Massimiliano

My experience with special educational needs

I have recently worked as a teacher of Maths in a school for children with special education needs and for a tuition company working with pupils permanently excluded from schools or school refusers. I have also worked part-time as a Science and Maths tutor for local schools. The most important driver for my decision to change career from research to teaching is the very nature of the teaching job itself. I am convinced that teaching could be a fulfilling profession for an individual. In fact, I have had the chance to experience and feel how gratifying making a positive impact on the life of someone else could be. When working at a special school I have had the possibility to support children with special education needs who left the mainstream schools for the most diverse reasons. Here, I could clearly realize how the learning environment might have a profound impact on the learning abilities of any student.

A bit about me

I am a research scientist and a qualified teacher (ECT). I hold a UK teaching qualification (QTS/ECT with PGCE) as secondary-school biology teacher (2021). My DBS is regularly updated (on the update service). I actively worked in research in biology for the last twenty years. I completed my BSc (Hons) and PhD in Italy (Biology), and then I further developed my professional skills in the UK, where I have worked, since 2005, both in Academia and Industry. During my career in science, I have published one patent and sixteen papers (list available on LinkedIn profile) in international peer reviewed journals. I strongly believe that proficiency in any area of human activities could only be achieved within the context of a friendly and supportive environment; no real scientific progress can be accomplished without the simultaneous development of essential human values. Out of my main job, I enjoy teaching part-time as a qualified swimming teacher in a local swimming pool.

My teaching philosophy

I think that success in teaching requires excellent knowledge of the topic taught. However, even more important is the ability to create a welcoming and friendly environment. A truly effective educator should probably be able to display a good mix of human and technical skill, such as: ​- relatability and empathy (if a teacher can't connect with students, the information stays locked away). ​-approachability (students should feel safe asking trivial/difficult questions without fear of ridicule). ​-adaptability (a tutor should be able to recognize when the students are tired or confused and can adapt their lesson as required).

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

I’m providing tutoring sessions for students with these educational needs: