About me

Karen Mean - BA (Hons), PGCE, PGCert Psych.

I have more than 25 years of classroom and private tuition teaching experience. I teach German and French to students ages 4-18, specialising in GCSE.

I qualified as a teacher with the University of Cambridge in 1998. I have since spent time teaching in both state and independent schools in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Australia.

I have a 2:1 degree in German with Hispanic Studies (University of Nottingham), a PGCE - focusing on German and French (University of Cambridge), and a PGCert in Psychology (University of Liverpool).

I am married with two children who are studying at university. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as playing netball, running, weight training, and swimming. I love exploring different countries, cultures, speaking languages, and learning new skills. I enjoy listening to podcasts, reading, and using languages when I travel.

My approach

I offer a proven track record for improving attainment (see ‘Home’, ‘Testimonials’), by inspiring enjoyment of languages through well-prepared, individually tailored, engaging lessons.

My approach is warm, supportive, and dynamic. I get to know my students and use insight gained from my psychology qualification to create a ‘safe space’ optimal for achievement and wellbeing. In our lessons you will never be judged for your questions or for getting something wrong. These things are key to learning and are encouraged - so be curious, attempt to make that link, be a risk taker and have a go!

I believe the core to success is being taught in a way you can learn, and so I always strive to adapt my teaching methods and materials to suit individual needs. Through this I am able to motivate and inspire students towards high standards and lifelong learning, including those with anxieties surrounding their languages abilities.

I understand the mental health challenges of young people, and having two daughters educated in multiple countries, I have personal experience of the impact of change, the pressures faced with examinations, and further education choices.