Michaela S

About me, my expertise, qualifications and SEND experience

Over my 20+ years in teaching, I have supported a diverse range of students, including those retaking GCSEs, home-educated learners, and individuals returning to education after illness, trauma, or exclusion. I am dedicated to helping young people overcome barriers, especially those whose needs haven’t been met in mainstream settings or who have experienced school-related trauma or anxiety.

I have coordinated SEND support and exam access arrangements in London schools and written Education, Health and Care Plans for Local Authorities. I understand how overwhelming the SEND system can feel for parents, and I am always happy to share my insights and experience with those navigating it.

What is your approach to teaching?

“If students can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.”

I am neurodivergent myself and draw on my own lived experience to build understanding and connection with neurodivergent learners. I believe having a teacher with lived experience makes a huge positive difference for neurodivergent learners. I understand that GSCE English can be particularly challenging when you’re neurodivergent: the amount of quotes you’re expected to memorise; the randomness of the unseen texts; the vague, confusing exam questions that ask you to try and guess what the writer was thinking. I love meeting other neurodivergent people and – strange as it may sound – I like working with students who say they hate English or find it really difficult. This is because I enjoy problem-solving and helping students overcome difficulties. Some students prefer a more business-like approach to tuition; some like more getting-to-know you time before or alongside lesson content. If you want to have your camera off, that’s ok. If you want me to provide ‘homework’ between sessions, great. If you don’t, that is fine too. I take the time to find out what works for you and go with it. My students say I’m kind, patient and on their side.

What do you enjoy about tutoring?

I love encouraging students’ creativity, especially when they believe they are ‘not good’ at creative writing and then, with the right support, surprise themselves and realise they are actually talented writers! I enjoy those ‘light-bulb’ moments when exam questions start to make sense and students begin to believe they can succeed. I also enjoy discussing ideas in texts and how they connect to real life and our own experiences. I particularly appreciate when students come up with interpretations that I haven’t considered before – learning is a two-way process, and I am always happy to learn from my students.