Maria Wiltshire

Hello, my name is Maria and I'm a certified teacher of Russian as a Foreign Language. I teach online via various platforms: GCSE Russian, A Level Russian, university students and casual learners - I have students of all ages.

I graduated from Moscow State University where I got a BA in English Language and Literature and then subsequently a PhD in Linguistics (Discourse Analysis), followed by, some years later, a course in teaching Russian as a Foreign Language. Despite having a classical and academic education, I teach in a fun and relaxed way and do not overburden my students with grammar rules. I try my best teaching Russian in a natural way, like a child would learn it, with no judgement or expectations.

I started teaching when I was still a student, first to Russian students (teaching English), then Russian as a foreign language to adults - mostly people who worked at embassies in Moscow. I restarted teaching some time after I moved to the UK with my job at the British Council, and this time I taught at an evening course at my local VI form college and at a weekend supplementary school for bilingual Russian-English speaking children. I have recently completed a teaching for bilingual children course by Daria Kumatrenko.

My students say:

*****
Maria prepared both of my children for their Russian GCSE, and we are extremely happy with the result — they both achieved a Grade 9, the highest possible grade.

Maria is a very kind, supportive and professional teacher. She found an individual approach to each of my children, taking into account their strengths and the areas that needed more attention. The exam preparation was systematic and well organised, covering all the skills and types of tasks needed for the GCSE.

I would especially like to mention the lessons themselves. My children described Maria’s lessons as engaging, lively and dynamic. They genuinely enjoyed learning with her, which I believe is very important for successful learning.

We are very grateful to Maria for the excellent results and for creating such a friendly and supportive atmosphere throughout the lessons. After their successful GCSE results, we decided to continue lessons with Maria and will prepare for A-level Russian with her. I would happily recommend Maria as a wonderful Russian language teacher with experience in preparing students for GCSE.

*****
Wonderful teacher. Very attuned to the student, perceptive, clear, kind and patient. Shared very helpful cultural references.

*****
I have had several Russian teachers in the past, but from the very first lesson, Maria's approach stood out. By blending grammar, conversation, and engaging exercises, she created the most effective path toward fluency that I have experienced. Maria is knowledgeable, patient, and supportive, and I strongly recommend her to anyone looking for a Russian teacher.

*****
She is very nice and explains things very well. The lessons with Maria are a lot of fun!

*****
My tutor, Maria, is excellent. The lessons provide a well-balanced combination of grammar and speaking practice, which makes them both engaging and effective. I have many opportunities to speak and read, helping me improve my pronunciation and confidence. The sessions are always varied and closely connected to real-life situations, making the learning process both enjoyable and practical.

*****
Maria is an excellent Russian tutor! She is patient, approachable, and kind, and she adapts each lesson to my current level. She understands the specific challenges English speakers face when learning Russian and helps me navigate common pitfalls. Her lessons are thoughtfully structured, with a smooth, logical progression that builds confidence and understanding. I highly recommend Maria to anyone learning Russian!

*****
Maria is a very supportive teacher and good at explaining. The lessons are well paced for my needs and I would definitely recommend to anyone beginning their russian language journey.

*****
Maria is a great listener and provides calm, understanding and tailored lessons and homework materials, always sensitive and adaptable to one's changing language needs and focus. Our rapport has continued to grow over the year plus that I have been under her tutelage and I envision continuing to need and look forward to her guidance as my language skills develop further still. It's a real pleasure – c ???????? ??????????????, ?????!

*****
Maria jest profesjonalnym nauczycielem. Tematy lekcji sa dobierane indywidualnie. Jestem bardzo zadowolony z lekcji z Maria. Maria is a professional teacher. Lesson topics are individually selected. I am very pleased with my lessons with Maria.

*****
I feel my Russian has come on in leaps and bounds since I started lessons with Maria. She seems to intuitively understand my needs and interests, tailoring the class to suit my level, using all kinds of tools from textbooks and worksheets to cartoons and videos to keep things challenging and motivating. Her skill, patience and gentle humour are greatly appreciated. Thank you Maria!

*****
My lessons with Maria are nothing short of fantastic! She is methodical and clear in every area, often going back to past mistakes and making sure we cover every area/topic until fully understood. She is patient and with her many years of experience in teaching i know i am i good hands in achieving my goals.

*****
Lessons with Maria are great! She is an engaging and positive teacher who tailors the lessons to student's level. I’ve learned so much in a short time, and I always feel motivated after each class. Highly recommend her as a teacher! I'm looking forward to our future lessons, thank you Maria :)

*****
Maria has helped my Son learn Russian. She has been engaging, inspiring and really effective. Highly recommend.

*****
I highly recommend Marie as a teacher. She’s not only kind and friendly, but also attentive to my needs as a student and responds to them by suggesting specific topics. She encourages me to speak and creates such a comfortable atmosphere where speaking feels easy and natural. She has a beautiful native accent that’s a pleasure to listen to, and always brings up interesting and engaging topics. Top marks from me – I really enjoy our lessons and look forward to each one.

*****
I have been learning Russian with Maria for two months now. Her lessons are engaging and constructive, and having lessons with her incentivises to improve and practice outside out lessons. Before having lessons with Maria, I never thought I’d be capable of learning another language and Maria has helped me challenge that belief. Thank you so much!

*****
I just wanted to say a big thank you to Maria for being such a wonderful Russian teacher! She’s so patient and always makes learning fun. Her lessons are clear and easy to follow, and she really helps me feel confident in speaking and understanding Russian. I also love how encouraging she is, it makes learning so much easier and more enjoyable. Thanks a lot, Maria, for everything you do!

*****
Wonderful instructor who makes it fun and practical. Easy to understand in the lessons and I feel I am being paced well. I do study in my own time between lessons, which helps. Maria is an excellent and knowledgeable instructor. Answers all my questions and provides me with learning tools. I am very pleased with having her as my instructor.

*****
Maria is an excellent teacher. Methodical but creative in her teaching, and always very encouraging. I thoroughly recommend her.

*****
She's very well prepared, patient, and keeps lesson moving forward