I am Pat Hilliard, an American English teacher living in Istanbul, Turkey for 14 years.

I have loved teaching English for the past 17 years. My students have been children, adolescents, university age people and adult professionals. In each of these groups I have placed an emphasis on speaking and writing: using the language for practical purposes, rather than a focus on test scores. I am comfortable with the use of textbooks and proficiency test materials, although I am more successful at inviting my students to be engaged in English communication that addresses subjects that are relatable and relevant to their lives.