Lia Cuthill

I have wanted to be an educator since I was about eight years old: I was teaching my younger siblings to read at the time. Later on as my English tutor partnered with me to improve my language skills, I developed keen interest in English as a foreign language and felt I wanted to teach the subject for the rest of my life. Volunteering in a summer camp by leading ESOL activities and being a teacher’s assistant only solidified my desire, and I became an English language tutor. I prepared my own lesson plans and developed materials and activities in accordance with the CEFR and my students’ school curriculums. I created personalised resources and programs based on the learners’ goals and needs.

As a FLEX and PAX exchange student programs finalist, I spent nine months in the USA developing language, communication, and leadership skills. I observed native English speakers teaching foreign languages and was inspired by their methods. Upon return, I found ways to apply them to my own lessons and to the Oxford resources the language school I was teaching in was utilising. When the pandemic started, I taught online and organised several Games in Zoom events for learners from all over my country.

When the war in my home country broke out, I moved to the UK and got a job as an asylum and refugee support worker, helping people from all over the world feel at home in Scotland. I know what it is like to be adjusting in a country you have never been to, going through culture shock, dealing with grief and trauma. I eventually went on to become a clerical assistant in Education, which I have been really happy about as I was able to go back to my passion for learning and teaching at least to some degree.

I have now taught English as a Second / Other language for 6 years and absolutely love it. I aim to be a good teacher by remaining patient and constructive in my feedback. I am also open to your comments about my teaching style and always look to improve.

As a Cambridge CELTA holder, I have high standards, but I always tailor my lessons towards my students. YOU are at the centre of YOUR learning. I will use my experience and knowledge to put you first in the classroom.

My lessons are between 45 and 90 minutes long, depending on what works for you. I am also open to online and face-to-face, individual and group lessons. My main question is always how can I help YOU improve, so whatever works for you works for me.