Tutor
Salvete!
Greetings! I’m John Cho, the founder of Emerson Latin. I have designed my Latin programs and courses to ensure a rich and engaging experience for learners year-round. As the only tutor, I guide students of all ages through their Latin journey, from beginners to advanced learners.
My own adventure with Latin began at the age of twelve, within the walls of Immaculate Conception Apostolic School of the Legion of Christ in New Hampshire, a minor Catholic seminary for boys discerning the priesthood. It was there that Brother Michael Luxbacher sparked my love for the language, insisting on a thorough understanding of each inflected word before tackling the stately sentences of Julius Caesar. His approach laid a rock-solid foundation in Latin grammar and syntax.
In my later years at the College of Humanities of the Legion of Christ in Connecticut, I delved even deeper into Latin under the tutelage of Mr. Dan McCarthy. This incomparable polyglot introduced me to immersive, nature-based approaches to learning Latin, encouraging me to read Latin texts in their original language rather than translating them. Through daily Oxford-style tutorials, I was able to advance ahead of my peers as we critically discussed the works of Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance authors.
Transitioning to California State University, Long Beach, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Classics, Philosophy, and Literature, graduating magna cum laude. Here, I immersed myself in Latin prose and poetry, alongside the rich tapestry of English literature and classical and modern philosophy. Recognized for my academic achievements, I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Additionally, I was nominated as a finalist for the Commencement 2004 Outstanding Student award, an honor given to only two graduating seniors from the College of Liberal Arts.
My teaching journey led me to Seoul, Korea, where I shared my passion for English literature and composition. For several years, I assisted students with standardized test preparation and guided US and UK-bound seniors in crafting their college admissions essays. I also taught students how to analyze passages and interpret texts from different perspectives, encouraging them to offer various interpretations in their own work. This experience broadened my understanding of diverse learning environments and honed my skills in mentoring students toward success.
In 2015, inspired by my mentors and the timeless wisdom of Latin literature, I founded Emerson Latin. My Latin pedagogy is eclectic and adaptable, drawing from traditional grammar translation methods, immersive nature-based approaches, and the Ollendorff method. By tailoring my teaching to suit each student’s unique needs and learning style, I aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging Latin education.
Today, my focus remains on continuous growth as an educator. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “…if one of the young people says a wise thing, greet it, and let all the children clap their hands.” This philosophy underpins my teaching—I strive to foster an environment where wisdom is celebrated, curiosity is kindled, and learning knows no bounds.
Valete!
MEMBERSHIPS
Phi Beta Kappa
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is America’s first and oldest academic honor society promoting excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. So far 17 U.S. presidents, 40 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, 136 Nobel Laureates, and countless authors, including R.W. Emerson, have been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is America’s most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. It awards membership to the top 10% of seniors and graduate students exhibiting work of “quality, leadership, and research advancing human knowledge.”
Golden Key International
Founded in 1977, Golden Key International is the world’s oldest collegiate honor society. It is “committed to a high standard of scholastic achievement and an ethos of integrity, innovation, respect, collaboration, and diversity.”
American Classics League
Founded in 1919, the American Classics League celebrates, supports, and advances the teaching and learning of the classical languages, literatures, and cultures and their timeless relevance.
METHODOLOGIES
The grammar translation method involves teaching Latin through a focus on grammar rules, translation exercises, and memorization of vocabulary. This traditional approach emphasizes precision in translation and understanding the grammatical structure of Latin sentences.
The nature method takes a more immersive and contextual approach to Latin instruction. Rather than focusing solely on grammar rules and translation, this method encourages students to engage with Latin texts in their original language, fostering a deeper understanding of the language through exposure to authentic content.
The Ollendorff method for teaching Latin emphasizes conversational practice and incremental learning. This approach uses repetition and gradually increasing complexity to help students build a strong foundation in Latin. By practicing common phrases and sentences, students learn to speak and understand the language naturally, making it easier to grasp more advanced concepts over time.