"Dear future student,

My name is Allen, and I’m excited to support you on your Russian-learning journey. I’m a native Russian speaker who has used the language every single day at home since childhood. Growing up bilingual in both Russian and English gave me a unique perspective on how to make Russian feel logical, approachable, and intuitive for English speakers.

Russian has been a meaningful part of my life not just at home, but in my community. When I was younger, I spent nearly ten years volunteering at my grandparents’ townhome community in Milwaukee, which was home to many elderly, Russian-speaking residents. I helped them read and understand their mail, sort their letters, translate documents, and answer any questions they had. Those experiences taught me a mindset that has shaped my teaching style today.

Along with my lifelong fluency, I completed five semesters of advanced Russian coursework at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I strengthened my grammar, reading, and writing skills in a formal academic setting. I continue to read and write in Russian every day, and teaching it has become one of my greatest passions.

I have experience working with middle school, high school, and adult learners, and I tailor my lessons carefully to each student’s needs. Whether you are learning Russian for school, travel, business, heritage reasons, or personal interest, my goal is to help you build real, confident fluency. My teaching style is supportive and structured, with a strong focus on understanding the why behind grammar rules so you can apply them naturally in both speaking and writing. I balance vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversation so that every lesson feels practical and engaging.

I look forward to working with you and helping you succeed in Russian with clarity and confidence.

— Allen" less...