Our teachers

Why did you become a teacher? 

My final years of undergraduate study in New Zealand were funded by a New Zealand government studentship. Conditions of the financial assistance were that teachers were obliged to teach in a government secondary school for the number of years they had received financial support. After graduation I worked in theatre in Wellington, and worked as a postman, a job which allowed me plenty of free time to pursue my interest. Eventually, however, the New Zealand government wanted their "pound of flesh" and I was directed to report to the Christchurch Secondary Teachers' College to embark on a one year course of study leading to the Diploma of Teaching. At first, I was reluctant to sacrifice my bohemian lifestyle for a career in teaching, but after a few teaching pracs in a number of schools I discovered that I enjoyed the challenges and rewards of the profession. After a year studying the methodologies of teaching English and Music, I was appointed to a small country school, north of Auckland.

Why Russia? 

From an early age I have been fascinated by aspects of Russian culture, particularly music. I first heard the music of Shostakovich when was only 13 or 14 years of age and this was a revelation. In fact my decision to teach in Moscow was greatly influenced by my interest in music, literature and theatre. I can say without hesitation that some of the greatest orchestral performances I have heard in my life have been in Moscow and St. Petersburg during the past three years.

Which courses do you teach? 

Apart from the occasional one-to-one general class, most of my teaching involves IELTS preparation, both General and Academic modules. 

What do you mostly enjoy in teaching?

Having taught teenagers for a large part of my teaching career, it has been refreshing to engage with intelligent and motivated adults who want to learn.