About Me
SUBJECTS
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
It’s about rapport, openness, friendliness, empathy, patience and humor. I try to put students at ease and to share with them my enthusiasm for the subject matter. I offer lots of encouragement, always trying to break down any self-defeating thought patterns.
I’m very conscious of the diverse needs of learners and flexible enough to make my teaching relevant to each student, even if this means changing my plans at short notice. I like to treat each lesson as a collaborative endeavor, giving the student plenty of opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate what they can do.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
I’m a native of the UK where I graduated from the University of Sheffield, with a BA honors degree in English Language and Medieval Literature, specializing in Old English, Old Norse, and medieval drama. I gained a certificate in German from the Goethe Institute.
Now a permanent resident of the US, I’m currently taking a course on differential equations at Delta College, MI. Over the last two years, I’ve also been continuing my education with a range of online courses through Coursera and the Saylor Foundation, including subjects such as calculus, quantum computing, and functional analysis.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Last year, I worked as a tutor for Varsity Tutors, New York, teaching math, English, and study skills to K-12 students in the New York / New Jersey area. Since September 2013, I’ve been teaching ESL in Carrollton, MI, to students at a wide variety of levels, from complete beginner right up to fluent speakers seeking to improve their English.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I’m passionate about mathematics and always love to learn more. I’m currently taking a math course at Delta College, MI, and another online math course with Coursera. I enjoy learning languages. I’ve translated several Old Norse sagas and moderate an online discussion forum for students of Old Norse. I write fiction. A novel I co-authored is to be published this spring.