Hello and welcome!

I'm a native Russian speaker originally from Kaliningrad who moved to the UK in 1996. These days, I've lived in Yorkshire longer than I lived in Russia, so my life is very much shaped by both cultures. I love sharing my passion for languages and helping students discover the richness of both Russian and English.

I am a qualified teacher in both Russia and the UK, and I hold degrees in English from Kaliningrad State University, Linguistics from the University of York, and Interpreting from the University of Bradford. My academic background, combined with many years of teaching experience, allows me to tailor lessons to a wide range of learners and goals.

As the mother of a bilingual son, I have a particular interest in language learning for bilingual children. In 2017, I completed a specialist course at Moscow State University in Methods of Teaching Russian to Bilingual Children, which further deepened my understanding of how children successfully develop and maintain both languages.

In March 2022, I became a published author with the release of My Favourite Subject is Russian, a collection of 30 texts designed to support students preparing for GCSE Russian. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy photography, art, and long walks in the Yorkshire countryside.

I look forward to helping you build your confidence in Russian and achieve your language-learning goals!

I have been teaching ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) since 1991 and Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) since 2000, giving me more than three decades of experience supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, abilities, and learning goals.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, teenagers, university students, and adult learners, helping them develop confidence and achieve success in their language studies. My teaching experience includes both one-to-one tuition and classroom teaching in independent and language schools, including Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Bradford Grammar School, and Bradford Girls’ Grammar School.

I believe that language learning should be engaging, practical, and tailored to each student's individual needs. Whether you are learning Russian for exams, work, travel, family connections, or simply for the enjoyment of discovering a new language, I adapt my lessons to suit your goals, interests, and learning style.

In recent years, I have expanded my teaching practice online, successfully working with students from across the UK and beyond. Teaching remotely has allowed me to support learners at all levels- from complete beginners taking their first steps in Russian to advanced students preparing for GCSEs, A Levels, university studies, or professional communication.

My aim is to create a friendly, supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and steadily building their confidence and fluency.

I see teaching Russian language and culture as both a privilege and a passion, and I am always delighted to welcome new learners. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is meeting people from different backgrounds and helping them achieve their individual language goals. Every student's journey is unique, and their curiosity, enthusiasm, and ambitions inspire me to create lessons that are engaging, practical, and tailored specifically to their needs.

Our first lesson is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, discuss your goals, and create a clear and personalised learning plan. Whether you are learning Russian for exams, work, travel, family connections, business, or simply for the enjoyment of mastering a new language, I will adapt the course to suit your interests, preferred learning style, and available timeframe.

If you have studied Russian before, I can carry out an informal diagnostic assessment to identify your current level and determine the best starting point. I teach in line with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and TORFL/TRKI (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language) frameworks and am happy to guide students towards these internationally recognised qualifications.

While we often select a suitable textbook to provide structure and continuity, language learning with me extends far beyond the pages of a course book. I regularly explore and evaluate new teaching resources to ensure that students benefit from the most effective and up-to-date materials available. Depending on your interests, lessons may incorporate films, documentaries, literature, photography, art, current affairs, music, and a wide variety of online resources that bring the Russian language and culture to life.

I believe that successful language learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. To support steady progress, I provide a structured learning programme, carefully selected materials, and personalised recommendations, including books, articles, films, podcasts, and other resources that match your level and interests. Thoughtfully designed homework helps reinforce learning between lessons and keeps the process enjoyable, motivating, and effective. Whether you are preparing for an examination or learning at a more relaxed pace, I will ensure that lessons remain focused on your goals and progress. I also offer guidance on effective study techniques and extensive support for exam preparation, including Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A Level Russian, Cambridge IGCSE First Language Russian, and TORFL examinations. In addition, I work as an independent speaking examiner, giving me valuable insight into assessment criteria and helping students approach exams with confidence and success.

Above all, my aim is to create a friendly, supportive learning environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and growing in confidence as a Russian speaker.