Oliver

I am a highly proficient and well-trained specialist teacher in the fields of learning disabilities and Creative Writing. I bring over 21 years experience as a classroom teacher and course tutor with SEND students to my effective online sessions, as well as 5 years as a Curriculum Manager which has given me an added breadth of knowledge and insight about implementing appropriate learning for different kinds of students, including autistic spectrum conditions, Complex Needs and PMLD.
As a published writer and poet, I am also a knowledgable and insightful teacher of Creative Writing and English Literature for mainstream students. I am also a highly competent proof-reader who is able to improve and correct the English of academic essays and dissertations up to MA or PhD level.
I am skilled at accurately assessing the individual needs of learners and tailoring a personalised programme of study which effectively meets these needs, using a range of approaches and methods to develop each student's strengths and attain their goals.

Tutoring Experience

I have 21 years experience as a qualified teacher and manager, having taught across the range of age-groups, subjects and ability levels in colleges and schools. My main area of expertise is in delivering specialised teaching and training provision to adolescents and young adults with learning disabilities, in particular those on the autistic spectrum and with high support needs. I have been a course tutor for 15 years and a Curriculum Manager for 5 years and have been instrumental in setting up and organising college courses for learners with a variety of disabilities. I have also done a huge amount of 1:1 tutoring both in college and home settings with a wide range of different students with different needs.
I have also taught in mainstream and have a special interest in delivering Creative Writing classes, fuelled by my career as a published author and poet with an extensive knowledge of all forms of literature and literary theory, as well as Creative Writing approaches in the novel, short stories, flash fiction and poetry. I have taught many Creative Writing classes with different levels of students (most recently an evening class for mainstream adults at Oakland College) and am able to nurture the creative talents of students from complete beginners to more advanced practitioners in both poetry and prose. If you are an aspiring writer who is working on a manuscript I could work with you to develop, hone and edit your writing to a publishable standard and assist you with advice and guidance about how and where to submit your work.

Tutoring Approach

My approach towards SEND teaching and tutoring is a person-centred, holistic and inclusive one informed both by my many years of experience and by the vast amount of training courses I have undertaken during this time (eg. in areas such as autism, Intensive Interaction, Communication, Challenging Behaviour, Epilepsy Procedures, Restraint Training, Dyslexia etc.) As a former musician, I often use music as a creative tool to encourage social interaction, since a focus on nurturing communication is at the heart of what I do. I am hugely experienced at enabling young individuals with disabilities to make the transition into adulthood by enhancing their self-esteem and equipping them with appropriate life-skills to move forward and achieve quality of life whatever their disabilities might be. From using online delivery during the 2020/21 lockdown periods, I am used to this way of working and have developed materials which make lively interactive sessions which incorporate music, video and Powerpoint to ensure all students can access their learning and have fun at the same time.