Qualified and experienced South African Physics & Chemistry Teacher, IEB, CAPS & SACAI tutored online - get the support you need to succeed.

Find out more about Lerina

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your subject and in private tutoring?

  Before developing an interest in my subject, I had a desire to relate to learners by acknowledging that school is hard and often very stressful. I was drawn to Physical Science because it is challenging and being aware of how little learners often enjoy this important subject, I started to bring my story-telling ways to the subject and found new ways to relate to my learners.
  With the COVID pandemic, a dire need for extra support for learners and the availability of online platforms to do so drew me towards private tutoring. There is a serious lack of good teaching and learning of Physical Science in South Africa due to various factors, and I like to think that my contribution is part of the solution.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  Physical Science is a metaphor for life. Many life lessons are taught by even the most mundane topics. The main lesson that I want to leave with learners however, is that it is okay to be uncomfortable and struggle in mastering the content. Our school system is not aligned to mastery, it is only aligned to showing competency. But competency is not what is expected from us as adults, mastery is. And that is what I strive for in my example. I prefer many of the Chemistry topics, maybe because I enjoy cooking.

• 3) Did you have any role models? Perhaps a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, some of my role models include ordinary people that stand in the fullness of who they are and in their own integrity as much as possible. I was inspired by many authors including Maya Angelou and Bessie Head, as well as musicians like Lauryn Hill and Brandi Carlisle.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  The ability to listen and not make assumptions that you understand what the learner is trying to say or explain. Curiosity. Self-discipline as an example for learners. A good healthy dose of humour and creativity...after all Physical Science is actually a very abstract subject, that requires 'out-of-the-box'- thinking.

• 5) Share an anecdote related to your subject or your schooldays.

  When I was a learner, I was able to convince my Life Science Teacher that I dropped my contact lens on the floor and needed everyone to help me look for it. We spent nearly a double period under the desks...all of us...just chatting away quietly.... I never had contacts🙈

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing at school?

  The system is built to accomodate only the general group in teaching, and not the individual needs and learning styles of the learners.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general, an element of this particular subject, or something completely different?

  I am very passionate about animals. You will notice one or two of my dogs quickly popping in on screen to say hi for a moment during tutoring. I am very passionate about nature, conservation and I love spending time outdoors.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof?

  My love and care for teenagers. I can't help it. 😊
  10 years of teaching experience.
  SACE and non-sexual offender registered, clear criminal check (every 6 months).
  Dry jokes.