About Rita
Mathematics has been at the heart of my professional life for more than 25 years, but my greatest satisfaction has always come from helping young people discover confidence in themselves.
As a qualified maths teacher, former Head of Department, experienced examiner and teacher trainer, I have worked with students of all abilities in schools, colleges and through one-to-one tuition. Throughout my career, I have remained fascinated by how young people learn mathematics and by the difference thoughtful teaching can make to both confidence and achievement.
Today, I work with a carefully limited number of students each year. This allows me to build genuine relationships with every family, tailor each lesson to the individual, and provide the level of care and attention that defines my practice.
My experience has taught me that successful tuition is about much more than improving grades. It is about helping young people feel capable, supported and empowered to reach their potential.
The teacher I am today has been shaped not only by more than twenty-five years in education, but also by the teachers who changed my own life. Their influence continues to inspire the way I teach every day.
The story behind my teaching
The first time I nervously walked into a classroom to teach my very first lesson, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
More than twenty-five years later, I still feel the same.
When I look back over my career, I think about the thousands of young people whose paths have briefly crossed mine. Every class has been different, every student has had their own story, and it has been a privilege to play a small part in so many journeys. A friend once told me she didn't know anyone who felt as inspired by their work as I do, and she was right. Teaching has given me a career I have loved from the very beginning.
Perhaps that's because I know first-hand the difference a great teacher can make.
I was fifteen years old when I discovered a love of mathematics. Until then, I had been an average maths student. I managed reasonably well, but I never really understood what I was doing. Then a new maths teacher arrived.
I don't remember exactly how she taught. I just remember that, for the first time, mathematics made sense. She was speaking my language, and suddenly the missing pieces fell into place. I went from quietly hoping not to be asked a question to genuinely loving the subject. Looking back now, I realise that one teacher changed the direction of my life.
Not long afterwards, my own education became unexpectedly difficult. It was the kindness, encouragement and belief of several wonderful teachers that helped me rebuild my confidence. Their faith in me left a lasting impression, and I decided that one day I wanted to be that kind of teacher for someone else.
And now…..
Those experiences continue to shape the way I teach today.
I understand what it feels like to lose confidence, to feel overwhelmed, or to believe that everyone else understands when you don't. I also know how transformative it can be when someone takes the time to listen, explain things differently and believe in your potential.
Over more than twenty-five years in education, I have taught students of many different ages, abilities and backgrounds. One thing has remained constant: every young person can make progress when they receive the right support, encouragement and teaching. My role is not simply to explain mathematics, but to help students develop the confidence to believe that they can succeed.
I remain fascinated by how young people learn mathematics and by the small moments when understanding suddenly clicks into place. Those moments are just as rewarding today as they were when I first stepped into a classroom.
If I can help even a handful of young people discover the same confidence and enjoyment in mathematics that my own teachers gave to me, I will consider my career well spent.