PhD in English Literature | Expert Tutor for English from GCSE to Ivy League

Find out more about Florence

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

  I have always adored English Literature. The power of stories, the ability to craft language to suit my purposes, the precision of a beautifully written piece - I love it all! My university studies only consolidated my interest in the subject and after I received a double first on my undergraduate dissertation I decided to pursue a career which would allow me to devote my life to my love for literature.
  
  I started tutoring as a side business while studying for my PhD in English Literature and Classics and I fell in love for a second time! My job involves guiding students through material I love and helping them develop the skills they need for success. There is something so inspiring about witnessing my students achieve excellence under my tutelage, especially witnessing their confidence increase with their skills.
  
  Above all, I recognise that every journey is unique and each individual is different, so if you have a question or a project please don't hesitate to get in touch!

• 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 really value variety in my teaching so I have been lucky enough to teach students across 11+, GCSE, A Level/IB and undergraduate levels to great success. I primarily teach English Literature and English Language, but I also cover general skills such as essay writing, personal statements, and entrance exam preparation. Each class is uniquely tailored to the individual so no two are the same! With such a broad array of topics, I have some personal favourites: I love the process of inference and close text analysis, and helping my students recognise semiotic multiplicity. I always enjoy helping students develop as writers (both essay and creative), so discussing what makes a strong counter-argument or how to open 'in media res' are equally rewarding as I love seeing their writing develop after these sessions.

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

  I have been lucky enough to work with an array of fantastic teachers throughout my academic career, but my intellectual role model is definitely my PhD supervisor. He taught me how to discuss complex topics in a way which can be easily understood by all, and although he is a world-leading expert in the field he always went out of his way to recognise and respect my contributions. I emulate this within my own teaching - whether the student is eight or eighteen - I always look to support and champion their ideas. Even when applying a correction, I ensure their ideas are taken seriously when I am outlining a more accurate answer strategy.
  
  His tutelage also taught me how to turn a challenging task (which can feel overwhelming!) into a manageable undertaking, as well as key strategies for tackling time-management, exam stress, and redrafting. I have benefitted immensely from his guidance and I have incorporated his methodologies into my own teaching practices to better shape my student's experiences in school and higher education, passing these valuable lessons on to the next generation of learners.

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

  The most important quality is listening. They say that to be a good writer you have to be a good reader - I believe the same principle applies in tutoring: to be a good educator you must learn to listen to your students. I always look to understand what my students want to achieve or where they are having trouble, and then I devote my energies accordingly.
  
  Positivity is another value I prize and I go the extra mile to ensure my classroom is an inspiring, enthusiastic and engaging space. I encourage my students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities, to attempt questions which challenge them, and to see errors as learning opportunities rather than marks of failure.
  
  Finally, I believe in thorough preparation. I am a subject expert, formally educated at the highest possible level, but I see learning as a lifelong journey and I am constantly seeking to better my understanding. I stay up-to-date with the latest research (both within my subject and the latest teaching methods) and thoroughly prepare for each and every class.

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

  During my undergraduate studies at the University of Durham, my favourite lecturer began every class with Picasso's famous rule "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." The repetition worked as this quote now perfectly encapsulates my learning ethos. For younger learners, my classes focus on helping them understand the rubric and expectations of their examinations so they can achieve the highest marks and open up doorways to a bright future. For university-level learners, my classes focus on helping them find their own voice within an academic framework, offering tailored support and guiding them into formulating unique insights. I like to think Picasso would approve!

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

  I was originally trained as a university level tutor by the University of Glasgow so I initially found it difficult to adapt to teaching different levels and particularly younger students. I knew I wanted to offer a wider range of teaching so I got to work studying the 11+, GCSE, A-Level and IB syllabi (including Edexcel, AQA, OCR, and CIE) and volunteered in some childhood learning programmes. I started slowly, but I've now built up over five years experience tutoring learners ages 8-80! I now pride myself in my ability to adapt my content to the required level and forge connections with child, teenage, and adult learners alike.

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

  My passion is sharing knowledge. I love to see my students' skills develop and witness their growing confidence as we work together. I really enjoy my subject and I think you can tell - I'm always happy to be teaching and I try to share my enthusiasm with my students.
  I am also supremely competitive and I find a vicarious thrill in witnessing my students' successes in regional, national, and international competitions! I am very focused and when a student sets a goal (be it an A* at GCSE or to place in an upcoming competition), I become incredibly passionate in helping them achieve their goals.

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

  I am a Superprof because my depth of knowledge and subject expertise is matched only by my enthusiasm for teaching! As a doctor of English Literature, I have an insight into the subject which has been recognised at the highest level, and it is this expertise I look to pass to my students. However, my classes are never too academia-heavy! I think learning comes much easier when it is enjoyable and so I look to connect on a personal level with my students, building a rapport that ensures they feel supported and comfortable enough to share any concerns they have with the material. This cheery and personal approach to teaching ensures I can build trust and understanding simultaneously.
  
  I pride myself in both my subject knowledge and my supportive attitude - if you would like to know more about the successes I have had, please don't hesitate to get in touch!