A bit about Matt L

Hello! I'm Matt, a qualified Spanish teacher. I hold a Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages. Over the past decade, I have gained extensive teaching experience in both the UK and abroad, including five years in Spain. My experience spans teaching students from primary school through to adult learners, both in classroom settings and online environments. I have also collaborated with academic institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast, leading workshops for PGCE students. In addition to my teaching qualifications, I have managed curriculum development, welfare, and safeguarding responsibilities for summer programmes, demonstrating strong leadership skills. I am currently focusing on providing high-quality tutoring services online, while also exploring ways to grow my educational business. I am a native English speaker and CELTA-qualified teacher with extensive experience teaching both English and Spanish. I hold a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and I recently completed a Master's in Teaching and Linguistics. Additionally, I am a degree holder in Spanish with a certificate from the Instituto Cervantes, showcasing my deep understanding of the language and its pedagogy. Throughout my career, I have worked in various educational settings, including language academies in both Spain and the UK, as well as extensive online teaching experience. I have also served as a GCSE and A-Level examiner, which has given me invaluable insight into the examination process and what students need to succeed. Beyond teaching, I have held roles as a Safeguarding Manager, where I ensured the safety and well-being of students in educational programmes. I have also developed learning resources, worked with academic institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast, and led workshops for trainee teachers. With my diverse background and dedication to language education, I offer a well-rounded, professional, and personalised approach to help students achieve their goals. Whether it’s exam preparation, improving conversational skills, or mastering grammar, I am fully equipped to guide students every step of the way. My lessons are highly interactive and tailored to each student's specific needs. I focus on balancing speaking, listening, reading, and writing, depending on the student's goals. I believe it's important to create a comfortable environment where students feel confident practicing their language skills. I provide clear structure, but also flexibility, allowing students to focus on areas they need most improvement in, whether that’s conversation, exam prep, or grammar. I use a range of resources, including authentic texts, online exercises, videos, and interactive platforms like Google Docs and Zoom for real-time practice. Screen sharing allows for instant feedback, and I assign custom homework that reinforces each lesson's key points. Even with limited experience, my approach would be to start with the basics, then build up gradually, adapting as I see students progress, ensuring each lesson is both effective and enjoyable. With a comprehensive background in language education, I bring a wealth of experience from both secondary school teaching and language academies. Having worked as a Senior Teacher and collaborated with the Queen’s University Belfast PGCE cohort, I have honed my skills in curriculum development, exam preparation, and mentoring future educators. My diverse experience across various educational settings has allowed me to develop tailored learning strategies that focus on student success and well-being. Below is a summary of my qualifications and experience: -Extensive experience teaching in secondary schools, focusing on both English and Spanish language education. -Served as a Senior Teacher, leading curriculum development, supporting colleagues, and mentoring junior staff. -Worked in language academies in Spain and the UK, teaching a diverse range of students and abilities. -Collaborated with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), delivering workshops and providing mentorship for PGCE students. -Experience as a GCSE and A-level examiner, offering valuable insight into exam preparation and techniques. -Former Safeguarding Manager, responsible for student welfare and well-being. -Qualified DELE examiner (A1-B2), with expertise in preparing students for DELE exams. -Proficient in creating tailored lesson plans for exam preparation, fluency, and confidence-building, both online and in-person. What I love most about teaching my subject is the incredible opportunity to watch students transform their understanding and confidence in Spanish. It’s not just about grammar or vocabulary; it’s about opening the door to a whole new way of thinking and connecting with others. Every lesson is a chance to guide students on a journey where they overcome challenges, discover new ways to express themselves, and experience the richness of the Spanish language and culture. As someone who has spent years mastering both the language and the art of teaching, I take great pride in knowing I can provide my students with tools that go far beyond the textbook. Whether it’s breaking down complex structures or making seemingly difficult concepts feel more accessible, I aim to create an engaging and supportive environment where students feel empowered to thrive. The most rewarding part? Seeing that moment when it all clicks for them. It’s a privilege to guide students through this process and witness their success, knowing I’ve played a key role in their linguistic and personal growth. My teaching style is all about making Spanish practical, engaging, and relevant to your life. I focus on real-world application, so you’re actively speaking and thinking in Spanish from the start. Lessons are dynamic, interactive, and designed to boost your confidence, with tailored activities that help you master the language quickly and effectively. I create an environment where you’re encouraged to communicate, make mistakes, and grow. The goal isn’t just to learn Spanish, but to use it fluently and naturally in everyday situations. Learning with me is exciting, empowering, and designed to unlock your full potential in the language. My favourite thing about being a tutor is seeing the transformation in my students. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone gain confidence in their language skills, and knowing I’ve played a part in that growth. Every breakthrough moment—whether it’s mastering a tricky concept or finally speaking with fluency—feels like a shared victory. It’s the personal connections, the progress we achieve together, and the real-world impact I see in my students’ lives that make tutoring so fulfilling for me. My teaching philosophy is built on the belief that everyone has the potential to succeed with the right guidance and encouragement. I’m convinced that any concept, no matter how complex, can be understood if it’s explained clearly and in a way that resonates with the student. If a student is confused, I see it as my responsibility to adjust my approach and ensure they gain clarity. Learning should be a supportive and collaborative process where students feel empowered, and my role is to provide the tools and motivation to help them reach their full potential. What students love most about my teaching style is how much they get to speak and engage with the language. I create a fun, interactive environment where learning feels enjoyable and not just like hard work. My approach is highly encouraging, helping students feel confident to express themselves without fear of making mistakes. They appreciate that lessons are dynamic, tailored to their needs, and focused on building real fluency, all while keeping things light and motivating. One of my greatest successes was with a student preparing for their GCSE Spanish exam. When they first came to me, they lacked confidence, especially in speaking. They struggled to articulate their thoughts and were nervous about the oral exam. We worked together intensively, focusing on building their speaking skills through role plays, mock exams, and real-life conversation practice. I tailored the lessons to their interests, using topics they were passionate about to make the sessions more engaging. By the time the exam came around, they not only passed with flying colours but achieved a top grade in the speaking component—something they had never thought possible. Watching them go from hesitant to confidently holding conversations in Spanish was a proud moment for both of us. I am a highly qualified language educator with a strong academic background and a wealth of experience in teaching both English and Spanish. I am dedicated to helping students achieve their language goals through a personalised and supportive approach. Below is a summary of my key educational qualifications: - Master's in Teaching and Linguistics (currently studying) - PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) - Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish - DELE C1 Certificate from the Instituto Cervantes in Spanish language - Qualified DELE Examiner for levels A1-B2 I became a teacher because I have a genuine love for sharing knowledge and helping others grow. There's something incredibly rewarding about guiding someone through a new concept and watching the moment it clicks for them. Teaching allows me to take what I’m passionate about and turn it into something that positively impacts others. It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about empowering people to reach their potential, and that’s what inspires me every day. Outside of teaching, I have a variety of interests that keep me active and engaged. I love hiking and running, which not only help me stay fit but also allow me to enjoy the outdoors and clear my mind. I’m also passionate about playing the guitar, finding it a great creative outlet. In addition, I’m deeply interested in business, particularly in areas that allow me to explore new opportunities and challenges, such as developing educational resources and expanding my teaching services. These activities keep me balanced and continually learning, both personally and professionally. I teach a range of year groups and have experience with several exam boards, including Pearson Edexcel, AQA, and CCEA for GCSE, IGCSE, and A-level Spanish. I’ve also served as an examiner for CCEA. My teaching focuses on mastering exam techniques and building confidence, especially in speaking, while ensuring students are well-prepared for the specific requirements of their chosen exam board.