Achieved 100% in Leaving Cert Maths! Trinity medical student giving Junior and Leaving Cert grinds! 

Find out more about Emma

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

  I was never someone who was consistently good at maths, I felt that I struggled at Junior Cert level and had to work very hard for the A that I received. At leaving cert level, I expected this pattern to be the same, and felt myself dreading maths classes. I was encouraged by my leaving cert teacher (the first time I ever heard I was good at maths!) and this really set me into motion, putting a lot of time and effort into understanding the fundamentals of the subject. I feel that this has given me the best basis possible for teaching, I understand what it feels like to learn things from scratch, and not just “get it” right away, and this is the approach I bring to my lessons.

• 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 love to do algebra with my students! I’ve had quite a few people groan that we start at the very beginning, but I really emphasise the importance of finding where the holes are in your foundations. Without a really strong grasp of basics, it's difficult to go anywhere with more complex topics. I don’t think I dread any topics!

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

  My leaving cert maths teacher was a real inspiration for me! I think it’s quite rare to find a teacher that believes in you more than you do, and I really felt that his motivation let me find my passion in maths, and pass this on to my students.

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

  A deep understanding of the basics of the subject, enthusiasm, passion, and a genuine interest in your students. I probably care almost just as much about your upcoming exam as you do!

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

  Despite being a medicine student, I refilled out my CAO two times in the first two years because I thought I wanted to be a full-time maths teacher! I’ve stuck with medicine, and loved every second, but really enjoy my time tutoring as it allows me to fufill this interest of mine.

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

  I don’t think anyone is bullet-proof when it comes to simple mistakes! I think especially getting to the end of a sticky question in leaving cert maths and realising a changed sign at the beginning has thrown off the entire question.

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

  I really found my passion giving grinds to my peers in 5th and 6th year in secondary school. Spending lots of time myself understanding topics, it was always very gratifying to see my explanations help other people grow in their own maths skills and improve.

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

  The time and individualisation I put into my grinds! I really do spend a lot of time before a grind handwriting explanations and picking exam questions that suit that specific student's needs, I think this lets me go above and beyond for my tutees!