Catherine

My name is Catherine, I live in Northern Ireland and am a teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. I have extensive experience of teaching English at secondary school and further education levels. Most recently, I have been teaching in a special needs setting, working with students aged 3–19 with a range of learning difficulties, autism, and emotional or behavioural needs. I am deeply passionate about teaching English and take great pride in helping young people unlock their potential as I guide students to build confidence and pursue their personal and academic goals. My commitment to each of my students is to create a supportive, engaging environment where every learner can thrive.

Tutoring Experience

I hold a strong academic background in English education, having taught both Junior and Leaving Certificate ordinary and higher levels(Republic of Ireland GCSE and A level equivalent), as well as GCSE in secondary schools for 10 years.I have also taught GCSE English and Essential Skills English in further education settings. Teaching mature students returning to education has greatly enhanced my tutoring skills. Their diverse life experiences and unique learning needs have taught me to adapt my approach, communicate more effectively, and foster a supportive, respectful learning environment. Working with them has deepened my empathy, patience, and ability to tailor lessons to individual goals.

My expertise includes language analysis, literature analysis, essay writing, creative writing, comprehension and exam techniques. My passion for holistic education led me to completing a Masters in Education at Trinity College, Dublin after which I served as a guidance counsellor, supporting the educational, vocational and personal development of students. Most recently, I have been working with students aged 5-19, who have additional needs including ASD, anxiety, OCD, and emotional needs. My experience in this special educational needs setting allows me to provide targeted support, build strong rapport with students, and adapt teaching methods to meet with a wide variety of learning and emotional needs.
in addition, I have extensive experience in correcting and marking state examination papers, which has given me a deep understanding of what examiners look for and how students can maximise their marks. This insight allows me to guide learners in structuring their answers effectively, avoiding common pitfalls, and refining their writing to meet the specific criteria of state exams such as Junior and Leaving Certificate and GCSE and A level.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is student-centered, supportive and flexible. I tailor each lesson to the learner's individual needs and pace, creating a calm environment where they can build confidence to achieve their goals. Whether we are preparing for exams or improving general skills, I focus on clear communication, active engagement and ensuring that students feel understood, motivated and empowered. As an educator, I pride myself on creating inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environments and to bringing patience, structure and creativity to every session