What subjects do you teach?
English literature, creative writing, children’s literature, writing for children and young adults, Gothic and Victorian literature, and Spanish.
How many years have you been teaching?
I’ve been teaching creative writing, literature and Spanish lessons for the past four years, although I taught some holiday Spanish to adult learners around ten years ago now, too!
What do you enjoy about teaching adults?
I like teaching adults because they have actively made the choice to learn about a certain topic of interest. This means that they come to the lessons already engaged and motivated, and I love passing on my knowledge and passion to them! I also am an adult learner and have been for some time now, in literature-based classes and creative writing, too. More recently I’ve been undertaking art lessons online. I just love learning and teaching!
What got you into literature, Spanish and creative writing?
I did my first undergraduate degree in Spanish language and literature at Magdalen College, Oxford. I missed learning about English literature, though, so when my daughter was a toddler, I signed up for the Open University’s Diploma in Creative Writing and Literature. I enjoyed this so much, I carried on and converted it into a second B.A., then followed it with a Masters in Children’s Literature. Books and reading are my passion, sometimes I think there is nothing better than losing yourself in a good story. I also enjoy creating stories and am about to have my first young adult novel published this autumn.
What other passions do you have?
Apart from my love of language and literature, I enjoy singing, acting and storytelling. I trained in storytelling with a professional director and storyteller at the Oxford Playhouse and have performed in a couple of local events. Dance is also a great passion of mine.
Why should someone join your classes?
I really enjoy teaching and inspiring others to develop their skills and interests. I also like the interaction between students and teacher, as I feel I learn as much as, hopefully, my students are! I try to make my lessons as enjoyable, interesting and interactive as possible and encourage everyone to feel happy and comfortable sharing ideas.
