Visited 14 hours ago
Sara Thelwell
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Native
Speaks
Spanish
Other
Swedish
Specialties
Test PreparationCertified teacher with over 20 years' experience
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Spanish
Other
Swedish
Specialties
Test PreparationCertified teacher with over 20 years' experience
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United KingdomLiving in Other, United Kingdom (07:01 UTC+01:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Jan 10, 2017InterestsArtTravel
Hi everyone!
As well as teaching I love travelling and learning about different cultures and countries. I have lived abroad several times - in Spain, Mexico and Libya, and have visited around 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. I love eating out and really enjoy food from all over the world.
I come from a family of artists and I love looking at and talking about art, as well as being creative myself. I also really enjoy spending time in nature and gardening, and one of my other hobbies is to photograph flowers and plants and make art from them too.Me as a Teacher
I started teaching during my year abroad in Madrid, Spain, which was part of my degree course. I 'got the bug' and I've been teaching ever since! I particularly love teaching on italki because I can work one-to-one with you and so we can work on exactly what you want and need. Every class is personalised to suit you. My lessons & teaching style
My lesson vary, depending on what you need. For example, if you require it, I have material that I can share with you to use during the class and for self study.
If you cannot give me at least 24 hours notice, the Italki credits will be transferred to me if you cannot attend the class.My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Image files
- Articles and news
- Test templates and examples
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
DELTA - University of Cambridge - 2008
Certificate verified
IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE - None - 2007I have taught IELTS since 2007, FCE since 2006, CAE since 2008 and CPE since 2018.
I don't have any qualifications or certificates to confirm I have the qualifications to teach these, as no qualifications or certificates exist.
I also worked as an invigilator for University of Southampton IELTS department for several years between 2011-2013.
I have taught over 1,500 exam classes on Italki and my students have been very happy with my lessons. Please see the attached PDF file.
Certificate verified
CELTA - University of Cambridge - 2006
Certificate verified
BA Hons Spanish - University of Southampton - 2004
Certificate verified
Education
2006 - 2006
Other - CELTA - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other LanguagesI completed my first teaching qualification, which is a Cambridge English Teaching Qualification, on my return from Mexico. It gave me essential knowledge, hands-on teaching experience and classroom confidence
2007 - 2008
Other - DELTA - Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other LanguagesThis advanced teaching qualification combined theory and practice and I developed my skills and confidence. As part of the course, I designed a syllabus and taught a range of standard and experimental lessons which were assessed.
2000 - 2004
Bachelor’s - BA Spanish and Latin American StudiesI began by studying Spanish and Italian and then switched to Spanish and Latin American Studies. I also took modules in French and Japanese. I spent my third year living and working in Madrid, Spain, where I worked in a secondary school.
Work Experience
2006 - 2017
Senior Teacher and Academic CounsellorAlthough much of my work is done in the classroom, for the past two years, I have taught one-to-one classes via Skype. The main focus of my classes has been IELTS preparation.
2006 - 2006
English TeacherI worked for three months in an English language school, providing high quality lessons to adults of all levels.
2004 - 2005
English TeacherI worked in a university, supporting students with their English language skills.
2002 - 2003
English Language AssistantI taught groups of secondary school students of all ages English, with a focus on communicative activities.
5.0
Rating
555
Students
6,243
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
309 lessons completed
USD 27.00+
Pass your exam! - IELTS, FCE, CAE and CPE
B2 - C2Test Preparation1,650 lessons completed
USD 40.00+
Package with 18% off
Let's Talk - General English
B1 - C2Language Essentials3,433 lessons completed
USD 38.00+
Package with 25% off
Language Coaching
B1 - C2Language Essentials403 lessons completed
USD 40.00+
Package with 18% off
Availability
My creations
Quiz (10)
444 Reviews
Cindy
11 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
I really appreciate Sara's patience and kindness. She knows how to put me at ease and encourage me to express myself, even if I make mistakes. She is very attentive to my needs and tailored the lesson to my level.
Jul 14, 2025
Carsten
56 English lessons
Sara is still the best teacher for me.
Mar 26, 2026
I’m Burn
3 English lessons
Sara is so brilliant. She can focus on my point which is about intonation and pronunciation. Thanks a lot. Have a lovely day. See you later.
Sep 26, 2025
Inessa
11 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Sara's clear explanations and constructive feedback have helped me to better understand IELTS structure, complex grammar rules and expand my vocabulary. She is always encouraging and patient, which has boosted my confidence in using English. I highly recommend Sara to anyone looking to improve their English skills or to prepare for English exams. Her expertise make her an outstanding teacher!
Jun 27, 2024
Lana
5 English lessons
Sara is a very attentive teacher. She helps a lot, she’s always prepared for the lesson. I’m very satisfied by the work she does!
Mar 25, 2026
Ulf Bodechtel
40 English lessons
The trial lesson was very relaxed and friendly. We discussed my needs and made a plan. It was very pleasant.
Aug 15, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 27.00
Your final payment will be made in USD
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