Geography graduate and experienced tutor offering tutoring for all ages (GCSE/A Level/Undergraduate)

Find out more about Isabella

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

  From a really young age I seemed to be interested in Spanish and Geography, but it was only when I was on my year abroad in Latin America (Chile) that I realised how much I enjoyed both areas, and how much I enjoyed teaching them and enhancing people's knowledge, helping them become the best they can be.

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

  There are a lot of aspects in Geography that I enjoy teaching, for example, I love going through the physical aspects of it because I believe it to be more interesting and easier to teach, this being because this area of study involves the environment, which I am very passionate about. On the other hand, whilst I appreciate the value of Human geography, I do find it a little less interesting to go over with the students.
  
  As for languages, I love teaching students' communication skills and current topics. By this I mean, I enjoy helping students develop their speaking skills and helping them with oral grammar and pronunciation. However, when it comes to teaching written grammar, I prefer to integrate it throughout the lesson so that it is more understandable.

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

  Sadly, none of my teachers inspired me in a positive way, which lead me to want to become the Superprof/teacher that I wish I had.

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

  I think a good tutor is not made out of the blue, and therefore it is very important to be organized, patient and overall, a good person. As you face different situations it is important to be calm and respectful all the time. Adding to this, it is very important to create a safe space for the student and become trustworthy for the parent
  (if applicable).

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

  In 2018 I had the opportunity to go abroad to Chile, in Latin America. There I was given the chance to teach English as a second language to university students. I would say that it was a one-of-a-kind experience, since I did not have any previous teaching knowledge and I was left in charge of a class. Even though it was quite a challenging experience, I would say that it made me realise my love for teaching as well as improving my Spanish.

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

  When I was younger, one of my biggest difficulties was Spanish Grammar. This was because when it is taught in schools it is normally isolated from a context, which is why I integrate it in my lessons to help students understand it better.

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

  I would say teaching in general is my passion, since it always brings me a sense of fulfilment every time I finish a lesson. I really enjoy helping people learn and helping to inspire them to enjoy the subject as much as I do.

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

  I think what makes me a Superprof is mainly my passion for teaching and my patience when doing so. Which, although it might be something that I think every teacher/tutor should have, I think makes me a better teacher and helps me face any challenge the student might bring into my classroom. I also think I am good at making lessons engaging and fun, which helps the learner be present in the lesson whilst enhancing learning.