JH AGENCY, LLC
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Language Lessons

I have always loved languages. When I was four, I said that I wanted to learn every language in the world. The first non-English languages I studied were American Sign Language and Spanish. While majoring in Spanish at Converse College, I realized that I do not have a natural talent for learning languages. That hasn’t stopped me from studying French, German, and Kiswahili (Swahili) and dabbling in Luganda and a Ugandan tribal language, Italian, and Russian. 

After nearly 40 years of studying foreign languages, I know what it’s like to be a language student who struggles to gain conversational abilities. I use that knowledge to patiently support American English learners towards their goals. 

When working at a rural public library, I often encountered immigrants eager to improve their speaking and listening skills. Unfortunately, the closest affordable ESL class was over an hour away. When I left public library work in 2022, my first goal was to become certified to teach ESL so that I could offer classes closer to home. Since then, I have been delighted to see students gain confidence in their language skills and hope to continue helping people for years to come.
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Watch Beyond the Beginner ESL Listening Videos

FAQs

Q. Who do you tutor?

A. Intermediate-advanced (B1-C1) adult learners

Q. Are classes online?

A. We meet online, using Zoom, Google Meet, or a similar platform.

Q. Are these group lessons?

A. No, I prefer to work with individual students. In special cases, I will offer group classes. Contact me for details.

Q. Are these lessons that follow a book?

​A. Not usually.

I primarily offer online conversation practice for adults who are intermediate-advanced (B1-C1) English language learners. If you want formal lessons that follow a book, contact me.

Q. Do you teach groups?

A. Contact me if you are looking for a tutor for your homeschool, church, library, or other community group.

Q. How much do you charge?

A. Contact me for current prices.

Q. What are your qualifications?

A. I have a ​TEFL.org 168-hour certificate and over 100 hours of ESL tutoring experience.
Subscribe to The Variety Page Circular for American English language tips and other content.
Note: This newsletter is for fluent English speakers. 
Jill Hames is a writer, musician, and biblical studies teacher who creates content for adult learners. 
MLIS | TEFL-certified | MDiv Student
​[email protected]

​Copyright 2026
  • Home
  • Biblical Studies
    • Biblical Greek
    • Biblical Hebrew
  • Courses
    • Connect New Testament Culture to Yours
    • Learn to Read Music
    • ESL Language >
      • Beyond the Beginner Read-Alongs
  • Music
  • Writing
    • The Variety Page Blog
  • Shop
    • The Variety Page Reads