St. Columb English (Foreign Language) Tutors and St. Columb English (Foreign Language) Tuition

Personal Description:
I have an MA in Classical Philology and Russian Studies from the University of St Petersburg and am qualified to teach Russian, French, English and Latin. Since graduating in 1978 I have worked extensively in language teaching and translation / interpreting. I have also worked in France for 3 years and attended an interpreting school in Paris (ISIT - Institut Superieur d' Interpretation et de Traduction). I also hold a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI in Law) issued by the Chartered Institute of Linguists and am a member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) and of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIL).

I have taught schoolchildren, students and adult learners at beginners, intermediate and advanced level. I have lived in Britain since 1991 and am available for tutoring in Cambridge, Huntingdon and in the surrounding areas.

I also provide English language tutoring for Russian, French and German speakers. As a translator / interpreter I specialise in Medical / Pharmaceutical and Legal translation and interpreting for private companies and public service organisations like the National Probation Service, the Police, the Courts and the NHS.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Latin at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute of St Petersburg (1978 - 1979).
Teaching English and French at the Technical University of St Petersburg (formerly the Leningrad Polytechnic) - 1981 - 1984 and 1986 - 1991.
Teaching Latin and French at the Medical Military Academy of St Petersburg (1984 - 1986)
Teaching French and German at a Russian Secondary School (1988 - 1991).
Teaching Russian at Manchester Business School, BNFL, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, University of Salford.
Private tutoring - teaching English, French, Latin and Russian (1984 - 2015).

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to give the student a good grounding in grammar which is a key to understanding and fluency whatever the language. I encourage students to listen to radio programmes in the target language, watch newsreports on television etc as it is a great learning tool. I feel passionate about languages myself and find teaching highly enjoyable.


I hold a full up - to - date DBS Enhanced check certificate issued 13 February 2013.

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Personal Description:
I grew up in the UK and then worked in Indonesia for 10 years, teaching Indonesian scholars on pre-departure academic programs. I also taught cross-cultural and study skills courses. After Indonesia, I moved to Australia, where I worked at two universities in Brisbane, the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. More recently I have worked on Exeter and Bath University's pre-sessional program. I'm a friendly, kind and patient person with a good sense of humour and I love teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 20 years, mainly in the UK, Australia and Indonesia. I have experience working with English language learners at all levels and particularly at the university level. I can prepare students before their academic study or can assist them when they have already started university.
I am also very experienced in exam preparation. Most of my work has been on IELTS preparation courses (I used to be an IELTS examiner) but also on FCE preparation programs. I currently teach students in groups and one-to-one and I am available for Zoom classes.

Tutoring Approach:
I think it's important to listen to students and identify their individual needs. I try and see them as they are, without judgment and I also encourage them to see the facts about their language learning, rather than their opinions. Many students say they are 'bad students' and this does not help their learning. So I show them a different path where they can look at the specifics of what they are doing and how they can improve their skills step by step. This makes them feel better about themselves and their studies. It also gives them responsibility for their own learning.
I also bring humour into the classroom as I feel laughter is very important to the learning process. Some students have said that my classes are 'like being in a family' and I think that's a lovely compliment.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced tutor, based in Loughton and I can tutor in students' homes or online. I really enjoy tutoring as I find that my students make excellent progress which is very rewarding for me, too. Where required, I can provide references from previous students.

Teaching Experience:
I have 25 years' teaching experience (EFL/ESL, German and French) across all levels in colleges, local schools and as a private tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
My greatest strength is my ability to tailor my lessons to match students' exact linguistic needs - whether that means focussing on grammar, speaking ability, exam preparation or a combination of any of these for those who are learning for work and/or leisure purposes.

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Personal Description:
I am a very experienced and highly successful secondary history teacher and have tutored many pupils privately, helping them gain top grades for GCSE & A Level.

I am a strong communicator and very approachable, so you will be able to build up an excellent working relationship with me very quickly - either face to face or online. I will give you a very high level of guidance and feedback to help you gain confidence in achieving your academic goals. I also plan my lessons meticulously, so as to ensure the learning goals are clear from lesson to lesson.

I have high expectations of all my students and tutees, but most importantly, I am very effective in helping them to reach their full academic potential.

Teaching Experience:
I am the Head of a History department in my current job and have worked in the independent sector for 14 years teaching history. I have extensive experience of preparing pupils for the A Level/International Baccalaureate/(I)GCSE examinations and have a very strong track record in delivering excellent exam results.

I am also a diploma qualified Teacher of English as a Second Language and previously worked for the British Council as a Senior Teacher. I am also an IELTS examiner and can teach IELTS preparation courses as well as IGCSE (ESL) and the Cambridge English exam courses.

Tutoring Approach:
I will quickly establish what your learning needs are and help you to develop a study programme to achieve your specific language goals. The content of the learning will be focused on developing your historical skills and knowledge and with extensive past paper question practice, with in-depth feedback to continually enhance your performance.

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Personal Description:
My name is Gabriela and I am certified to teach english as a foreign language. I am currently at university and I have a passion for teaching. I am dedicated and hardworking and really enjoy seeing students improve.

Teaching Experience:
I volunteered along side an ESL teacher for a year helping her with teaching the class and creating activities for the class.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to focus on the students needs and try to speak only in english. I like to use a variety of activities to keep the class interesting and fun.

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Personal Description:
I have 10 years experience of teaching and tutoring at all levels up to university (lecturer for 5 years) and have all 5 star feedback. My tutees get great results (93% As and A*s this year) and most importantly, show outstanding improvements in both understanding and confidence.

I am really passionate about science and teaching: during my academic career, I have been fortunate enough to have plenty of opportunities to combine the two at a variety of levels. I come from a very large family and have been involved in work with children from a young age - from riding instructor to homework 'buddy' and in the last 10 years tutoring and teaching. I love the moment that you see the light of understanding come on in the person that you are working with - I got into science for these moments myself and to be honest, it's almost as rewarding to see them in someone else! It is particularly exciting when you see someone go from frustration to 'getting it'.

I'm extremely patient, calm and focused. I work best with individuals or small groups of 2-3 students.

Teaching Experience:
All exam boards plus IB
GSCE: This year's students achieved cracking results in biology, chemistry, maths, physics and geography. Almost all As and A*s - I was very proud of them!
A-level:
Again, almost all As in biology and chemistry. Most came to me with predicted Ds so we were all delighted with the results.
Primary level:
My own children were partially home-schooled so I have copious experience there!
11-14:
I currently tutor in maths and science, I used to run a weekend biology group for adolescents and have taught English as a secondary language at this level
University level:
Range of subjects including biology, biochemistry, nutrition, aquaculture, fisheries economics, thermodynamic engineering

Tutoring Approach:
The foundation of my approach is to building confidence and enthusiasm in my pupils. I use a combination of exam questions and structured sessions. This allows the student to become familiar and comfortable with the format of questions, and to more easily identify what the examiner is asking. It also allows me to focus the effort on where there are gaps in the knowledge or understanding.
I am extremely patient & able to come up with new and innovative ways to help my students overcome whatever problems they experience in the subjects I teach. I like to see the students put in some effort because I think the best results are achieved that way but I am always supportive.

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Personal Description:
I have worked for over 20 years as a full time teacher and subsequently as a private tutor. I enjoy establishing a rapport with my students and guiding them through their journey to achieving academic success. In my free time I enjoy reading, walking and making jewellery.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years teaching experience in both the public and private sector, as well as an online tutor. During my career I have been a member of the senior management team, maths coordinator and SEN coordinator for a number of years, which means that I have kept up to date with the developments in all areas of the curriculum.
I have in-depth understanding of progression in both maths and English, which enables me to successfully plan the next steps in their learning for each of my tutees.

Tutoring Approach:
Each child is different so my approach to tutoring depends on the child's needs and individual learning style. I assess each child and devise a learning plan to map out the steps to achieving their goal. At the end of every lesson I have a brief discussion with the parents about the material covered and the progress made in the lesson and suggest follow up activities they could use at home to reinforce the child's understanding. I use a range of age appropriate resources to support the students' learning and whenever possible computer based activities.

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Personal Description:
Hello!

I'm De from the North-West of England, but currently living in Bournemouth. I love learning about different cultures and people and practising my French and Spanish. Other interests I have include reading, music, art and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have substantial experience of working in an educational environment and of dealing with a wide range of professionals and students - I have worked in an administrative capacity at a University and taught EFL and ESOL English to students of various ages, nationalities and levels of ability at colleges, summer schools and on a one to one basis.

I have also taught some IELTS and EAP English (at University) and can teach Business English if required.

Other teaching experience includes teaching beginner-level Spanish and French on a one-to-one basis.

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to make lessons interesting and enjoyable and to help students progress. When teaching, I understand the importance of a well-prepared lesson plan, well-timed tasks, variety, flexibility, structure, discipline and humour and of enabling students to practise the four key language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) during lessons.

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Personal Description:
Hello
I'm moving to North Somercotes, Lincolnshire late August and will be taking on new students to start ready for the academic year in September.

As an experienced tutor, specialising in Primary Education and Secondary Education. I have experience in teaching Maths and English for all abilities including S.E.N.. My experience also includes 11 plus, both CEM and GL. Which would be particularly relevant for those students sitting the 11 plus in Buckinghamshire and entrance exams for the Bedford Schools.

I work with students providing a supportive environment where areas of possible weakness are identified and strategies developed ensuring the students self esteem, confidence and love of learning are enhanced.

Teaching Experience:
5 years experience within the education system at secondary schools, working as past of the senior leadership team. Have tutored adults and children, to improve confidence and self esteem, reinforce knowledge, to meet national curriculum expectations, successful completion of the 11 plus and entrance exams, S.E.N. and English as a foreign language.

Tutoring Approach:
Hello

As an experienced tutor, specialising in Primary Education I have experience i teaching Maths and English for all abilities including S.E.N.. My experience also includes 11 plus, both CEM and GL. Which would be particularly relevant for those students sitting the 11 plus in Buckinghamshire.

I work with students providing a supportive environment where areas of possible weakness are identified and strategies developed ensuring the students self esteem, confidence and love of learning are enhanced.

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Personal Description:
GTCS fully registered
Head of Modern Languages in Scotland for 7 years
Teacher of French, Spanish and English as a Second Language
QTS status issued by the teaching council in England for both Primary and Secondary School
Registered with Ministry of Education of Romania for Primary and Secondary Schools
18+ years' experience in teaching languages - 10 years in Romania, 8+ years in Scotland
Graduate with a Master's Degree in Educational Management & Institutional Communication - Profession Sociology, Curriculum Management, Human Resources Management, Public Relations, Quality Management, Elements of Professional Ethics, Project Management, Managerial Practice
Authorized translator and interpreter with experience in interpreting and translating official and legal documents, literature using English / French and Romanian as target languages depending on the requirement

Teaching Experience:
I am a registered teacher in the UK. I teach French, Spanish and English as a Second Language. I have 20+ years' experience in teaching students with ages ranging from 4 to 19 and adults. At the moment I am a GTCS registered teacher and I work as a Head of French, Spanish and English as a Second Language In Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Tutoring Approach:
My courses are mainly interactive which helps students of all ages enjoy learning a foreign language and feel relaxed during classes. I can make a class of language interactive, communicative, and interesting. I am very much able to teach French, Spanish and English language to small children as well as grown-ups. In 18 + years of language teaching I have taught French, Spanish, English to different age groups. I use different techniques with different set of people. I taught French/English/Spanish to children by use of fairy tales, songs (I have 3 years' Canto School Courses), poems, flashcards and other attractive teaching methods. For older students I have always set high standards and used different strategies to help them achieve and become successful learners and responsible individuals. I have developed innovative exercises for students and encouraged them to reach their full potential.

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Personal Description:
I am a Native Arabic language speaker, having a PhD in English language. I am experienced tutor offering one to one tuition in English, Quranic/ Arabic teaching, and Tajweed. I enjoy working with children & motivated adults.
Friendly, Supportive, Flexible, Understanding and Patient.
For home education children I do morning classes.
For academic area, I am professional in Corpus Linguistics and I am able to give intensive lesson in this area to University level.

Teaching Experience:
Five years experience in teaching Arabic and Quran to non_native speakers
Professional in Corpus Linguistics

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is based on the students' needs and their age. I focus on developing the four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening through a variety of teaching resources, techniques and handouts.
Creating scenario is also adopted in order to develop the speaking skills and broke the language barrier.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Maddalena, I am Italian and I have moved to London from the Italian Alps. I have been travelling and l living in different countries since I was 18. I love staying outdoors, hiking ans skiing. I like nature and its slow pace. I practice yoga and meditation and when I am not teaching I am a body therapist. I love connecting with people and I am a very good listener and observer.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for the last 16 years, since I graduated from college. I studied Foreign Languages and Literatures (English and Spanish) and I have a post-graduate Master in Teaching of Italian as a Foreign Language.
I have experience with students of all ages, from primary school to adults, and also with dyslexia. I have been teaching one-to -one and group classes, both as self employed and public schools' teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to get to know my students and discover their interests in order to tailor the lesson around those, because I think that motivation and curiosity for the subject are essential for an easy and succesful learning.
I try to create a relaxed and informal environment when I teach so that my students feel at ease and overcoming some blocks ( "I don't like this subject!"; " I hate my teacher!"; " I have taken so many courses and I still am not able to talk") becomes easier.
I combine speaking with grammar with listening to songs and audios, watching videos and movies; and whenever it's possible I include games in my lessons.
I really enjoy teaching and my students can feel it!

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Personal Description:
I currently offer tuition in KS3 Science, GCSE Science and A Level Biology.

I have an upper second class degree in Biology from the University of Manchester. I also have experience working in both secondary schools and higher education. I am currently studying for a Masters in Public Health at the University of Warwick.

In my spare time I enjoy playing the piano, swimming and yoga.

Teaching Experience:
I spent two years working as a Graduate science Coach at Blue Coat Academy in Walsall. I taught Science to small groups of KS3 and GCSE students and had a year 11 tutor group.

In January 2016 I began working for the Open University as an Associate Lecturer. Initially I taught on SDK100 Science and Health which is a 60 credit level 1 comprising nine key topics in Health Sciences.

I now teach on three further modules within the STEM faculty; SK299 Human Biology, SK320 Infectious Disease & Public Health and U116 Environment: Journeys through a changing world.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that the key to successful tuition is building a strong working relationship with students. Once I've got to know how my students learn best and what they enjoy I am able to tailor my lessons to their specific needs. I am particularly good at engaging students and helping them to build their confidence. I understand which concepts students tend to struggle with and can explain them in a clear and straightforward way.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
I am an extremely well qualified and experienced teacher of modern languages. I worked in many schools in the UK and for the most part as head of MFL. I also worked in China and Germany teaching English. Since retiring from full time teaching I have been teaching private lessons. I have extensive knowledge of the GCSE and A level courses and I have been very successful with my students. On average their grades have improved by at least two from their mock exams.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching after leaving university when I went to China and worked for a United Nations Development Project. I then worked for a private language school in Germany. I became a qualified teacher and worked in several schools in Essex. I quickly worked my way up the ranks and became Head of Modern Languages. My last full time position was as Head of MFL at Medina College on the Isle of Wight. Since then I have been successfully teaching private lessons to students aged 5 to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a variety of techniques adapted to my student's needs. I like to make my lessons fun and interactive. I follow the syllabus closely in the case of exam students and make sure that students are confident in all four skills. I elicit information from the students rather than just teach them how something works. By using this method students are more likely to retain the knowledge. I am happy to teach students individually or in pairs or groups.

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Personal Description:
I am a scholar with experience in scientific writing, critical thinking, research and communication. As a researcher, my personal motto is that all of your academic writing ought to be the layman version of your work. This because a scholar - in my case, a philosopher - who cannot ground his reasoning in ordinary intuitions (or at least some intuitions the reader/hearer can grasp) is doomed to produce meaningless contributions to the debate. In addition, putting yourself into the perspective of a non-expert is a good technique for analyzing your own thoughts and spot the potential flaws. Thus, being able to communicate concepts to non-expert is a skill which for me is instrumental towards my own research goals, and one which I took great care in developing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring students since the time I was going to high-school. I have also some teaching-assistant experience as a doctoral student. Furthermore, I am currently working on a teaching and orienteering project alongside some teacher of my former high-school.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost, I run some quick tests in order to assess the general skills of the pupil within the relevant field, taking notes on his/her flaws. Once I have identified the area where the pupil has difficulty, I employ a goal-structured teaching strategy: first of all I verify whether the pupil has understood which is the application goal (or one of the goals) of the skill he is trying to (and currently has difficulty to) develop. In case he/she has not understood, I try to explain to him/her, i.e., I frame the relevant skill (for instance, derivative calculus) with reference to a general or specific application goal (for instance, the framing of the relationship between speed and acceleration). I find that often pupils lack cognitive incentive because they have not been presented with the practical application of the knowledge they are trying to acquire.
Regarding language learning, I first try to understand which communicative faculty the individual is more inclined towards to (speaking, listening, reading, vocabulary memorizing, etc.). Then I try to create a bedrock by developing his proficiency in that area, while at the same time encouraging him/her to go out of the comfort zone towards communicative areas where he/she is not confident. On that regard I apply a learning process based on increasing levels of contextual stress (for example, in the case of learning to listening a foreign language, I suggest to start from a situation where the hearer is speaking slowly and then I encourage the pupil to build up his confidence step by step by adding elements like a noisy environment, increased talking speed, lack of background context for the conversation, etc.) This because I believe emotional factors like self-confidence and stress-control are key in catalyzing the cognitive process of acquiring proficiency in a new language.

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Personal Description:
My name is Elliot and I am an English tutor based in Central London. I have been tutoring since 2018 but my background is in Law. I have a Bachelor of Laws (2.1) from the University of Birmingham and a Master of Laws (LLM Human Rights Law) from the University of Nottingham (Distinction). For three years, I worked as an immigration lawyer in the UK before deciding to tutor full-time. I have lived in several different countries and am a keen language learner myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and writing. I have written for publications such as Reader`s Digest UK and am currently working on a collection of fictional short stories to be published late 2023. I enjoy entering my stories into short story competitions.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as an English tutor since 2018. During this time I have taught hundreds of students and acquired thousands of teaching hours. I have taught students from three years old all the way up to adults. I have a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of abilities from complete beginners to proficient students. I have successfully prepared students for a range of exams including (but not limited to): IELTS, Cambridge Advanced, Cambridge Young Learners, UKiset (for entrance to UK independent schools) and much more. I have particular experience in teaching essay writing skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible, patient and rigorous. From the very outset, I will ensure that we determine your specific academic goals and move towards them a little bit each lesson. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy our lessons and have a fun yet productive experience.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Kallia, an experienced, qualified teacher. I mainly teach English and support students of ages 4-18, in a variety of skills such as reading, writing, comprehension and exam practice.

I am currently in training to become a dyslexia teacher and hopefully progress into becoming a dyslexia assessor.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in inner city schools since 2016, when I qualified. Previously I used to work as a teaching assistant rural and city schools, starting in 2013.

My teaching experience comes from teaching across primary full time, working as a reading and numeracy support teacher with SEN children of ages 8-14 and teaching English GCSE, iGCSE and IELTS to students in the UK as well as across Asia and Europe.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approaches depend on the needs and goals of my students. Not one approach fits all and therefore communication is key in establishing good working patterns that will support the student in progressing and succeeding.

I have the tools to adjust my lessons to meet the criteria for those with Special Education Needs.

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