A bit about Ilona M

As a qualified German native speaker and experienced teacher in KS3, KS4, and KS5, I bring the best of both worlds to your language learning journey. Currently based in the UK, I offer personalised online tutoring to help you excel in German. Beyond teaching, my passions include travel and photography, adding a vibrant touch to our lessons. Let's embark on this exciting language adventure together! I specialise in German language instruction at any level, fueled by my passion for teaching. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, I am here to guide you on your German language journey. Additionally, I can also teach beginners in French, Russian, and English as an additional language. Let's explore the world of languages together and achieve your learning goals! My lessons are carefully planned to ensure a structured and engaging learning experience. We will begin by assessing your current proficiency level and discussing your specific goals. From there, I will tailor the lessons to suit your needs, incorporating a variety of interactive activities, multimedia resources, and conversational practice. Each session will be focused, productive, and designed to help you make progress while enjoying the learning process. Get ready for dynamic and effective lessons! I began my tutoring journey in 2019, bringing my passion for teaching and language instruction to students. Since then, I have been dedicated to helping learners achieve their goals and unlock their full potential in German and other languages. It has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on my students' language learning journeys. What I love most about teaching German is witnessing the transformation and growth of my students as they progress in their language skills. Seeing their confidence soar, their ability to communicate effectively improve, and their joy in mastering the complexities of the language is incredibly fulfilling. Language is a gateway to new cultures, opportunities, and connections, and being able to facilitate that journey for my students is truly rewarding. My teaching style is dynamic, student-centered, and tailored to individual needs. I believe in creating a supportive and interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable to express themselves and actively participate in the lessons. I incorporate a variety of engaging activities, multimedia resources, and real-life examples to make the learning experience enjoyable and practical. I aim to foster a love for the language, encourage critical thinking, and empower students to become confident, independent language learners. My favorite thing about being a tutor is witnessing the "aha" moments when my students grasp a new concept or make a breakthrough in their language learning journey. It's incredibly rewarding to see their progress, boost their confidence, and share in their excitement as they achieve their goals. Building meaningful connections with my students and helping them navigate the path to success in language learning is truly fulfilling. It's a privilege to be part of their growth and language development. My teaching philosophy revolves around creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered and motivated to reach their full potential. I believe in a student-centered approach that focuses on individual needs, strengths, and learning styles. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, promoting active engagement, and providing personalized guidance, I aim to inspire a love for learning, encourage critical thinking, and cultivate lifelong language skills. I strive to be a facilitator of knowledge, guiding students on their language learning journey with patience, enthusiasm, and respect. Students appreciate my teaching style for its dynamic and engaging nature. They enjoy the interactive activities, multimedia resources, and real-life examples that I incorporate into the lessons, as they make the learning experience both enjoyable and practical. Moreover, students find my approach supportive and encouraging, allowing them to feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks in their language learning. They also appreciate the personalised attention I give to their individual needs, which helps them make significant progress and build confidence in their language skills. One of the greatest successes I have had with teaching was helping a student overcome their fear of speaking in German. This student had struggled with confidence and shyness when it came to using the language in conversations. Through patient guidance, tailored exercises, and a supportive environment, I witnessed a remarkable transformation. The student gradually gained confidence, began expressing themselves fluently, and even participated in a public speaking event in German. Witnessing their growth and witnessing the positive impact of my teaching was truly a gratifying experience. As a native German speaker, I bring an invaluable asset to my teaching practice. My fluency in German ensures an authentic and accurate language experience for students. It enables me to provide proper pronunciation guidance, cultural insights, and a deep understanding of the language nuances. Combined with my PGCE qualification in secondary education for German and French, as well as three years of teaching experience in a UK high school for KS3, KS4, and KS5, I offer a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to language instruction. What inspired me to become a teacher was my cousin, who played a significant role in shaping my career path. As an older cousin, I looked up to her and witnessed firsthand the impact she had as an educator. Seeing her dedication, passion, and the positive influence she had on her students deeply inspired me. I wanted to follow in her footsteps, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through education. Her journey as a teacher ignited my own passion for teaching, and I am grateful for her inspiration. Outside of teaching, I have a diverse range of interests that enrich my life. Spending quality time with my family is a top priority, as I cherish moments with my husband and three wonderful boys. Travel is another passion of mine, as it allows me to explore new cultures, broaden my perspectives, and gain inspiration for my teaching. I also enjoy running, which helps me stay active and clear my mind. Photography is a creative outlet that allows me to capture beautiful moments, and cooking is a delightful hobby that lets me experiment with flavors and create delicious dishes. In my role at the high school, I have experience teaching students from various year groups. I am familiar with the WJEC Eduqas exam board, which covers qualifications for GCSE and A-levels. Additionally, I am also well-acquainted with the AQA exam board, ensuring comprehensive knowledge of their syllabi and assessment requirements. This familiarity with multiple exam boards allows me to provide tailored guidance and support to students preparing for exams under either board, maximizing their chances for success.