Information About Paula - Enniskerry tutor

Personal Description:

Teachers should be dedicated and understanding, sadly they not always are. I specialised in Leaving Cert, to help students get the results they want, all by feeling guided, supported and confident in their skills. I know how empowering it is to get the results you want. I’m here to help you make that happen.

I used to hate languages. It sounds hard to believe since I am now a fully qualified Spanish Teacher (accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.)I have a C2 level of English, I’m currently studying Japanese and I have dabbled in German and Korean. Nowadays I am passionate about languages but back in school they made me feel shy, confused and not that clever.

It wasn't until I travelled abroad and needed to communicate with others that languages started to make sense. You see, for me, languages are all about connection, I have met people from all over the world and one thing is clear: Nothing makes a stranger feel more willing to open up than realising you speak their language. And that is an open door to a wonderful world of possible friendships and experiences.

Besides learning languages and writing cheesy paragraphs about them, I enjoy a good old-fashioned evening with friends, exploring new foods – although Spanish cuisine is and will always be my favourite– and all sorts of learning. These days you can find me doing Pilates, running outside, doing some creative writing, or cuddling my cats with a nice book and a big mug of tea, my favourite Irish tradition.

Tutoring Experience:

I have had students from all levels, from absolute beginners to people that had reached C1. As well as people with very different needs, from adults that wanted casual conversation classes to Straight A students looking to get top marks in their Leaving Cert.

My favourite part of teaching is seeing the moment a student realises they do understand what is being said and they actually can speak Spanish. When "I'm sorry, I'm just not good with languages" becomes "Paula, I think I'm starting to get it"

Approach to Grinds:

My approach is always the same: I am here to help you reach YOUR goals. (if you end up loving Spanish so much you decide to make a career out of it, that is a lovely plus. If you don't, well we won't hold that against you)

I am a firm believer in taking responsibility for your own learning because no matter how much your teachers at school, your parents, or I work to help you if you don't put the work in you won't see the results. That being said, I also believe in doing my absolute best to help you get there.

If you decide to hire me we will look at your targets, your strengths, and weaknesses and establish a system that works for you and where you can feel comfortable while confident in your progress. Languages are all about communication, and that includes you feeling at ease to tell me when you need to take a step back when you didn't get something or even when we need to push harder. There are no stupid questions and no absurd goals, if you are willing to work, I'm happy to help.