Before training as a teacher, John served as an Engineering Officer in the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF). He has travelled all over the world and was privileged to work with and be inspired by some amazing people. On leaving the RAF, John realised how much I missed working with young people and supporting them to be the very best versions of themselves.

John has now been working as a teacher for nearly 15 years and thinks he has one of the best jobs in the world! He loves to make connections between what is taught in classrooms and what happens in the world around us. John firmly believes students should always be able to ask the question ‘When will I ever need this in my life?’

John’s online teaching and tutoring experience started about 5 years ago. Since then, he has taught students from Beijing to Brighton. He says, “online teaching provides a sanctuary for students to learn and to ask questions. It provides a space where students can grasp concepts and to seek clarification when they get stuck.” Because classes are much smaller than traditional classrooms, and teachers have visual contact with students throughout the lesson, John finds it is much easier to spot when a student is struggling. Feedback is immediate. The pace of the lesson can be adjusted much more easily – sped up or slowed down – depending on the learning. Consequently, students progress more quickly.

John finds fulfilment in that lightbulb moment when a student finally ‘gets it’. Watching a student’s face light up when they have struggled or when they make a connection that they never thought existed. But also, helping students to realise their potential and not to be constrained by artificial boundaries.