Teacher with 10+ years’ experience tutoring KS1 - KS4 students English offering online lessons

Find out more about Joanna

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I first developed an interest in private tuition from the age of twelve. My mother involved me in her own tuition sessions, which provided me with experience to begin teaching piano, English and Maths to local primary school students through Superprof. I taught part-time alongside my school studies, and on receiving GCSE grades in the top 2% for my year group nationally and the highest grades in my school, I began teaching other academic subjects. Over the last ten years, I have built and maintained a track record of successfully taking multiple students through academic, musical and entrance exams (and other admission processes) with excellent grades. Today, I teach most school subjects up to GCSE level and have successfully applied to become a Maths teacher at secondary school level with Teach First in September 2025.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach Maths, English, Science, History, Music, Religious Studies and other subjects for all exam boards from KS1 to KS4 level. I also help prepare students for the 7, 11 and 13 plus exams, and provide interview and personal statement support for sixth form students, particularly those applying to medical school.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My GCSE Engineering teacher still inspires me to this day. His professionalism and friendliness meant I really enjoyed his class. Furthermore, his in-depth subject knowledge and willingness to support me with anything I struggled with allowed me to achieve 80/80 marks in the Industrial Processes GCSE exam. I aim to replicate his teaching practices and standards in every one of my tutoring sessions.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I believe the main quality required to be a good tutor is being able to build a good relationship with students so they feel welcome to ask any questions they may have, increase their passion for the subject and so they feel motivated to complete any homework and to independently revise. Having received tuition while at secondary school myself, I know the difference having a tutor available to guide students through challenging topic areas can make to their own academic self-confidence. The most rewarding aspect of my work as a tutor is seeing my students' self-confidence and motivation increase over time, and with it, their school grades.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school

  I had undiagnosed ADHD at secondary school, which meant that I would zone out regularly in lessons and chat with my peers in class after finishing the given work, as I did this quite quickly. However, at some point in Year 10, I realised my mistake in wasting valuable learning time and began bringing a folder of my own independent studies to class. My teachers supported me in this, so after finishing classwork, I would move on to my own studies and ask my teachers questions when I got stuck. I believe this self-motivation to study and the support of my teachers were invaluable in achieving the grades I did.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  When I initially began teaching group sessions with up to ten students, I struggled with the difference in dynamic that was required to maintain order. My Year 4 11+ students were so eager to answer that they often spoke over each other, while my Year 10 English Language students sometimes struggled to engage or complete assigned tasks. However, after a few sessions, they settled in as I clearly implemented new expectations and adapted my approach. My Year 4 students now know to put their hand up before they speak and not to share any answers they might have unless called upon, so that all those in the group have the opportunity to work out the answer independently. With my Year 10 class, I began to use Google Drive in every session so I could see what each student was writing in real-time, and give real-time feedback or help. As such, the initial difficulties I faced in these two different situations allowed me to maximise the learning and support each individual student received during sessions.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My main passion is playing the piano. I volunteer at a local hospital once a week to play and raise money for Leeds Hospital Trust while also motivating myself to practise more and learn new songs.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  My extensive experience tutoring through Superprof has allowed me to become a well-rounded and adaptable tutor. It has equipped me with in-depth subject knowledge and the ability to connect with students, inspiring them to engage in and out of tuition sessions. Having supported students so that they achieved above their target grades, particularly in the GCSEs, and also supporting their successful applications to schools such as Roedean and St Dunstans, tuition for me has been immensely fulfilling.