Visited a day ago
Martha Castleman
Smart Lesson
Community TutorTeaches
English
Native
Speaks
Other
Certified Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase teacher, specializing in Languages.
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Other
Certified Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase teacher, specializing in Languages.
About Me
Resume & Certificates
From South AfricaLiving in Other, South Africa (03:26 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Feb 4, 2025InterestsTravelArtHistoryEnvironment & NatureReading
Hello! I’m a certified South African teacher with over 20 years’ experience, specializing in language learning for children and teens. My journey has taken me from South Africa to the UAE and the UK, giving me a unique perspective on helping students from all backgrounds thrive. I’m passionate about making English fun and meaningful, whether you love books, travel, or exploring the outdoors. If you’re looking for a friendly, supportive tutor who understands different learning needs, I’d love to help you reach your goals and discover the joy of language together!
I’ve been teaching for over 20 years, ever since earning my Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2005. My journey has taken me from vibrant classrooms in South Africa to diverse learning environments in the UAE and the UK, working with students aged 4 to 16 — including those with special educational needs. Along the way, I’ve also completed my 180-hour TEFL certification to support English learners from all backgrounds. What keeps me passionate after all these years? The joy of meeting new people from around the world, and turning every lesson into a fun, engaging experience that sparks real learning.
My teaching style is relaxed, conversational, and sprinkled with humour — because learning works best when it’s fun! I love bringing variety into my lessons through music, short videos, interactive PowerPoint presentations, and online games that keep things lively and memorable. I always aim to create an environment where ...My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Presentation slides/PPT
- Audio files
- Image files
- Video files
- Flashcards
- Articles and news
- Quizzes
- Test templates and examples
- Graphs and charts
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
Emergent Reading and Writing in English - CTLI (Cape Teaching & Leadership Institute) - 2022I attended this two week course and finished in February 2022, learning how to help learners with the writing process from beginning to end, including all the stages of writing in creative ways that keeps the learner's interest. I have been implementing this knowledge in classrooms ever since and it really helps to create better skilled writers.
Afrikaans HL: Multi-sensory Phonics - CTLI (Cape Teaching & Leadership Institute) - 2021During the two months from March and April 2021, I took this course to upgrade my skills for teaching Languages in a multi-sensory approach. This broadened my scope for teaching people with different abilities as well as different learning styles. I can now apply these skills from ages 4 to adults.
Afrikaans Home Language Group Guided Reading - CTLI (Cape Teaching & Leadership Institute) - 2021I attended the online course over a period of 2 months. I learned new ways of teaching struggling readers to read fluently and with understanding. I can teach individuals or groups, formally or informally how to find meaning in reading.
B.Ed I/S - CPUT Wellington - 2005My maiden surname was Theart, I got married in 2010 and then started teaching in South Africa.
Bachelor's in Education - CPUT Wellington - 2005Bachelors in Languages Afrikaans and English Home Language.
Four year degree teaching children and adults English and Afrikaans as a first, second or third language.
Teaching experience
2010 - 2015
Grade 4 teacherI had the responsibility of teaching the grade 4 mixed class for five years (English and Afrikaans learners together in one class). I taught all subjects.
2017 - Current
Foundation Phase teacherI teach the grade 1-3 multi-grade class, I have 24 learners of different languages and ages from rural backgrounds in one classroom.
2006 - 2007
Supply teacherI worked as a supply teacher for two years, working in and around London, teaching children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, including special needs children. I worked and travelled and also took care of an elderly couple while travelling with them on cruise ships during school holidays. I learned a lot about the British culture and saw a whole lot of Europe. My highlight was learning about different cultures and languages around the world.
2008 - 2009
Primary school teacherI worked in the primary sector of the International School of Sharjah, working with children of all religions from all over the world.
Education
2005 - Current
Bachelor’s - Languages as well as Biology.I have English 3 as a first Language, as well as Afrikaans 3 as a first language.
2021 - 2022
Bachelor’s - Languages and Maths in Foundation PhaseAdvanced Certificate in Teaching, adding to my Bachelor's Degree in Education.
I decided to do this one-year course through a different university to add teaching ages and grades to my ISF degree. This enables me to teach ages 4 to 10 as well as ages 11 to 15.
2024 - 2025
Bachelor’s - TEFL level 5 diplomaTeaching English as a Foreign Language, 180 hour Level 5 diploma done through i-to-i and finished with distinction.
2004 - 2005
Bachelor’s - English First LanguageAs part of my B.Ed degree, my main subject was English First Language and I did a course for English Higher Language Endorsement, my Big E as it was called in those days. This qualified me to teach English First Language in schools abroad and it helped me to find teaching jobs in England.
Work Experience
2002 - Current
Teacher
2010 - Current
Spouse of Inflatable boat builderMy husband and his parents' family business has been growing successfully for years and I am privileged to be part of the company where I learned many skills and jargon in the business, also travelling to suppliers in other countries as needed to grow the business even further.
2017 - 2024
Safety officerI have been our school's safety officer for the last seven years, attending First Aid courses and acting as the Health and Safety officer daily. This expanded my interest, vocabulary and experience in the health and medicine field.
2017 - 2024
Financial officerI have been the school's Financial officer for seven years, attending all trainings in this regard, as well as handling the school's finances, setting up the budget and the financial statements to be submitted to the Department of Education annually. Our school received clean audits throughout.
5.0
Rating
3
Students
29
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
97%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
2 lessons completed
USD 7.00+
Conversational English with integrated vocabulary
A1 - C1Conversation27 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
Package with 20% off
English Grammar for Levels A1-C1
A1 - C1Language Essentials0 lessons completed
USD 11.00+
Package with 19% off
English vocabulary and communication skills for little children
A1 - B1Conversation0 lessons completed
USD 8.00+
Package with 48% off
Engaging English for Teens: Improve Your Speaking, Listening, and Writing.
A1 - B2Conversation0 lessons completed
USD 6.00+
Package with 38% off
Availability
2 Reviews
Jorge
21 English lessons
She’s an excellent teacher who really focuses on understanding what you need to improve to reach your goals. She also values your input, so the class is shaped collaboratively by both student and teacher. A great option to work with!
Jun 8, 2025
Jorge
21 English lessons
She is a very cool lady. She is very focused on all the ways she can help you improve. Her explanations are very clear and on point. I am very happy to have found her!
May 24, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 7.00
Your final payment will be made in USD