Information About John - Dublin tutor

Personal Description:

I am a teacher of over 20 years. I spent five years working as an EAL teacher at Primary level and have worked the last 18 years at Secondary level. In addition to being a qualified English teacher, I have a Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs and worked as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinaotor (SENCO) for nearly fifteen years. I recently completed a Master in Guidance Counselling and have begun working as a Guidance Counsellor too. I have also had three novels published, in Ireland, the UK and the USA. I have a love of reading and writing and I endeavour to improve the quality of my students' writing. I encourage them to appreciate the power of language and its impact on those around them and how, in all walks of life, the words we choose and the enrgy we put into them changes how we realte to others and how they respond to us.

Tutoring Experience:

1 as English teacher (UK)
5 Years as EAL Teacher at Primary level (Ireland)
18 years as English teacher and SENCO at Secondary Level (Ireland)
1 year as Guidancen Counsellor (Ireland)

Approach to Grinds:

As in all my teaching roles, I want an honest and respectful relationship with my students. This is essential, on both sides, if students are to develop an approach to English that is grounded in real engagement, effort and willingness to improve. The feedback I provide for my students will always identify what they have done well and where they can improve. It is important that students understand that improving reading and writing is a process - it cannot be achieved in a rush. In fact, writing is more akin to carpentry or learning an insturument than it is to acdemia - you must do it and do it regualrly if you are to become any better at it. I try to ensure that my engagements with students is both kind and constructive at all times.