Our tutor spotlight today is on Jenny L, a creative writing and English tutor in London. Jenny has been a real treasure who has demonstrated excellent character and adding great value to the students she has worked with through private tutoring.
She is someone that often goes above and beyond, shows genuine care towards the families she has engaged with.
Today we go through a Q&A and reflect on some of her experiences and insights as a private tutor and welcome her with open arms to any advice she may have for us.
1) Hi Jenny. Welcome to our tutor spotlight! What advice do you have for children who struggle with comprehension/creative writing?
Each child is different and so the advice I would give depends on their learning style. However, one technique I always find useful is Story Mapping. Helping students to think about specific questions as they read out loud helps them to focus better. I also encourage them to highlight specific facts or words they can potentially use in their own writing.
2) What are your core values and how does this reflect on your role as a tutor?
I am calm by nature and make people feel understood and respected. I know this because parents often say they appreciate my honest and approachable personality. I pride myself in being an attentive, firm and a friendly tutor… this helps me to cater the curriculum to pupils and not the other way round.
3) What success stories do you have working with students?
One student achieved top marks in her 11+ exam and was admitted to the school of her dreams. She didn’t just thank me for helping her to meet her goal, but also because I taught her priceless lessons such as how to build self-confidence/esteem, positive thinking and resilience. My ethos has always been to help children foster a healthy IQ and EQ, and I was able to see my success through her.
4) Tell us about a time you went above and beyond as a private tutor?
I remember a situation when I was asked by a parent why my student’s brother’s speech was delayed and if I knew a speech therapist. Although this isn’t my area of expertise or something that is expected of me, I took the time to listen to my client’s concern, looked up local clinics and reviews to put the family at ease. My client appreciated how helpful I was an invited me to stay for dinner.
5) You are heavily involved in mental health. What are some of the signs you look for in conditions such as anxiety?
Every child will feel anxious at some point in their lives. The first signs are usually if they find it difficult to concentrate, they’re overwhelmed by negative thoughts and If they can’t sit still.
Most students will have at least one of these symptoms so I would also pay attention to what they say. For example, one of my students used to tell me how much her dad is paying for tuition and she feels guilty for not being ‘’as smart as her sisters.’’ I also noticed she would often feel unwell and would use the toilet frequently. These are clear signs of anxiety and it is important to discuss the issues immediately.
6) What is your approach to students with learning difficulties?
Learning difficulties can affect pupils differently but establishing a non-judgmental and supportive relationship with pupils is key. I tend to focus on their strengths and cater my lesson plans accordingly. I also introduce them to strategies and coping skills to encourage a positive self-image and foster confidence in areas they might be lacking.
7) What would you say makes Telios Tutors a good tutoring agency to work with?
Telios Tutors is a great tutoring agency because they have helped me to grow on a personal and professional level. I have so much pride in working for a company that cares for my wellbeing. They have helped me to empower myself and my students. This gets me excited to get up and go to work.
Thank you for representing Telios Tutors as someone who shares our mission and values, Jenny. You have made a huge difference and positively impacted young people in a very big way, making powerful waves, creating ripple effects and touched the lives of many through academia and as someone who is heavily involved with mental health. Your empathy towards others is appreciated and acknowledged.
Interested in working with Jenny? Contact Us today.