A bit about Kirsty S

I am an enthusiastic and experienced primary school educator with a passion for teaching and learning. I am currently on a sabbatical from my role as a teacher but still wish to continue sharing my passion of learning in an online classroom setting. I specialise in core subjects at primary school level (and early secondary) and offer tutoring for English as a Foreign Language. I have a strong knowledge of phonics and supporting learners to develop skills in early language acquisition, reading and writing. My experience has also enhanced my ability to support learners with speech and language development. Working through the Covid pandemic from my online classroom has enhanced my skills to deliver effective teaching and learning virtually. My objective is to always make my lessons fun, engaging and thought provoking with opportunities to consolidate and reflect upon learning that has happened to ensure learners are confident in what has been taught. Learning is not a one-size fits all and I am confident in adapting teaching methods to best support learner progress through careful analysis of pupil progress throughout sessions. My teaching style is practical and hands on where applicable. My goal is to ensure sessions are engaging for all students to maximise understanding. I aim to make sessions fun and enjoyable, particularly as they are not in person. I endeavour to build professional relationships with my students and get to know their personal preferences to tailor sessions to their interests and things they can make personal connections with. I am yet to begin my online tutor journey, but I love teaching. Watching my students progress and achieve is one of the greatest feelings. Supporting others through the challenges of learning and overcoming misconceptions is great in developing growth mindset and resilience. These qualities are so important in each individuals learning journey and I feel my positivity and enthusiasm would support learners to achieve these in their tutor sessions. They enjoy my enthusiasm, creative approach to teaching concepts and my time given to them to invest in their personal learning journey. My greatest success would be helping children to enjoy learning and become passionate in leading their own learning. I have had pupils arrive to my classroom who have a fixed mindset, a negative approach to learning and a lack of enthusiasm. Many pupils leave with an enhanced growth mindset, a desire to further research to support their own learning and more importantly, leave the other a smile of their face and a story to tell of what they have learnt at the end of each day. BA Hons Primary Education with Qualified Teaching Status. My own teachers inspired me to want to become a teacher. I want to do the same for my students. Today we build tomorrow’s leaders. Outside of teaching I love hiking, wild water swimming, dancing, running, the gym and travelling. I teach all of primary age 3-11 but am qualified to support GCSE level learners and adults. I am eager to support learners who wish to learn English as a foreign language. I believe teaching should be a positive and thought provoking experience. I set high expectations for myself and my students to ensure each lesson is stimulating and engaging through a variety of teaching methods.