Information About Sue - Wotton-under-Edge teacher

Personal Description:

I am a highly experienced English/EFL teacher, living and working in the Bristol area. I've spent more than 30 years in the teaching environment. I'm compassionate and sympathetic with English learners - having spent 7 years living in France and learning French, I understand only too well the difficulties and frustrations of learning a second language and can "stand in the shoes" of my students in order to deliver a high standard of sensitive and uniquely designed learning to each one. I'm skilled at motivating students, recognising areas of difficulty and providing the right tools for confidence building and solid progress. Above all, I am resourceful and innovative - I don't believe there is a "one size fits all" program for language learning - consequently, my planning and creation of lessons and programs of study for each student is always completely individualised.

Teaching Experience:

I worked as a primary teacher in Scotland from 1983 - 1999. After moving to the US, I began working in the ESL sector, teaching multi-cultural and multi-level adults. After moving to France in 2006, I studied for my TEFL Certificate and began teaching Business English to executives in various companies in the Paris area. I also worked with French children aged 7 - 10, preparing them in English to enter bilingual schools. Since returning to the UK in 2013, I have been working as an English trainer, teaching both Business English and General English at all levels to all ages. In 2015, I studied and passed (with distinction) my Certificate IBET (International Business English Teaching). I tutor children at KS2 and KS3 stages and prepare children/teenagers/adults for exams such as IELTS and Trinity GESE. I am also employed by South Gloucestershire Council as a Community Learning Tutor, providing ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes for adults across the county.

Teaching Approach:

Learning must be fun! Regardless of the age or ability of my students, I integrate games, role play and active hands-on learning activities into my classes/lessons. My objective is to create a safe, positive and authentic learning environment, where students can feel relaxed, build confidence and keep motivation high in order to excel. Every student is given a comprehensive needs analysis during the first lesson, in order to establish their objectives, learning styles and learning preferences. Regular checking-in as the lessons progress ensure that objectives are being met and that students are satisfied with their results. Each student is unique: their needs are unique and therefore each program of learning for each and every student is also unique.