Boost Your Leaving Cert English with a highly qualified tutor. Expert Corrections, Audio/Video Feedback & Extras

Find out more about Rebecca

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

  I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in school; I've always been interested in English and had a natural aptitude for it, so it was a natural subject for me to pursue. I've been teaching English at all secondary levels since 2009, and I became involved in private tutoring around the same time, but much more so over the last decade, once I had built up a lot of teaching experience.

• 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 enjoy teaching all aspects of the English senior cycle course; my particular interest lies in media studies elements, e.g. the studied movie as part of the comparative course, and image-based questions for Paper 1. Poetry can be challenging to teach, as many students struggle with it, but it is very rewarding when a student shows how they have engaged with my teaching on this topic (and others, of course).

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  My senior cycle English teacher was a wonderful woman who was clearly interested in the course she taught us, and in the subject in general, so her appreciation and enthusiasm inspired me to become an English teacher as well. I wanted to be 'that person' for someone else! Plus, I love reading anyway, so the thought of getting to literally spend my professional day with novels was amazing.

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

  You need to be enthusiastic, genuinely interested in your subject AND in working with people, patient, engaging and willing to have fun in a productive way!

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

  Anyone who knows me well knows I love reading, but people are afraid to buy me books as presents as I read so many that they're worried I will already have read it!

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

  It can be difficult to make sure you engage everyone in a large class, as there is usually a wide variety of interests, abilities, and needs in each classroom. One-on-one tutoring is great for this reason, as it tailors the work to one person's interests, abilities and needs.

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

  Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different? Reading in general is my major passion. I read 100+ books a year for the last few years, and even have social accounts where I share reviews and other bookish content!

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

  My wonderful mix of my genuine interest in the subject and my experience in both teaching and correcting English at Leaving Certificate Higher Level!