Trinity College Dublin MPhil English Graduate offering expert English tutoring for Junior & Leaving Cert students, essay help, dissertation support, and proofreading. Tailored sessions to build confid

Find out more about Kasey

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My love for English really took hold in my teenage years! I was always the student who genuinely looked forward to reading assignments and creative writing projects. That passion led me to study English Literature at University College Dublin, and later complete an MPhil in Modern and Contemporary Literary Studies at Trinity College Dublin.
  
  Tutoring became a natural extension of my academic journey, but it also grew into something much deeper through my professional experience. For nearly a decade, I've tutored in Direct Provision settings, supporting learners from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds. I also work as an Associate Tutor in the Greater Dublin region alongside author Martin Keaveney, which has given me the chance to teach in diverse and dynamic learning environments.
  
  Tutoring allows me to combine my subject expertise with my passion for clear communication, inclusivity, and student-centred learning. It's incredibly rewarding to help others build confidence and find their own voice through language and literature.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach English at both secondary and third-level, covering everything from close reading and comparative studies to essay writing and literary theory. I love working with texts-whether novels, plays, poems, or films-and encouraging students to find their own voice when responding to them. Literary analysis, thematic exploration, and creative interpretation are areas I particularly enjoy. I believe that clarity and precision in language are important, and I always aim to help students strengthen those skills in context.
  
  History is another subject that I have a great interest in, Irish History in particular. This has enriched my literary work throughout my journey, and I personally feel that you cannot have literature without historical context.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, several. One in particular was my Leaving Cert English teacher, who treated our class discussions like literary salons. She encouraged us to think deeply, question confidently, and never settle for surface-level interpretations. She made literature of all sorts feel relevant, and that's something I try to bring into every tutoring session. I've also had incredible lecturers who modelled how to engage critically while nurturing curiosity.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to be patient, adaptable, and genuinely interested in how their student thinks. It's not just about explaining concepts, but about asking the right questions, building confidence, and tailoring your approach to each individual. In my opinion, a strong tutor understands that one size does not fit all when it comes to English, therefore a tutor must help their students find their own voices!

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I remember giving a class presentation in my Undergrad years on a particularly dense poem by T.S. Eliot. I was nervous, but I found an angle that resonated with me and presented it through the lens of popular music and culture. To my surprise, it sparked an hour long discussion between my peers and I. That moment taught me how powerful it can be to make personal connections with a text and to help others see its relevance in unexpected ways. It's a strategy I now use regularly with my students.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  One ongoing challenge is helping students unlearn the idea that there's only one right answer in English. Many come into tutoring thinking they just need to guess what a teacher wants to hear. I work to shift that mindset by showing them how to build well-supported interpretations that reflect their own insights. Every student must remember there is no one right answer; any answer can be correct if backed up with supporting evidence!
  
  Another challenge is managing exam pressure, especially with timed writing, but we tackle that through consistent, structured practice and confidence-building.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Teaching is definitely one of my core passions. I love the process of helping someone grow in skill and confidence, whether that's through mastering comparative analysis or finding their voice in a personal essay. Outside of tutoring, I'm also passionate about digital design and creating educational resources, which lets me combine creativity with pedagogy. I'm currently developing digital study guides and planners to support learners beyond the tutoring session.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P)?

  What sets me apart as a tutor is my thoughtful, flexible, and student-focused approach. I do not just teach the material. I focus on the person who is learning it. Each lesson is carefully tailored to suit the student's individual goals, learning style, and pace. I am always looking for ways to make content more engaging, meaningful, and accessible. Whether a student is aiming for top exam results or simply wants to feel more confident with a text, I help them get there with structure, encouragement, and a touch of humour.
  
  I also recognise that learning does not happen in a vacuum. Life continues outside of our sessions, and every student brings their own background, experiences, and challenges to the table. My years of tutoring in diverse settings, including Direct Provision, have taught me that patience and empathy are not just helpful qualities. They are essential. In my experience, these are the values that truly distinguish a great tutor from a good one!