Valerie

French native, bi-lingual (French / English) with Spanish as intermediate.

I studied both English and Spanish to become a teacher in France, so I know what it takes to learn a foreign language and it can be challenging:
not being sure of how to pronounce words,
feeling the pressure from peers
feeling silly for not being able to express yourself with the same ease as in your own native language...

you name it I went through it! The good news is, I can help pretty much anyone get through this, easily :)

My passion for languages led me to study different facets of the English, Spanish and French culture, such as literature, politics, history.. I passed my Masters - focussed on English literature and linguistics - before moving and establishing myself in London.

For over 20 successful years I have been successful at coaching people outside the traditional classroom, i.e. in the corporate world. I am Chartered with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and I am qualified at the highest possible level in Project Management with AXELOS, a qualification recognised worldwide. This is testimonial of my project management and organisation skills.

I thoroughly enjoy using my teaching ability in the Project Management world, where I have continued to develop my interpersonal skills.
I work with people of all ages - teens who I lead through their apprenticeship, junior employees fresh out of uni who I help find their feet and a more senior crowd who I assist adapt to new ways of working.

I now wish to reconnect with my original passion - Languages. I am driven by engaging with people, understanding what makes them tick so the knowledge I share with them sticks and becomes their own.

I am driven by communicating with people - whether it is by helping them learn a new language or learn new ways of working in Project Management - I 'teach' everyday.

Building bridges to get people reveal their full potential is key - and I love helping them reaching it. Being patient, open minded and having this gymnastic of the mind which enables me to connect with them makes all the difference.

Tutoring Experience

I tutor French to adults either to help them brush it up, or to learn it from scratch.
I have an abundance of experience in working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
My passion for imparting knowledge makes the difference between average engagement and outstanding connection with people.
Reach out if you are interested - I can tutor anyone from primary school age onwards. I offer sessions 'as you go' and tailored-to-your-needs packages.

Examples of what a session can focus on:
Verb groups and tenses
Specific vocabulary to suit a particular topic
Scenario training to explore specific situations
Grammar, spelling and writing
Pronunciation, linguistics and learn to speak with confidence

Tutoring Approach

Every student will have different questions, different talents and will face different hurdles. In fact, it is the student who will dictate the pace of the sessions.
My calm, pragmatic and patient approach creates an environment where there are no silly questions. Anything can be discussed openly, and frustrations can be ironed out and worked through.
A one-to-one tutoring session also means students can develop their knowledge further and faster than in a classroom environment.