Experienced English teacher and French native, I have a Master's degree in linguistics and almost 20 years experience in teaching English and French. I started working as a bilingual governess in 2010, and my first role lasted for over five years (2010-2015) working for a French family in the South of France. My duties were mainly educational with a special focus on the language development for their children aged 8, 9 and 11 when I started the job. I also covered other aspects of their school subjects, like maths & sciences, history & geography, etc., as well as their personal development, engaging them in games, sports, or other activities that could provide learning while having fun. While working with them, I took an interest in Montessori methods, and I have been applying them ever since.
My second role as a bilingual governess began in February 2019, working for a Saudi Princess and her 3 little daughters aged 18 months, 4y and 6y at the time. I widely used Montessori methods with them, introducing French through games, songs, or other playful activities. Thus, the language input of both French and English (the girls speak English fluently, but it needed improving) had to be essentially oral. They already understood French when I left in September 2019, due to an unfortunate event in my family. They were already watching cartoons, singing songs and even having easy conversations in French. I always played with them, engaging in their games or teaching them new ones. I also oversaw the girls’ diet and daily routine.
Until the war in Ukraine I worked in Kyiv as a bilingual governess/teacher in Kyiv, and during the summer I used to follow the family to their residence in Saint-Tropez. I had in charge 2 girls aged 9 and 11 when I started the contract in February 2020. My main responsibility was to prepare the girls for the Ukiset tests, as the parents wanted to enrol their daughters in an exclusive British school in UK, where they are studying at present. I also introduced French, which they already speak very confidently. I provided face-to-face classes daily both in French and English, and I also taught them maths, a subject I am very confident with and that I taught extensively while I was working in public schools. Other responsibilities were organising their academic schedule (as the girsl were homeschooled since 2019), arranging activities, playing with the girls, reading (both French and English books for their age), spending time communicating, learning and having fun.
Besides my governess experience, I should mention my experience as an English and French teacher in regular schools. I taught in secondary schools to students aged between 10 to 18 years old, but I also had collaborations with independent language centres. My teaching experience spans over 18 years. I hold a Master’s degree in English linguistics and a BA in English and French literature & linguistics. Besides English and French, I speak a little Italian, and I have some basic knowledge of Russian (I can read and write, basic vocabulary).
I like working with children and I am very much at ease with them. I am also well organised, keen on learning new things every day, and passionate about teaching in an interactive way. I have always tried to stimulate my students’ creativity, and let them express themselves, which could be fun for both parties. I am able to share and feed the children with a passion for learning. I like fun-loving people, full of energy and pretty sporty: I jog, take long walks, I am a confident swimmer, I play tennis and badminton from time to time, I can ski (less confident though). I do not smoke and enjoy a healthy diet & lifestyle.
I can provide references and I am at your disposal to provide you with any document in order for you to review my credentials and experience. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dorina