Meet our tutors - Helen Matthews

Meet our French and Spanish tutor Helen. Helen has been teaching modern languages for almost thirty years, teaching in secondary schools until 2001 when Helen joined Kent Adult Education. Helen says "In my very first lesson of French, at the tender age of 11, I simply loved the idea of being able to express myself in another language. It almost felt like a secret magical code." Helen learnt Spanish as a beginner at University, and studied intensively in the first year to be able to transfer to the degree level course the following year. Helen says "I love the fact that language learning opens doors into different cultures. My periods abroad in both France and Spain weren't without their challenges, but living in a different country, and using the language really opens your eyes I think to other ways of living."

Here's more from Helen...

KAE: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Helen: My husband as he is the most amazing musician, and he is very patient with me - most of the time!

KAE: Why do you enjoy teaching?

Helen: I just live the breadth of people you meet. So many varied individuals, all on a different learning journey, but when they come to class it feels as if we all share a common purpose.

KAE: What is your approach to teaching?

Helen: I try to foster an inclusive supportive classroom, where everyone is welcome, and where it's ok to make mistakes. Mistakes in language are all part of the process, and if we can laugh together whilst also learning with and from each other, so much the better.

KAE: What makes Kent Adult Education classes different?

Helen: The organisation I work for encourages all tutors to work on equality, diversity and inclusion in their classroom. We are in the business of helping to build stronger communities and I think that can be frequently demonstrated in how most of our students both in the classroom and beyond provide each other with a lot of peer support, friendship and encouragement.

KAE: What do your courses involve?

Helen: Much focus on communication, particularly with the ability to engage in class oral activities, developing both listening and speaking skills. I teach across all levels in the service, so the classes will vary depending on the level and course content which is normally decided by the management team. But within that framework I have the flexibility to also deliver a syllabus appropriate to the learners' needs. For some that might be more work on grammar, some more listening work, an element of creative writing, or advanced level discussion. It really depends on the groups and the learners.

KAE: Any final thoughts?

Helen: I feel I am also constantly learning with my students. I don't have all the answers, and those students who have been with me for some years, I am sure are aware of that. I feel I have learnt as much from my students as they might have from me - culturally, linguistically, and in my practice as a reflective tutor. Kent Adult Education provides a great environment for self-growth, social connectivity and cohesion for all of us involved in this organisation, including learners as well as staff.