Success!
About Me
I’m Paula and I have been teaching English as a second language (ESL) worldwide for over 25 years. I am originally from California and a native speaker of American English, a writer and a professional life coach.
I am here to improve your English conversation, public speaking, and writing skills.
As a life coach, I am able to help incorporate some self motivating tips and create a safe space for people to release old habits and thoughts they may have about themselves and language learning.
I work with business professionals, students, and adults who are at B1 intermediate level and interested in improving their English in one-on-one coaching sessions or in small groups online or in person.