Graduate with a first class degree in Education Studies giving lessons in English for all ages and abilities.

Learn more about Amy

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have always had an interest in English, for as long as I can remember. It was my favourite subject at school and I particularly enjoyed English literature at A-level. As for private tutoring, I really enjoy giving students that one on one time to develop their skills and allow their abilities to flourish. In my first job, I worked as a tutor, which is where I confirmed my passion. My responsibilities as a tutor involved ensuring children, between the ages of 4 to 16, achieved their full potential both socially and academically. I helped them work towards their goals and overcome barriers they were facing within their education.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  English is the subject I am most passionate about. My favourite thing to teach is English Literature because I love looking at the wider contexts and meanings of a story. I also enjoy teaching creative writing with students because I love to see how much they develop their writing and enjoy reading their incredible stories and concepts. My least favourite is probably spellings and phonics because it leaves minimal room for creativity but we do what we can and I recognise it's pivotal role in the English language.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Growing up, I had a few teachers that inspired me. In middle school, I had an English tutor who I found utterly inspiring because she went far beyond the exams and allowed us to explore our writing and the stories we were reading in fun and creative ways. We did so many role plays for Shakespeare that I still remember some of the lines to this day! I also had a English Literature teacher in sixth form who was so passionate about the subject that she had me completely hooked from my first lesson. I loved finding out more about the historical and social context behind why a classic book was written.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think having a good sense of humour is one of the most important qualities to have a s a tutor. Without it, the students wouldn't be comfortable making mistakes and getting things wrong in front of you which is a huge part of the learning process. Patience, adaptability and organisation are also huge parts of the role. It is vital that the tutor goes at the pace of the student and can adapt to their individual needs.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Once in English class at school, I was having one of those moments where I couldn't think straight (I now call them brain burps), and I was asked a question. The question was simply, "What writing tool is used here?" and I said simile. It was quite clearly alliteration and I had no doubt in my mind that it was an alliteration but I somehow managed to get the two words muddled in my head. I kept repeating myself as if my teacher was the one having the silly moment... When I finally realised what I had done, I went bright red and everyone was laughing. Looking back as an adult now, I can see that they were probably laughing with me but at the time it felt awful and I just wanted the ground to swallow me up because I had said it with such confidence. My teacher then said, "Hey hey everyone, even the brightest students can have a brain burp." He made me feel like it was okay to make mistakes and that it was a safe space. Therefore, I have used the term "brain burps" since and have always tried to create that same safe space for the students I work with.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  I always found creative writing quite difficult when I was younger because I had a tendency to start a story and then get halfway through and think of a better idea. I learned to adapt my ideas to include the new ones but stick with the story I had started until the end.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  One of my main passions is reading because I love the escapism it provides. I believe that reading is the only way we can live in many different people's lives and can explore different times and cultures. When I am lost in a book, I am at my happiest.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I think the thing that makes me a superprof is my determination to show my students that English is what you make it and it can be fun if you look at it in the right way. Perspective is everything and it helps you discover your full potential, once you have had that realisation. I am dedicated to my subject and genuinely enjoy the sessions with my students.