Richmond Hill-based English teacher with over 15 years of experience gives classes to all levels.

Find out more about Philip

• When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  I first started teaching ESL / EFL (English as a Second / Foreign Language) when I was in Peru in 2009. Prior to that, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher but I wasn't sure in what field, and so I decided to try teaching English. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. I soon discovered that I really enjoyed teaching English, and although it has been a long time since I started I am always finding new techniques and activities to improve my teaching skills.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  I think one of the most important aspects of my passion for teaching is that I love languages. While English is my native language, I also speak Spanish and Portuguese, both of which I learnt as an adult. Therefore, I understand what it takes to learn a language- I know the challenges, the techniques that tend to work, and the importance of motivation and relevance when it comes to language learning. The fact that I have been through this process, and am even now constantly improving my Spanish and Portuguese, means that I am able to empathise and guide those who are taking a similar journey with English.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  The first thing that I like about tutoring is the connection with students. I have met so many interesting people over the years that I have been teaching, from all different backgrounds, cultures and circumstances, but who all share a common goal: to learn English. Seeing as I myself have learnt Spanish and Portuguese, I find an immediate commonality with my students in that we are all language learners, and it is my privilege to help guide them on their English journey. Secondly, I like the fact that no two classes are ever the same. Even if I have taught the material before, each student has different knowledge, questions, challenges and abilities, and this makes every class a unique and individual experience.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  Before they retired, both my mum and dad were teachers, my mum having spent her career teaching primary school, and my dad having taught secondary school physics. In both cases their dedication to their craft, along with their knowledge combined with a persistent attitude of growth and improvement have always been inspirational to me. Over the years, I have frequently gone to them for advice about how to raise my level as a teacher.

• What are your keys to success?

  While there is no single "formula" for success, throughout my career I have found that successful ESL / EFL teachers tend to show some similar qualities. High student participation / Student Talk Time is very important, as is making sure that the students can see the relevance and are engaged in the lesson. Professionalism is also key, which includes such elements as always being on time, promptly answering the students' questions and concerns outside of the class, being well-presented and dedicating time to proper lesson planning. Professional development is another key to success, and I believe that no matter how long they have been teaching a teacher should never stop learning how to be better or how to keep up with the latest techniques, materials and technological advances. Finally, a successful teacher must be a well-rounded person who looks at the world with an open mind and inquisitive eye, and who then brings that thirst for knowledge with them into the classroom. To me, a combination of these key principles tends to make the most successful ESL / EFL teachers.