About Me

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For over 40 years,

I have been a professor teaching English to international students, professionals, writers and travelers from all over the world.

Besides winning awards in teaching at NYU, I am also an author of numerous textbooks and articles on writing, grammar, speaking, reading, presentation skills and business communication for ESL students. Also, I have written two children’s books which have been translated into seven languages.

I have lectured on best teaching practices in the United States and in Europe. After receiving my Master’s Degree from Tufts University and before my career at NYU, I taught English in France.

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Now

I teach writing and speaking online to:

  • people who want to write more effectively in English.
  • people who want to speak English with confidence and fluency
  • foreign-born professionals who need better communication skills – both in speaking and writing
  • graduate and undergraduate students who need to master academic English
  • international students who want to apply to the university in an English-speaking country
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READ SOME OF MY ARTICLES ON CULTURE AND LANGUAGE.

　

HERE ARE MY BOOKS:

  • Headlines - an Advanced Text for Reading, Speaking, and Listening
  • Storylines - Conversation Skills through Oral Histories
  • Grammar Through Stories
  • One-Eyed Jack
  • Gogo

Interview with Professor Priscilla Karant:

Teaching English and Building Community

When did you start teaching at NYU?

I started teaching in 1974. It was fun and challenging. From the very beginning, I loved it and realized how culture and community building had to be part of every course. I would teach square dancing at coffee hours. I would bring students home to meet my family and friends and make them part of my life. I would go to their homes and eat an Algerian couscous and they would come to my apartment to enjoy my brownies. I would visit students when I traveled abroad and their families and friends would visit me here in New York. Teaching has been my life. The class has never ended when the term ended. I’m still in touch with quite a few students from more than 40 years ago and have even taught their children.

What was your life like before you started teaching at NYU?

Before teaching here, I taught English at a junior high school, a high school and at the University of Metz in France. When I came back to the States, I went to work for Ralph Nader in DC. There I was lobbying congress to help impeach Nixon and I was helping to do research and write a book about Campaign Financing. My father was a great writer and a fighter for the underdog. In a way, I was following his footsteps. He was also fluent in nine languages and believed you should read Chekov in Russian, Voltaire in French, Cervantes in Spanish. So I do think his love of languages influenced me in my love for languages and cultures — and for spreading that joy.

“The class has never ended when the term ended. I’m still in touch with quite a few students from more than 40 years ago and have even taught their children.”

How do you describe your teaching method?

My method is to make it fun and intellectually challenging. I invite guests to class. The guest could be the author of an article we have read or an expert in a field we have read about. I assign documentaries and podcasts to help students better understand the United States.

Outside of the classroom, from sightseeing walks to political demonstrations, I get them involved. I organize going away parties, picnics, Thanksgiving dinners for 40, and outings to the movies or to the Hamptons. I even have sleepover parties in the summer. I invite alumni as well as current students so that students can make new friends.

I have had lonely students sleep on my couch. I have been to students’ weddings and to their swearing-in ceremonies to become a citizen. I have introduced students for roommates, and some have met their mates at my parties.

Can you name a key to a successful course?

I always try to connect with my students as individuals. When I teach, I try to uncover the genius in every student and to understand how each student learns best. I think it’s important for teachers to understand how life can interfere with studying, and how even with the best of intentions sometimes one cannot do what one has set out to do.

What’s your advice for students trying to learn a new language?

They should take risks, meet people, not be afraid of making mistakes — and above all, have a sense of humor when they do make mistakes.

How is teaching on Zoom?

In the beginning during COVID, I hated it. But now I've gotten used to it and even enjoy meeting my students online. One big advantage is in one class there will be a student in Japan, another in Venezuela, another in France, another in China - all of them are connected in these different countries at the same time.

I got busy doing online cooking videos and putting my books online in different languages. So now I am happy with this format. Here is my YouTube channel:

SELECT A COURSE