Tutorfair profiles: Meet Elisabeth
Elisabeth brings the richness of a 38-year career in education to her students. Here’s our conversation with her.
Tell us more about Elisabeth.
I have a PhD in Education from the University of London and have been a secondary school educator for 38 years, working as Head of Department, Director of Curriculum, Head of Year and Lead for Equal Opportunities over time.
I love teaching and I find working with students very stimulating. I’ve worked with hundreds of students over my career. Each one is different, so I’m constantly learning.
What has your tutoring experience been like?
I began tutoring with Tutorfair Foundation in 2021, and I now support an A-level student pursuing History and Politics and a GCSE student through the Urban Promise school programme which offers tutoring to students in exchange for their time mentoring other students. I’ve previously supported other A level students and also EAL students
I’ve volunteered with the Reading Schemes that were organised every year.. It has been very rewarding.
Any experiences that have stood out?
Two years ago, I had a young Kurdish student who had moved from country to country and had clearly seen adversity. English was the fourth language she had had to learn. Despite that, she was up for the challenge and I appreciated her self-motivation. It was a pleasure to help her move towards her goals.
What keeps you going?
My belief that we have a duty to help young people move towards success. I want to support students from all backgrounds and abilities. When they find it hard to learn, I tell myself, “There might be reasons. They don’t have the privileges I do.”
What helps a student succeed?
A growth-mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and experience, is very important to learning. Many of my students have said to me, “You convinced me that I could do it.” In fact, there was one student who said, “You were the only teacher who encouraged me when I got a bad mark.” Failing is such an important part of learning. It tells you what you need to learn and how to respond the next time. If I could leave one thing with my students, it would be this.
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