Visited an hour ago
Teacher Diane
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Native
Speaks
Spanish
French
German
Certified teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience.
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Spanish
French
German
Certified teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience.
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United KingdomLiving in Manchester, United Kingdom (10:22 UTC+00:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Sep 27, 2019InterestsFilms & TV SeriesEnvironment & NatureArt
I am 60 years old, I am English and I live and work in the UK. I enjoy learning languages, reading, painting and watching films.Me as a Teacher
I have been a professional teacher, teaching English in the UK since 1990. In 2002 I qualified as a teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL) with business and I have very much enjoyed this aspect of my work since then. I often work with students who have literacy and language difficulties and in this role my teaching includes every level of the English language, from the smallest unit of sound, the phoneme, to whole texts. My lessons & teaching style
I have trained to Masters level in teaching English to students with additional needs and I am skilled in designing and delivering individualized language programmes to meet the needs and interests of my students. I encourage the use of media in my teaching, for example English films and television programmes, radio programmes, newspapers, books and magazines. For students learning for business purposes, I encourage the use of professional documents, texts and media related to their professional field. I have trained in coaching and counselling and I recognize the value of these skills in encouraging my students when the learning becomes tough and their motivation is at risk.Certificates
Language and Communication Impairment in Children - University of Sheffield - 2015This masters degree required me to study the development of language and literacy and included a research project on the theme of specific language difficulty.
Certificate verified
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Edge Hill University - 2015This qualification allows me to work as a specialist teacher for students with specific numeracy difficulties.
Certificate verified
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Dyslexia) - Edge Hill University - 2014This qualification allows me to work as a specialist teacher for students with specific literacy difficulties.
Certificate verified
DELE - Nivel B1 - Instituto Cervantes - 2010
Certificate verified
Human Givens Diploma in Counselling - European Therapy Studies Institute - 2005This is a counselling diploma, I think my counselling skills are very helpful in my language teaching as students often become anxious when speaking in a new language.
Certificate verified
T.E.F.L. With Business - Global English - 2002150 hours teaching practice
Certificate verified
T.E.F.L. With Business - Global English - 2002150 hours of teaching practice
Certificate verified
PGCE Middle School Education - University of Warwick - 1990This certificate qualifies me to teach general subjects, including English, in primary and secondary schools in the UK.
Certificate verified
BSc Hons Microbiology and Virology - University of Warwick - 1985
Certificate verified
Education
2012 - 2015
Master's - Language and CommunicationLanguage and Communication Impairment in Children. I studied the way in which language develops typically, a range of language impairments and effective intervention strategies to work with children and adults with language and learning development. During this course of study I carried out a research study into the development of syntax in the English language.
2002 - 2002
Bachelor’s - TEFL with Business Cert
2014 - 2015
Bachelor’s - PGCE Specialist Dyscalculia Training
1989 - 1990
Bachelor’s - Post Graduate Certificate in Education
2002 - 2002
Bachelor’s - TEFL with Business Cert
2012 - 2014
Bachelor’s - PGCE Specialist Dyslexia Training
Work Experience
2010 - 2019
Specialist Teacher and AssessorI am a Specialist Teacher in special education, I teach students with literacy difficulties and including dyslexia and English as an additional language.
In this role I carry out assessments for the purpose of diagnosis and deliver multisensory literacy programmes and English language programmes to individuals and small groups of students.
2014 - 2019
Associate TutorI deliver the PGCE Specialist Dyslexia Training AMBDA/APS/ATS course, for which I have also written course materials. In this role I have mentor adults working at post graduate level, including students for whom English is an additional language.
2003 - 2010
Head of English and CommunicationFernhurst School was a secondary school for students from 11-16 years of age. I managed the
Communication faculty, which encompassed English, Literacy and Modern Foreign Languages.
2004 - 2006
English TeacherIn this role I taught children from 7-16 years of age, across 3 key stages, and I had responsibility for teaching English at Key Stage 3.
1999 - 2004
Inclusion TeacherIn this role I supported students with additional needs to access learning in mainstream schools. Bolton is a thriving multicultural city with many students requiring support for English as an additional language.
1993 - 1998
Primary School TeacherI was a primary school teacher, teaching the whole curriculum including English and Maths.
1985 - 1990
Medical Laboratory Scientific OfficerI worked in the Microbiology Department (Pathology) of an NHS hospital, where I analysed clinical samples. I feel that having held this post is helpful to me in being an italki teacher as it demonstrates that I have experience and subject specific knowledge in the field of science and medicine.
5.0
Rating
274
Students
3,479
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
158 lessons completed
USD 10.00+
Conversation with Correction
A1 - C2Conversation1,383 lessons completed
USD 12.50+
Package with 10% off
Informal Tutoring
A1 - C2Language Essentials1,074 lessons completed
USD 15.00+
Package with 34% off
Comprehension and Grammar
A1 - C2Language Essentials423 lessons completed
USD 12.00+
Absolute Beginners
A1Language Essentials230 lessons completed
USD 12.00+
Package with 6% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
133 Reviews
Manuela
6 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Diena creates a very comfortable learning environment. She demonstrates great patience and is always attentive to listen.
Jan 14, 2026
Maria
55 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Diane is the best teacher you will ever have.
Feb 3, 2025
Manuela
6 English lessons
I like so much speak with Diane; she is so patience e curious to know my point of view.
Feb 8, 2026
chiru
179 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Diane is a caring, thoughtful, and open-minded teacher. She has helped me improve my speaking skills by providing spot-on English idioms, correcting my misuse of verb tenses, and showing me how to speak more like a native. Highly recommended!
Aug 5, 2025
Kate
6 English lessons
Diane is a consummate professional. During her lessons, she constantly types out all the words and expressions I need to learn, which is incredibly helpful for my review. She is also genuinely interested in what I have to say and asks engaging questions that keep the conversation flowing. Thank you, Diane!
Mar 11, 2026
Jitka Smolíková
35 English lessons
I am very happy to choose Diane to be my teacher. Experienced, educated, patient, supporting. Can´t wait to have another lesson.
Dec 15, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 10.00
Your final payment will be made in USD
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