Highly Experienced, Qualified Primary School Teacher. 11+ Specialist: English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning Taught at Home and Online. Over 20 Years of Tutoring Experience.

Learn more about Joanna

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

  I developed an interest in private tutoring quite early in my teaching career, in my 20s. In the classroom, I saw that some students simply needed a quieter space, more time, or a different approach to truly thrive. When a parent asked if I would tutor her daughter privately, I jumped at the opportunity. This marked the beginning of my private tutoring journey.

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

  I teach Maths, English, and 11+ preparation, and I enjoy the balance these subjects offer between structure, creativity, and problem solving.
  In Maths, I particularly like helping students build a strong foundation in number, algebra and geometry. I enjoy showing them that success in Maths is not just about getting the right answer, but is about developing logical thinking, recognising patterns and having confidence.
  In English, I take great pleasure in developing students’ reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression. I enjoy discussing texts with students and helping them learn how to structure their ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Grammar and punctuation are perhaps less exciting for some students and less exciting to teach, but they are essential tools, and I take a patient, practical approach to teaching them so they feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
  With 11+ preparation, I enjoy bringing these subjects together and helping students develop exam skills alongside academic understanding. I particularly value working on verbal reasoning, as this can often feel unfamiliar at first but can become enjoyable once students understand the strategies involved. Like many teachers, I am less fond of excessive drilling, but I recognise its place and aim to balance practice with encouragement and clear explanation.

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

  When I was at growing up, I had private French tuition and it was this teacher that gave me great confidence at school.
  At a very young age, I was a shy, quiet child who rarely contributed during lessons, as I was worried about making mistakes or being judged by my peers. However, my tutor provided a supportive, one-to-one environment where I could practise French freely, ask questions, and build understanding at my own pace. Gradually, I began to feel more confident with the language.
  This confidence carried over into the classroom. I started contributing more to lessons, answering questions without hesitation, and even volunteering to read aloud in French. What had once felt intimidating became manageable, and I realised that the extra support had not only improved my skills but also transformed my attitude toward learning. That experience showed me the real value of private tuition: it doesn’t just teach content—it helps students gain the self-assurance to apply what they’ve learned with confidence in any setting.

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

  I believe a good tutor needs a combination of strong subject knowledge and, just as importantly, the right personal qualities. Patience is essential, as every student learns at a different pace and may need ideas explained in several ways before they feel confident. A good tutor should be calm and reassuring, creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes without fear of judgement.
  Good tutors are also attentive listeners. Understanding where a student is struggling, how they learn best, and what may be affecting their confidence allows teaching to be truly personalised. Clear communication, flexibility, and the ability to adapt lessons in the moment are all key qualities. Above all, I believe a good tutor genuinely cares about their students’ progress and wellbeing. When students feel supported and encouraged, they are far more likely to engage, persevere, and ultimately succeed.

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

  At senior school, I was chosen to attend a Maths masterclass. I remember feeling both excited and nervous, knowing I would be learning alongside some of the top students in my year. At first, I doubted myself and hesitated to ask questions, worried I might get things wrong. However, the instructors encouraged participation and praised effort over perfection. By the end of the short course, I had solved problems I never thought I could and gained the confidence to speak up in class more often. That experience taught me that opportunities to challenge ourselves, even when intimidating, can significantly build confidence and a love for learning.

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

  In my experience, one of the main challenges in teaching subjects like Maths and English is helping students overcome the fear of making mistakes. Many students, and I experienced this myself at school, can become anxious about not getting the “right” answer immediately, which can hold them back from fully engaging with the material.
  Also, helping students prepare for exams, such as GCSEs or the 11+, can be challenging because it requires balancing content mastery with exam strategy and time management skills. It’s not just about knowing the material, but also about building confidence, focus, and resilience under pressure. Over the years, I’ve learned that these challenges can be turned into opportunities by creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to try, learn from mistakes, and grow.

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

  My particular passion lies in teaching, but more specifically in helping students develop confidence through clear, logical thinking in a calm and supportive way. I have always been a logical thinker, and I genuinely enjoy breaking concepts down into manageable steps so that learning feels achievable rather than overwhelming. Whether it is working through a maths problem, structuring a piece of writing, or preparing for an exam, I find great satisfaction in guiding students to understand the why, not just the how.

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

  I believe what makes me an excellent tutor is a combination of subject expertise, patience, kindness, and a genuine commitment to each student’s growth. I have a strong foundation in Maths, English, and 11+ preparation, which allows me to explain concepts clearly and anticipate areas where students may struggle. But knowledge alone is not enough—what truly sets me apart is my ability to connect with students, understand their individual needs, and adapt my teaching style to suit them.