Second Language, LLC
Frequently Asked Questions, For Teachers and Instructors

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1. For which languages do you need teachers?
We would like to interview individuals who can teach Spanish, English/ESL, Pronunciation and Accent, Italian, Russian, Polish, Mandarin, Greek, Brazilian Portuguese, Latin, German and Japanese.
We occasionally get requests for Turkish, Hungarian, Armenian, Korean and other languages. You may contact us if you can teach any spoken language well.

2. What experience is needed?
Teaching languages at a language school, privately on your own, at a public or private school or college, adult education, Literacy Volunteers.

3. Do I have to be a US citizen?
No. You need to be able to work legally in the USA, and have a valid Social Security Number or Tax Id Number.

4. I speak, understand, read and write a language perfectly. It is not my first language. Can I teach it?
Yes. We will check your ability with the language. Many times a person who has learned a second language is better qualified to teach that language than some native speakers.

5. Why do you want only teachers who live or work near Manchester or Vernon CT?
Because it is not worthwhile to drive a long distance for a short lesson, and it is more likely that bad weather will prevent you from coming to your lesson.

6. What is too far?
Norwich, Salem, New London, Groton, Wallingford, New Haven, Cheshire, Waterbury, Winsted, Torrington, Springfield are too far.

7. I am going to move to Manchester CT in 4 weeks. Would you like my resume/CV?
Yes.

8. I am going to quit my job and just teach languages. Is that a good idea?
No.

9. I am going to retire in 4 weeks. Am I too old to be a teacher?
Absolutely not.

10. I have never taught languages. Does that mean that I can never become a language teacher?
Not necessarily. Your success as a teacher depends on your personality. If you are patient, friendly and can explain things simply, and take the time to prepare your lessons according to the needs of your student, you can be a good language teacher.

11. Where is your office?
Manchester/Vernon Location of Second Language, LLC.

12. Is it part time work?
Yes.

13. How many students will I have?
We don't know. It depends on the number of students who enroll, and how well you do teaching your students. Some teachers have only 1 student per week, others have 7 or more.

14. What hours will I work?
We don't know. It depends on the number of students who enroll, and the days and times on which they want their lessons. We need to know the days and times when you are available. We will attempt to find students for you on those days and times.

15. How many students will be in my class?
Generally one. Sometimes we have small groups consisting of husband and wife or two or three friends or co-workers coming together.

16. Do you pay for miles driven?
No, but miles driven to and from your lesson are a valid income tax deduction, since you are an independent contractor.

17. Do you pay for the book that I use in teaching?
No.

18. Can you make copies of my course handouts?
Yes. Be sure that we have them before the lesson, to give us time to make copies. Please don't arrive and ask to make a large number of copies. We can do a small number of copies.

19. How much do you pay your independent contractors?
We will tell you exactly how much when we interview you.

20. When do you pay your independent contractors?
At the end of the month. We pay you within 7 days of the end of the month.

21. How do you know how much to pay?
We look at your Class Record Sheets that you have kept up to date, and that are signed by your student.

22. What about taxes? Do you take out (withhold) taxes?
No. You must keep a record of the amount that we pay you, and declare it as income on your tax forms. If you earn $600 or more in a year, we send that information to the Internal Revenue Service on "form 1099-Misc".

23. Is it OK if I teach students on my own, or for another language school?
Yes. Since you are an independent contractor, we do not object if you teach for another language school. However some language schools may object if you teach for another language school.

24. I'm receiving Unemployment Compensation. Will you hold my checks so that I don't have to report my earnings?
NO! We pay you monthly, and you must report your earnings to the Department of Labor.

25. Can I give you students from another language school?
Absolutely no. You must respect non-compete agreements from other language schools.

26. I am teaching a student from XYZ company for another language school. Will I be able to teach students from XYZ company?
Absolutely no. You must respect non-compete agreements from other language schools.

27. The weatherperson is talking about a blizzard.
Contact your student and us and cancel. Listen to WTIC 1080 radio or watch WFSB Channel 3 News for cancellations.

28. Do you have enough parking?
Yes.

29. Are you on a bus line?
Yes. Bus Line "84" (formerly the "Z" line): Hartford/Rockville. Bus stop right in front of the building. Get off at Quality Inn, Vernon. Bus Company: Schedules and maps. Scroll to 84 Tolland Street --Rockville.

30. When did the business start?
January 5, 2005.

31. When did you open your office on the Manchester/Vernon line?
January 1, 2009.

32. When did you close your office in Newington?
December 31, 2008.

33. I have only a few students. How do I get more students?
Do well with your current students. If they are happy with their lessons, they will tell us. Arrive 5 minutes before your lesson. Fill out the Class Record Sheets accurately. Keep us informed of your availability as an independent contractor, illnesses and vacations. Read email at least once a day, and check phone messages. During the initial evaluation interview with the student, show the student why you will be the best teacher possible for the student.

34. The student was 20 minutes late for the lesson. What do I do?
1- It's safe to assume that the student is not coming.

35. I was 20 minutes late for the lesson. What happens?
1- the student has probably gone home.
2- the student expects you to teach a full 60 minutes. You may do this during another lesson.

36. The student never came to the lesson. What happens?
The student loses the lesson, if it was on the schedule and the student did not cancel. (This happens very rarely. We will ask the student what happened)

37. I never came to the lesson. The student came. I forgot about the lesson. What happens?
We will not call you any longer to teach new students. If the student wants to change instructors, we will give the student a new instructor.

38. I have to work late tonight. My lesson is at 6 PM. I can't make the lesson. I sent email at 4 PM. Why do you want me to give a free lesson to my student?
Because you informed us too late. 24 hour notice is required, by phone, not by email.

39. My work schedule has changed. I need to change the day of my lesson. What do I have to do?
Please contact us. We need to know if the student is OK with the new day and time, and if we have a classroom available.

40. What does "LLC" mean?
Limited Liability Company. Registered with the State of Connecticut. Some have asked if it means "Likes Learning Chinese".

41. I got very confused while driving and trying to find addresses near you. Why is that?
Because the names of streets change without warning.
We are on RTs 30/83, Hartford Turnpike. However, 200 feet from us, (South of us) the street's name changes to Tolland Turnpike, because you have crossed the line into Manchester. Just to confuse matters, Tolland Turnpike turns to the left 0.9 mile from us, while the street you are on is renamed Deming St.
In the other direction, (North of us) RTs 30 and 83 end their marriage and RT 30 goes to the right, and keeps the name Hartford Turnpike, but RT 83 continues straight, and gets the name Talcottville Rd.
You won't have much time to look for street name signs anyway, because the split happens at the former Vernon Circle, a very busy intersection.

42. Can you explain to me how to fill out my income tax declaration? (sometimes called a "return")
It is better if you ask someone who understands that sort of thing.

43. My GPS took me 6 miles away from your office. Why is that?
Because it is a mechanical device incapable of knowing if it is doing something stupid.
If your GPS takes you to I-84, exit 67, it's wrong.