Stephanie

Hello!

I am a qualified teacher, educated to degree level in English, currently working as a Teaching Assistant at The Abbey School in Reading, providing in class support for learning and small group English teaching.

I have always had a great passion for English and thrive on being able to share this enthusiasm with learners of all ages and abilities, to enable them to go through life with excellent English skills and a zest for the subject itself. Having tutored previously in Hampshire and abroad, I would love to now work with learners in the Reading area looking for support with English.

Availability: Term-time: Monday to Friday 4.30pm to 7.30pm

School holidays: Mornings, afternoons or evenings as arranged with individual clients

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: I have worked in state and independent schools as both a teacher and teaching assistant for over 10 years, during which time I gained my Qualified Teacher Status (2014). My in-school experience has mostly been with primary aged children from Year 2 to Year 6, though I have also worked as a Teaching Assistant for a secondary school`s homework club, providing support for children in Year 7 up to GCSE coursework level in Year 11.

I have also worked as a private tutor for a number of years for a range of clients. I have supported students in SATS and 11+ exam preparation, as well as helping children with varying Special Educational Needs (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia) to improve their English skills.

During my time as a private tutor I also taught English as an Additional Language to an adult learner that had moved to the UK from Hungary, supporting her from speaking no English to being able to apply for and gain employment in her local area. I also worked as a private EFL (English as a Foreign Language) tutor for French children whilst living in Paris for 18 months.

My teaching approach is very much determined by the student because my experience has taught me that there is not one teaching method that suits all learners, as we are all very different human beings! My starting point is always to try and get to know the learning style of the student in order to build a teaching approach around what works best for them. For some learners, this may mean a more practical and fast-paced approach, with educational games built in to lesson plans that do not spend too long on one task, in order to maintain focus and enthusiasm. Others, however, feel much more comfortable with an approach that focuses on written work and detail at a slower pace.

Essentially, my approach is to build a positive rapport with each of my students from the very beginning and to demonstrate my interest in them as individuals and as learners. Once this foundation has been laid, a suitable teaching approach can be developed organically in discussion with the student (and parents, where applicable) so that they have ownership over their learning journey.

Communication is absolutely key in all aspects of successful tutoring and therefore I like to maintain an open and honest dialogue with the student (if an adult learner) or parents of younger learners so that clear expectations can be set and progress monitored. I pride myself on my friendly and approachable nature!