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James (IELTS)
Professional TeacherProfessional Teacher![]()
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Italian
Specialties
Test PreparationIELTS and Cambridge Exam Teacher with over 20 years experience.
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Italian
Specialties
Test PreparationIELTS and Cambridge Exam Teacher with over 20 years experience.
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United KingdomLiving in Other, Italy (07:10 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Sep 6, 2019InterestsFilms & TV SeriesTravel
Originally from the Sheffield area in the UK but now living in Italy with my Italian family. Before I was a teacher I worked in the hospitality industry where I reached general management level. I worked mainly in hotels and outside catering but have also worked in bars and restaurants. I enjoy travelling, reading and watching football.Me as a Teacher
I have been teaching English since 2002. I have taught all levels and ages but in the last few years I have focused on preparing students for Cambridge main suite exams and IELTS. I am also a Speaking examiner for Cambridge Exams. I also have experience in teaching English for Tourism and Hospitality, as well as training military personnel to pass NATO standard English tests for international missions. Over the years I have had numerous private students with various career backgrounds and motivations to learn or practise their English.My lessons & teaching style
My lessons will be tailored to the needs of the students. In the initial trial lessons I would work with the students to establish their needs and their motivation to study.After that we would come up with a plan that suits them. My lessons are designed to first practise what the students are familiar with and then progress with new material designed to make them think and take risks, building confidence to later take on less familiar material and become more independent. I ask the students to come out of the comfort zone and take risks with their English. Most students know what they want to say but often lack the confidence; my style - to encourage that confidence in a "safe" learning way.Certificates
CELTA - St Giles College, London - 2002University of Cambridge Teaching English Language Certificate to Adults. (2002)
Certificate verified
Teaching experience
2002 - 2004
English Language TeacherTeaching English to Adults from beginners to intermediate level.
2007 - 2010
Service Manager / English Lnguage TeacherManaging teaching team in large school using blended learning methods.
2010 - 2015
English Language TeacherTeaching General English and Exam Preparation Courses
2015 - 2019
English Language InstructorTeaching Soldiers of Saudi Arabian National Guard, School of Signals. General and Technical English, IELTS (General) exam preparation.
2010 - 2019
EFL Teacher / Senior TeacherTeaching teenagers 13 - 18 years old. Focus on speaking and cultural activities.
2023 - 2024
EFL TeacherTeaching English Language / Technology in modern society / Business Studies / Outdoor pursuits to summer school students aged 10 - 17.
2019 - Current
English Language TeacherAs a registered, freelance, and qualified English Language Teacher I teach various adult classes face to face and online. I specialise in IELTS, FCE and CAE exam classes as well as general conversation courses for businesses and private individuals.
Education
2002 - 2002
Bachelor’s - English Language Teaching to AdultsCELTA - An intensive 140 hour full time course with observed teaching practice.
1985 - 1989
Bachelor’s - Education and Business StudiesA four-year Bachelor's degree with honours; training teachers to teach business related subjects at Secondary level (age 14 +). School and industry placements were included in the course.
Work Experience
1989 - 2007
Management15 years experience in managerial roles within the hotel and catering industry both in the UK and Italy. Reaching General Management level my specialism was Conference and Banqueting up to 1500 people. The companies I worked for included Trusthouse Forte, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, De Vere, Le Meridien, Paramount as well as outside caterers By Word of Mouth and Party Ingredients
5.0
Rating
186
Students
1,633
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
122 lessons completed
USD 5.00+
Just speaking
B1 - C2Language Essentials603 lessons completed
USD 18.00+
Package with 6% off
IELTS / Cambridge Main Suite Exams
A2 - C1Test Preparation18 lessons completed
USD 20.00+
Package with 10% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
94 Reviews
Silvia Riva
22 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
In just one month, James managed to prepare me to reach band 8, starting from 7.5. I highly recommend his lessons to everyone. I love his patience and optimism, he really helped me feel secure. Thank you, James!
May 9, 2024
Xu Zhe
32 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
I have had 31 intensive lessons with James over the last two and a half months. Before I met James, I was a typical Chinese student who could only wield “mute English” and so intimidated to open my mouth. What’s worse, I had been rejected by the other two italki teachers. While James helped me build up my confidence and honed my skills to deal with IELTS examination. I passed IELTS with a 7.5 last week and I believe it’s was achieved by both James and me. A lot of appreciation, James, and hopefully I can meet you in person someday.
Dec 14, 2020
Simonetta
67 English lessons
Il docente, con competenza, professionalità ed empatia, sa mettere a proprio agio lo studente rendendo la lezione piacevole e proficua.
Jan 8, 2025
ChenShuo-Suzy
6 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
James is a very nice teacher, he is patient and experienced. Though this is the first time I meet him, I can still tell his specialization. He offered a clear study plan to me, and also told me some strategies for the IELTS exam. For example, he recommended me to read more academic articles in various fields to expand my vocabulary. What’s more, he also encouraged me to do more exercises in writing and let me to send my writing texts to him after class to find out where the problems are. I believe that these kinds of suggestions are really valuable, not only for me, but also for all the students who are preparing for their IELTS exams. I need to say that this is exactly one of the most effective classes I’ve ever had. So I really recommend you guys to take James’s classes.
May 13, 2022
Maria
2 English lessons
James is a great teacher. I took a trial lesson and we discussed my plans for English. James gave me feedback on my level of English and pronunciation, provided me with a plan for IELTS preparation and gave specific and general advice. He also told me that I can connect him any time even if I do not choose him. However, I am sure we will continue our studies)
May 29, 2025
Sergei Slobodchikov
31 English lessons
Very good.
Dec 13, 2023
Trial Lesson
USD 5.00
Your final payment will be made in USD