Maria Conte Programs

“I met Maria about a year ago at one of her cultural events through a friend who took many courses with her.  It was a fun and interactive environment. It is a bit challenging for me to learn new things since I have a traumatic brain injury. In short, I was in a coma for a few months from a car accident. Afterwards, I took physical, occupational, and speech therapies to re-gain the basics of daily life. Then, I learned that Maria teaches Italian and Spanish. I knew a few words in Italian and was always interested in learning the language. I have heard that my last name, Diodato, means “God has given me!” I have learned a great deal of the Italian language and its heritage with Maria –of which has been both challenging and rewarding. I have also heard that learning another language is good for your brain and wards off symptoms of dementia. Now, I look forward to meeting with Maria twice a week for private tutoring. Maria uses a different technique with me, to help me better grasp and retain the words. She is a devoted, kind, and heartfelt person!”

Pamela M., Boston, Fall 2022

I have just had the good fortune to complete another Italian class with Maria Conte.
While my Italian studies by my own standards require much more study and practice, I want to
take a moment to commend Maria and state unequivocally what an outstanding teacher she is.
As a teacher myself of over 30 years, and one who instructed many student teachers, I believe I
know an excellent teacher when I see one, and Maria is such a teacher. Maria is not only a native
speaker but holds advanced degrees in the process of language-learning. One can know a
language but not be equipped to teach it to others. Maria has all of the qualities of an outstanding
teacher ~ knowledge of the subject matter, the ability to break down into manageable segments
the foundations of the Italian language for those beginning and intermediate learners as well as
more advanced students who are competent in their conversational abilities and those who able
to study various aspects of the art, culture and cuisine of Italy.
Additionally, Maria is always prepared, organized and willing to answer questions. Maria has a
welcoming and pleasant demeanor and always exudes an infectious enthusiasm for her subject
matter. While teaching various age groups and in various settings, she is acutely aware of
teaching the adult learner who has many other responsibilities and is generally a self-motivated
learner. Her personality and expertise come across in-person and on-line as well.
Maria’s unique combination of the mechanics of grammar and the nuances of language, the
ability to share that knowledge in manageable segments, an enthusiasm for her subject and a
warm, welcoming demeanor make her an exemplar in her field, and in my opinion, the best
language teacher I’ve encountered. Kudos to her for her wonderful work! And for making the
learning of a foreign language accessible to all.

“I have been taking Italian classes with Maria for more than a year now. She not only understands how to teach language to adult students but also has the patience to bring students along for an enjoyable learning experience. She has well designed reading materials with exercises that focus on learning grammatical skills which are then reinforced in a relaxed atmosphere in her classes. Maria clearly enjoys teaching students at all skill levels and her enthusiasm encourages her students to not only learn the Italian language but also better appreciate Italian culture. I highly recommend her.”