Ruth Ayisi

I am an enthusiastic, experienced and adaptable English teacher with a strong academic and professional background in education, psychology, journalism and international communications. I am a native English speaker and hold a 120-hour TEFL qualification, an advanced 40-hour online TEFL certificate and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Greenwich. I also have a Master’s degree in Health Psychology from City University, London, and a degree in Psychology from the University of Westminster.

My background in psychology has given me a particular interest in how people learn and communicate. I understand that every student is different, and that confidence, motivation, and previous experience can significantly affect learning. I therefore aim to create a positive, patient and supportive environment where students feel comfortable speaking English, asking questions and making mistakes. I believe mistakes are an important part of learning, and I encourage students to see them as opportunities to improve rather than something to be embarrassed about.

I have experience teaching English to learners from different cultural and professional backgrounds. I have taught English online via Zoom and I have also provided face-to-face English lessons. Whether a student wants to improve conversational English, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, writing or professional communication, I would tailor lessons to their individual needs.

My wider professional experience has also involved extensive teaching, workshop facilitation and presentations for both adults and children internationally. I have facilitated UNICEF photography workshops for disadvantaged children in Mali, Serbia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, helping participants discuss their experiences and develop their English writing skills. I have also delivered English workshops for professionals including journalists, communications officers, government officials and international development staff across Africa, Asia and Latin America. These experiences have strengthened my ability to explain ideas clearly, engage different types of learners and make learning interactive and relevant.

My career as a journalist and international communications professional is another strength I can bring to online English teaching. I have worked for organisations including BBC Radio and Radio Netherlands’ English service, and have written for publications such as The Independent and Time Magazine. I have also produced and edited a wide range of international reports, articles, web content, blogs and social media posts. This experience gives me a strong command of written and spoken English and allows me to introduce students to authentic, real-world language and communication.

When teaching online, I will use Zoom or the platform’s own classroom tools to create interactive, student-centred lessons. I will use conversation, discussion, questions, role-play, reading and short writing activities to keep students actively involved. I will adapt the pace and difficulty of each lesson according to the student’s ability and confidence. I will also provide clear corrections and constructive feedback, while ensuring that the student has plenty of opportunities to speak.

Most importantly, I want my students to enjoy their lessons and feel that they are making genuine progress. I will get to know each student as an individual, understand their goals and interests, and use these to make lessons engaging and relevant. My aim is not simply to teach English, but to help students develop the confidence to use English successfully in their everyday lives, studies and careers.