Krassimira - Birmingham tutor





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Information About Krassimira:


Personal Description:

I am a teacher of exceptional qualifications and experience, acquired in both Bulgaria and the UK. My 5-year MA degree (English Philology, comprising of English and American Studies, Applied Linguistics and Theory and Practice of Translation, Grade 2:1) has provided me with a thorough and solid theoretical basis in all aspects of English. It includes a teaching qualification up to Level 7/8, validated as a full UK QTS by the GTC for England. I have also completed a second degree (with 1st class Hon.) and obtained a Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults.

I am qualified and experienced to teach pupils from primary school to university (post-graduate) level as following:

- 11+ EXTRANCE EXAM FOR GRAMMAR AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL EXAM PREPARATION - READING COMPREHENSION, MATHEMATICS, VERBAL REASONING AND NON-VERBAL REASONING, ESSAY COMPOSITION AND LITERARY TEXT ANALYSIS - FROM AGE 7+
- primary school: English, Maths, basic literacy and numeracy skills - KS1 and 2 Maths and English
- secondary school: English Language, English Literature, GCSE English Language and Literature, KS3 and 4
- A-level English Language and Literature - KS 5
- ESOL - all levels
- Citizenship - Life in the UK test
- IELTS - all levels
- English for Academic Purposes and proofreading FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS (academic writing skills, essays, reports, dissertations, projects) - undergraduates and post-graduates
- proofreading of academic assignments (essays, reports, dissertations, projects) - foundation, undergraduates and post-graduates
- help with writing academic assignments (essays, reports, dissertations, projects) - foundation, undergraduates and post-graduates
- Bulgarian language - all levels
- Russian language - basic level



Teaching Experience:

I have been employed as a PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER (ENGLISH), 11+ GRAMMAR SCHOOL EXAMS TUTOR AND ASSESSOR, MATHS TUTOR (PRIMARY SCHOOL, KS 1 AND 2), EAP, Business, IELTS, ESOL and English Language and Literature teacher and have worked at universities, colleges and schools across two countries. My experience teaching at four universities, and supporting children in schools and adults has helped me become an exceptionally versatile teacher.

I HAVE A VERY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING APPROACH, SHOWING UNDERSTANDING TO EACH STUDENT'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND PREFERENCES AND TRY TO PERSONALISE LEARNING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. STUDENTS WARM TO ME QUICKLY AND ESTABLISH A GOOD RAPPORT FOR EFFECTIVE COOPERATION.

I have a proven record of tutoring students for a successful performance at the 11+ ENTRANCE EXAMINATION AND SUCCESSFUL ADMISSION AT GRAMMAR OR INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.

All my primary school tutees have achieved their individual targets (whether improving basic literacy skills, or advancing in their level of reading or writing). The same success has been achieved in Mathematics.

My GCSE and A-level English pupils achieved 100% A-grades in their exams (both English Language and Literature).

I have tutored successfully for the Citizenship/Life in the UK test. I have the latest information of the test changes (from 2014). All my tutees have passed the Life in the UK test.

With university students I have expertise teaching the following academic skills:

• structuring academic essays, implementing skills of cohesion and coherence and using the appropriate subject-related style
• paraphrasing and summarising texts and applying correct grammar and suitable register in writing
• using quotations and in-text citations and referencing them accordingly
• delivering a presentation on a subject-specific topic, using Microsoft Powerpoint for effect
• demonstrating understanding of key concepts and inferring the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context
• developing speaking and seminar skills, useful for active participation in discussions and debates in the classroom and outside
• interpreting numerical, statistical and financial data orally and in writing
• demonstrating a clear understanding of what constitutes plagiarism and how to use the Harvard Referencing system for citation and the production of Reference Lists

At the academic skills pre-sessional courses at the University of Birmingham in 2012-2016 I gained even deeper experience supporting individual students with writing within very constrained time-limits. I guided all to success at their final assessments. I have had very positive feedback and comments of appreciation.

I have taught in various set-ups - whole class, pair work, group work, or one-to-one sessions. I am deeply interested in each student's individual learning needs and progress and one of my major strengths is differentiation. I sometimes prepare material at 4 levels of differentiation for a single class or small group. I use supportive strategies to boost students' confidence, at the same time challenging learners to achieve beyond their own expectations. I approach intense 1-to-1 sessions with the appropriate dynamics.

I am prepared to go beyond my 'job description' duties to help students with 'special needs'. I am interested in their individual circumstances and take them into account, where appropriate. I prepare resources to address their personal needs and interests. I review their progress and involve them in self-assessment towards autonomy of learning. I am familiar with the 'Assessment for Learning' policy and competent with implementing it widely.

I have worked successfully with students with dyslexia. At secondary school, one of my 'high-ability' dyslexic students scored an 'A' grade at her English GCSE, while another participated in a poetry competition. I have had success teaching students with autism and Asperger's as well.

I invest all of myself in my teaching. I am a highly trusted professional and have an exceptional rapport with my students. I am often quoted as a preferred tutor, who 'has the best way of explaining things' and 'is very patient, friendly and cheerful'. All students of mine - regardless whether at school, college or university - progressed by at least one level (even at short-term courses). A student with a debilitating illness on the BME, predicted to fail the course, not only passed it under my guidance, but achieved grades higher than his required level. In my 15-year teaching career I have never failed a student. I have achieved outstanding results at OFSTED observations. My latest annual lesson observation at BMETC was graded 'OUTSTANDING' and so was my performance at NAVITAS earlier this year. Another observation at BCU was unofficially deemed as 'the best on the course'. I have been invited to share exceptional ideas at training events and have also participated in numerous training activities at schools, colleges and universities. I often opt to peer-observe colleagues, to learn from their teaching styles.

Some more examples from my practice: a class of illiterate Yemeni housewives at BMETC, 2011, achieved a 100% pass at their ESOL exams, while 'advanced' international students at the BME, 2012 achieved some of the highest grades on the course. I have been successful dealing with pupils with behavioural problems at Harborne Hill School. Many reported an increasingly positive attitude to learning. I am a creative teacher and try to interest and enthuse students, so that they enjoy learning and celebrate their achievements.



Tutoring Approach:

First I negotiate the times and modes of tutoring with the parents of my potential pupil and agree on fees.
Then I organise a free initial meeting with the pupil and their parents, where I try to establish raport with the pupil. It is important, especially for children, to 'get a feel' of the new tutor and see if they can feel comfortable with her.
Then I try to access as much information as possible from the parents and the child about their progress at school and their attitude to school. If possible, I wish to see samples of the child's school work, or hear anything teachers have said/written about their progress.
During the first lesson I conduct an informal assessment of the pupil's skills - give them a piece of text to read, or free writing or short composition, or a selection of Maths problems to solve. When I get a clear picture of where my pupil stands with a certain skill, I create a short-term plan of work with them. I normally bring materials with me and do not ask parents to buy additional materials. If the parent wishes me to follow a certain self- help book, I am happy to oblige.
I update parents regularly of their child's progress - I try to do it after every lesson. I normally leave homework, designed to consolidate the material covered in the lesson, or develop their skills further. I wish parents to be involved as much as possible with helping or monitoring the completion of the homework.
I try to show my pupils as much respect as possible and affirm them as individuals. I acknowledge their birthdays, Christmas, or other family celebrations.
The parents can terminate the service at any time, with only one week notice.
I OFFER LESSONS VIA SKYPE AS WELL.



Map showing Krassimira's location

Qualifications:

  • MA in English and Amercian Studies, Linguistics and Translation
  • Qualified Teacher Status, issued by the General Teaching Council for England
  • Certificate of Teaching English Language and Literature and ESOL
  • BA in Theology and Christian Ministries

Further Information:

Availability:  Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
Types of Tutoring:   Travels to you / Online
References Supplied?   Yes
Current DBS/CRB Check?   Yes
Additional Languages Spoken:   English, Russian, Bulgarian