Joanne
Hello!
Hi, I'm Joanne — originally from the UK, but I've lived and worked around the world for the last 20+ years. I'm a qualified teacher specialising in Computer Science, Business, Business English, and English Language and Literature. Outside the classroom, I'm a keen musician: I play the euphonium, I'm learning the piano, and — for my sins — I was once a recorder player. I love reading, particularly modern detective thrillers. I currently live and work in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and I'm also learning Spanish myself, so I know firsthand just how challenging it can be!
What can I say? I have a wicked sense of humour, I live every day as it comes, I give my best to everything I do, and I work hard to learn something new each day — but most of all, I genuinely love my job. I never actually wanted to be a teacher. I wasn't fond of school, didn't always make it through the gates in the morning, and found most lessons thoroughly dull. Every adult who told me I'd regret not making the most of it turned out to be absolutely right. Now, I love school. I love being able to shift students' perceptions of what learning can be, and I take great pride in challenging the idea that teachers and lessons have to be boring. My greatest joy is watching a student — of any age — realise their own potential. Seeing my students shine is what it's all about. I feel fortunate every day to play a part in other people's journeys. There is honestly no place I'd rather be than in a classroom.
About
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Teaching Style
My style is boisterous, fun, engaging, a little unconventional, and generally quite loud — and that's entirely intentional. Because my own school days were on the dull side, I made a decision early on: when I became a teacher, I was going to be myself. That means I have to be genuinely enjoying the lesson too, because if I'm bored, I can guarantee my students are. I'll always look for topics, subjects, books, music, and films that you are interested in and use those as the springboard for your English practice. I can't promise every joke will land, but there will always be humour, laughter, and real learning in whatever we bring into our sessions together. Your learning environment matters enormously — and you help shape and build it. I'm here to facilitate; you're here to grow.