John is a good guy. He's young so he tries to connect on your level. Discusses everything in class including how to cure hangovers and his crazy weekend. Class follows the same format every day (which can be helpful). Lots of partner work, simple homework, and his quizes/tests are easy along with his leniant grading. Highly suggested!

Great guy! Comes to class every day as happy as can be to teach Spanish. I didn't know that was even possible. Gets to know everyone very well, and is clearly dedicated to helping his students. Lets you retake quizzes! You watch awesome movies as well. Best spanish class I've ever had. Motivates me to be a teacher.

Overall a pretty easy class. But study for his tests. They're not hard, but unless you can memorize things after only seeing them once, you ought to study. Also very cool, definitely connects with the students.

AMAZING!!!! He is really fun, there is not a single boring day in that class. If you’re confused when it comes to grammar or espanol in general, he will clear it all up. If anything at all he is not bad to look at ; ).

Sr. Tkac is a fun guy, however the class is SO easy that it is extreamly boring. He'll spice it up somedays with a game or a spanish song, quizes and exams are ridiculosly easy, never got below a B+ on anything. Definatly Take Tkac

I took SPAN 231 and 232 with Sr. Tkac and I LOVED both of his classes. He will teach you pretty much any word that you want to know. He tells you exactly what's going to be on his tests and quizzes. If you do poorly on a quiz, he'll let you retake it until you're happy with your grade. He is very clear on teaching the material and very helpful.

John Tkac made me change my major from Pre-Med to Spanish. That's how good he is!

EASY EASY EASY!!! He is a great guy and an awesome teacher. We cover a lot of material, but there are SOO many opportunities to do well in this class. Tests are easy and any quiz can be REDONE!! great class and he's very understanding, TWO THUMBS UP!!

If you want to have fun then this class is for you. If you are there to learn you may have a hard time. Doesn't write much on the board and no visuals, reads from the book which is very hard to understand. Last day of class we had a party.

If you don't get the whole Spanish accent deal, then Tkac is the man for you. He is American, and easy to understand, and explains the concepts and grammar really well. We played lots of games which were all really fun, even though we weren't sure what was going on.

great teacher

Tkac is freaking awesome. He is American and quite young (Mid 20s). I haven't had Spanish since 10th grade but he understands and helps you SO much. He has no problem answering questions 100 times if he has to. Able to retake quizzes until happy with your grade. Study for tests. Recommend if just trying to get foreign language requirement done.

Mr. Tkac is seriously the greatest professor i've had so far, I really looked forward to going to this class. It is fairly easy but you still learn ALOT. He is very passionate about the language and he makes sure that his students understand the material. He has alot of experience and makes learning the language fun. TAKE HIM!!

Tkac is freaking awesome. He is American and quite young (Mid 20s). I haven't had Spanish since 10th grade but he understands and helps you SO much. He has no problem answering questions 100 times if he has to. Able to retake quizzes until happy with your grade. Study for tests. Recommend if just trying to get foreign language requirement done.

more harsh of a grader for his exams for 300 that he is for his intermediate courses. Good professor though

He is the best Spanish teacher I have had! I've always disliked American Spanish teachers, but Tkac was great. I learned more Spanish in his class than I've learned in any others. We always had these annoying speaking practices in class, but it was so helpful in learning the language.

the best spanish teacher i've ever had. a lot of work, but super helpful and clear. i def. suggest taking him if you are serious about learning spanish. class is interesting and he uses music and all kinds of things to keep your attention. a lot of hw tho, but none the less, a great professor. muy bien (:

This guy is the man. definition of a beast. he is hilarious, helps you out when you're struggling, and the class is interesting. he knows the language well. take him.

This dude is the man. extremely helpful and we always had fun in class and watched funny videos. take HIM!

Recommend taking him! Made coming to class fun- not many quizzes/tests!

The best Spanish professor I've ever had. I was dreading this class but he mixed things up in class to keep it interesting, we played vocab games, listened to a lot of music, watched youtube videos, etc. He's helpful, down to earth, funny. I was dreading this class and he made it bearable. I definitely recommend taking him.

Tkac is the man. Class is fun and overall it's easy as long as you do the hw. If you can't get an A in this class you are going to be in for a rude awakening when you keep taking Spanish classes

He knows what he's talking about. Class is kinda sorta entertaining. It is easy to get a good grade in the class as long as you turn in all the work and study for tests. Compositions are not hard at all; he lets you use a dictionary after 45 minutes. Overall, a great teacher.

Knows how to make spanish fun, a lot of in class activities and ways to remember things. Mostly a review of all important spanish things you have learned up til now. Not that many quizes and lets you rewrite the two essay to average the grade as well as allows dictionary use. I would highly recommend!!

TKac is a great professor, especially for this particular class. The bulk of the class consists of class discussion on a variety of topics, so that students may learn vocabulary and practice conversational Spanish. 2 presentations, and an oral final. Participation is weighed heavily, but going to class was always fun and educational.

Excellent instructor that really makes an effort to improve his students' spanish and appreciation for spanish cultures. Can be a challenging course if you have not had much spanish recently (like myself) but he is always more than willing to assist you.

The best spanish professor i've ever had!! Really makes the class enjoyable and is super funny. SPAN 300 was soo easy with Tkac as the professor. He really wants his students to succeed and is very helpful. By far my favorite class!

Do all the reading and assignments for this class because he will pick on you. There are 4 "quizzes" that are 40% of your grade. STUDY for them even though they're open note. 8pg paper as the final exam. Overall, an interesting class but sometimes confusing. If you have in interest in history/culture in Spain, take it. He's a pretty cool guy.

This class was so much fun! Tkac makes it very interactive,likes getting to know his students, and allows rewrites on the required compositions.If you're shy and don't like being called out, then maybe this class isn't for you. But other than that, I highly recommend!

TAKE HIM! He's funny and really makes class interesting. In my opinion it wasn't very challenging but he does a really good job at explaining and making sure you understand grammar concepts. Definitely my favorite class of the semester!

i love tkac because he is my neighbor im not kidding

Nice, laid back professor, but not my style of learning. All we do is group work in class and learning from each other instead of him actually teaching.A lot of homework every night, kinda ridiculous amount for one course but some of the answers are in the back. Never gotten below an A in spanish until this class. Probably wouldn't take him again

Tkac is great. Lots of partner work in class, a couple quizzes that are not hard if you study. Everything is straight forward. He gives extra credit if you go to a couple movies and write 100 words on it. Attendance is mandatory but you definitely learn a lot. TAKE HIM

Tkac is my favorite Spanish teacher at JMU! He teaches very well, and keeps the class engaging and interesting. He's a very funny guy and is very helpful. TAKE HIM!

The quizzes and tests are easy if you study, but the compositions are graded very hard. He does give corrections on compositions, though. He is very funny, but sometimes he tries too hard to be hip. Overall, I think there's no reason to be afraid of taking his class. If you put in a moderate amount of effort, you can get an A.

Tkac is a genuinely good guy. Cares a ton about the success of his students inside and outside the classroom. If you ask him for help, he'll always make himself available for you. Some quizzes and a midterm which were all pretty easy. Compositions in class that you get to edit and resubmit. Would take his class again in a heartbeat!! TAKE IT :)

HOT. HOT. HOT. Married with kids, unfortunately. HYSTERICAL. teaches class in different accents. it's HILARIOUS. try not to drool. spiffy dresser. wears VESTS :))) all-around great guy, speaks impeccable Spanish, as well as English. (He's from Cleveland.) HIGHLY recommend.

Tkac is a really laid back teacher and the class, Advanced Conversation, was a great class! You literally just talk in Spanish for the whole class period about different topics. It is okay if you mispronounce a word or something because he makes the class environment very comfortable and non-judgmental. Definitely recommend him!

Tkac is very attractive! Also he dresses nicely. If you want to learn, he's a very good teacher! He does a lot of in class activities and homework, but it's beneficial. He's very funny and you get to listen to spanish music all the time. He's very helpful and quizzes, tests, and compositions are not very hard.

I wasn't expecting to learn much from this class considering most of the lower-level Spanish courses I've taken here have been a joke - but my Spanish has improved SO much with Tkac's help! He knows how to explain anything so we understand. He does assign a fair amt. of homework but it honestly does more good than harm. Also he's hot

Really great guy and professor! I had a C throughout the semester because he grades Compositions (3 short essays) pretty tough. However, he can see when you really want to do well and try to participate in class, and I ended up with a B. He is a really cool guy with a ton of Spanish experience, and just genuinely wants you to learn the language!

Really great Spanish teacher that can relate to college students. Knows how to find little techniques to help you understand something. Definitely have to work for an A (that's expected at this level) but he makes the class enjoyable and is very humorous. He expects you to participate but doesn't expect you to be right all the time. Take him!

Tkac is pretty good at explaining reasoning behind his lectures. SPAN 300 is very grammar heavy and he mostly focuses common problems students make. His quizzes and exams are in the same format as the homework, and makes it easy to succeed if you do the work and participate. He can be a tough grader, but not unfair. Take him, he's funny.

Tkac is by far my favorite professor I have had at JMU so far. He understands that we are not fluent and helps you with any topics you do not understand. A lot of group work to practice speaking and grammar. My Spanish got so much better with his help.

Very understanding that his students aren't fluent. Good at explaining at why and how the grammar of Spanish works. Just in general a nice person.

Really funny guy who tries to relate to students and makes coming to class enjoyable. He's really good at Spanish, have to get use to his Spain accent, but you can speak English when you need to. Homework after every class, 3 tests including final, extra credit. Keep every piece of in class work to study for quizzes and tests. 3 compositions

Overall great teacher and person. If you put any sort of effort into this class, you will pass and learn a lot more about Spanish. He is extremely helpful and very knowledgable. Would definitely take him for future Spanish classes.

Good teacher, but difficult. Not hard to get extra help from him.

Awesome guy. Span320 was so fun and easy, just learn to not be afraid when speaking in front of the class and you'll get an A! He brings his dog a lot and one time he brought his little baby boy!

BEST PROFESSOR AT JMU. I wish he would teach all of my classes. He's so understanding and I learned so much in his classes. Wanted to change my major to Spanish after having him.

Tough grader, but readily available to help outside of class. If you put in the effort to do well he will take note and be more willing to help you as well.

Best professor ever! He's really caring especially if you actually try in the class. He's funny and relatable. He always tries to make the class fun, he might bring his dog or child! Though, he gives out a lot of assignments but it makes it easier for you to get a good grade because you have so many chances.

Tkac is a great professor and is really accessible outside of class which was very needed for me. His class is hard if Spanish isn't easy for you. You need to come in with a good vocabulary to do well but he does explain the material well. Really funny guy and brings his dog to class a lot.

Great prof

I took Tkac for 300 and again for 408. He is my favorite professor in the Spanish department and I don't understand the negative reviews. He gives a lot of work (not as much in 408 as 300), but he cares about your success and helping you learn the content or language! I feel like I can approach him beyond course concerns, and he's truly the best.

This class is very grammar intensive (being a grammar-focused class), but Sr. Tkac makes it easy by explaining in both Spanish and English. He is very funny and makes a good attempt to get to know his students. We did a lot of partner activities, so think about where you sit. I thought tests were pretty easy, they are all fill in the blanks.

He a good teacher. Assigns a lot of homework on supersite but assigns some fun assignments too. Had 3 test (mix of listening, basic grammar and writing). Great guy.

The best teacher I have had during the pandemic during my freshman year of college. I have had Señor Tkac for span300 and span321 and he has been the most amazing teacher. He gives easy and helpful homework, he olds office hours where you can get help, and he is talkative and interactive with his students during class. Do Spanish with Prof Tkac!

Great professor in a very thorough class. LOTS of talking and writing, but will genuinely improve your understanding of Spanish. Attendance and participation mandatory! No tests or textbooks, but a few projects and three essays. Profe Tkac is friendly and funny, and explains things very well. Easy B if you just go to class.

AMAZING professor. Makes Spanish super interesting and practical. Lots of engaging projects that are actually relevant. Clearly loves his job, and engages with students. Super relatable and approachable. I feel like I actually became fluent through his class! Make sure you attend class - its required and fun (for class) Wish I could take it again!

I took SPAN 320 with Tkac online and enjoyed it! The assignments helped me improve my Spanish speaking skills. There were also many writing assignments, around 10 Diario submissions and 3 papers. This class pushed me in a positive way, and Tkac is a caring teacher who is always willing to help his students.

There is so much work outside of class but he really wants you to learn and succeed. He is funny as well. There is a lot of speaking.

I had him for 300 and honestly made 320 feel like a breeze. You'll talk a lot through discussions, podcasts, and write 3 compositions. Gives excellent feedback!

I LOVE HIM! Best Spanish Professor at JMU. My language skills have increased so much in the past few months. His class has a lot of work outside of class but it has been work it for how much more fluent I have become. He is also so attractive LOL. If you want to learn Spanish and actually be able to speak, take Tkac.

Tkac is a great professor and class is a lot of fun. He cares about students as people and knows a lot about what he teaches. The textbook isn't needed unless you want to do extra practice, so don't get it until you actually need to use it. There's a good amount of grades but everything has purpose and will help you learn Spanish.

I loved Professor Tkac! He always had a sense of humor in his lectures and was genuinely such a nice person. He was great at explaining Spanish concepts and kept the class interesting. Highly recommend taking his class.

Professor Tkac, is one of the best professor at Jmu. He is so thoughtful and caring, he is always available to help you out. During class you will receive a new worksheet you either complete it alone or in partner and go through the answers as a class. He is such an amazing teacher and always has great feedback to give you.

One of my fav professors! Prof. Tkac does his best to engage his students and facilitate speaking Spanish in class. He doesn't assign homework besides one-page writing assignments, so it's up to you to practice since he greatly encourages it and provides resources to do so. He grades by a few things so aim to score well on tests/quizzes.

He genuinely wants you to learn Spanish and it shows. Depending on your experience with the language, it can be a bit of work, but the writing assignments are pretty short. Plus you get great feedback. He's got a great personality that makes class fun, very funny.

There wasn't too much reading in the class, but we did have biweekly writing assignments. There were also some quizzes and tests on lockdown browser, but we did Kahoots and review in class for them. There are also three short essays, but overall, the workload was very manageable. Professor Tkac always went over the material in an interactive way.

Pretty easy if you go to class. He will tell you you need the textbook but I used it zero times. I find this man adorable in every single way. We had a small class so he took the time to get to know each of us. While we stayed on task we also had lots of discussions about random stuff. I would take him if you can, you can tell he loves his job.

I am a native Spanish speaker but he def puts how much Spanish you know and challanges you beyond. He is truly a great teacher and actually cares about his students. I will say if you are learning Spanish I would recommend him even more because he will challange which will make you better. He does make you talk a lot in class. Take him!

Tkac is funny, down to earth, and genuinely wants you to pass. Class content may be challenging at times, but there's nothing extremely difficult that he would quiz the class on. You'll definitely need to participate to get a good grade, but that's implied in a language course. Compared to other Spanish professors I've had, Tkac is one of the best!

Prof Tkac is the best prof I have ever had. I've never felt challenged in any spanish course up until I took this class. He genuinely cares about students and keeps them engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed going to his class and he is incredibly helpful and accessible at all times. If you are eager to learn Spanish and want to be challenged, take him!

Literally the first Spanish class I've taken in 8 years where I didn't walk out hating myself! Definitely difficult, but thats to be expected with an upper lvl language course. Prof. Tkac is a very funny dude and understands learning a language can be difficult, so please take him if you're afraid of someone judging you, because he won't.

Prof. Tkac made content easy to understand. We did a lot of worksheets in pairs which I didn't mind because it allowed me to practice my Spanish. He's chill, and his kids are funny too.

He is a wonderful professor, the textbook was not used much since it was just used as extra practice. A few quizzes that require lockdown browser, two exams taken in class, and three compositions (two which you can rewrite.) Overall, an easy class I would recommend it.

This guy is the best! He is the first Spanish teach I've had in a really long time that is nonjudgmental when you speak and highly encouraging! His lectures are fun, interactive, and highly informative. There isn't much homework, just a biweekly writing assignment. 100000/10 would recommend taking his classes if you can!

Mr. Tkac is really understanding and explains everything really well. Not too many out of class assignments, but studying the material and practicing is crucial to doing well in this class.

This guy is absolutely awesome! He is very understanding of student's lives outside of class, and if you need help, just talk to him!

Prof. Tkac is the best Spanish teacher I've ever had. Span300 sucks but he made it much more enjoyable. He is super personable and he genuinely cares about you learning the language. He gives a ton of resources to practice with, which can be overwhelming at times, but overall take him!

He's so fineeee. And good at teaching!!!

Tkac is by far my favorite professor I have had at JMU so far. He is so caring and personable and is there to help with any questions/issues you may have. He is super understanding about personal issues/mental health issues and will help you with anything you ask. He is amazing and I will definitely take a class with him again.

At the beginning of the semester he's a lot pickier than at the end, mostly because he wants your spanish to get better. As long as you get better from start to end of the course, he's gonna give you good grades on all your last assignments.

Knows the language very well. Had him for 300 + 320 and he was fantastic in both. Really nice guy and always willing to help. Assignments are clearly planned and truly help you improve in the language so much. Mix of writing, reading, and speaking activities that are all super beneficial. Great professor.

I took the four week summer course, which was absolutely brutal. Professor Tkac cared a lot about student feedback, but the class moved at the speed of light so I would recommend taking this course during the spring or fall semester if you value your sanity. Tkac was very transparent about his policies and offered extra credit on all exams.

Summer course — 4W1 (may to june) sucked. LOTS of homework. Expected to spend 2.5 hours a day M-T on this course and a test every Friday. Thought this would be an easy class since it's online, but no. However!! Tkac is an incredibly helpful professor. He helped me out with late work, gave great feedback, and any technical difficulties I had.