About
Hello! I am a secondary teacher of three decades’ experience, specialising in English and Literature (along with Religious Education). I have extensive knowledge of VCE and IBMYP requirements, and work with students who are following both traditional school pathways and home-schooling. I am friendly and approachable, and my students have always commended my amiability, dedication, kindness and generosity in helping them to find academic success, wellbeing and a deeper appreciation of the ideas they are curious about.
I offer both face-to-face and remote-learning options via platforms such as Zoom and Google-docs; therefore, students do not need to feel constrained by location. I can help with homework; units of study; deeper analysis and revision of set texts; exam practice; mentoring on assignments and essays; revision of school curriculum; and practising grammar and essay-writing - in single or ongoing sessions - and am keen for students to bring the tasks they are working on so that we can build unique skills together. (Ask me about a no-obligation, complimentary 30-min "getting to know you" session to see if we're a good tutoring match!)
I mark practice-essays and exam-papers (VCAA- or IB-style, if that's your preference), offering extensive feedback and conferencing. I also write curriculum programs for home-schooling students on various topics, such as set texts; persuasive and creative writing; and analysis of argument and language.
I can help prepare students for scholarships and entrance exams (having experience with EduTest and others) and, of course, have prepared hundreds of students for NAPLAN over many years.
I have some limited availability for “on the spot” (sudden) tutoring for those who require immediate, one-off assistance with an English quandary, via Zoom ... Just ask me: I might be available RIGHT NOW!
Besides my comprehensive classroom 30 years' full-time experience with Years 7-12 students, I can also be of assistance to Years 1-6 students (as I tutor youngsters, too - both in private enrichment programs and through the Australian Institute of Language), along with undergraduates and adults who are looking for support with their general English and writing skills (including scholarship applications). Furthermore, I have competence in structural editing and proof-reading, and may be of assistance to aspiring writers, journalists and copy-writers.
I love creative writing and reading and am always up for a good book discussion! (Bonus points if the book has an accompanying film!) ☺️
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**LIMITED PLACES remaining for 2024. ✍️
**ON THE SPOT (sudden) tutoring (some evening, weekend and daytime slots - suitable for students with study lessons/free periods - and stand-by list in case of last-minute cancellations). 👩🏫
**Day-time options available for HOME-SCHOOLERS. 🏡
**Preparation for SCHOLARSHIP TESTS. 🎓
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Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities), Deakin University, Geelong (1994)
• Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), Australian Catholic University, Ballarat (1995)
• Graduate Certificate of Religious Education, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat (1995)
• VIT-accredited
• CECV-accredited
• Years 7-12 English
• Years 10-12 Literature
• Years 7-12 Religious Education
• IBMYP-qualified
• VCE-qualified
• NAPLAN and EduTest specialist
I have held consistent full-time teaching positions in secondary schools in both Geelong and Mildura.
I currently work with students enrolled in various programs at the Australian Institute of Language.
I help to create curious, enthusiastic and competent life-long learners, guiding students to consolidate their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Interests
- • Reading
- • Author Encounters at Geelong Regional Libraries
- • Writing (Writing Retreats and Workshops)
- • Copy-writing (through Australian Writers' Centre)
- • Freelance Writing
- • Curriculum Development
Reviews
It was not easy trying to find a Year 12 English Tutor for our daughter. Then we were lucky enough to find Tanya. Right from the beginning she was very accommodating in trying to find the best time suitable for us and made the whole process easy. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was true to her word, made the tutoring session personalised to the needs of our daughter, made herself available to be emailed in between tutoring sessions and emailed my daughter with anything she needed support with. My daughter enjoyed going to Tanya’s for tutoring, she found English easier with Tanyas support.
We found Tanya to be warm, caring, patient and supportive, and her passion for teaching was obvious. Highly recommend.
- By Sue on
14th November 2022
Ms Bistrovic, is an amazing teacher who dedicates her time and energy into making students reach and surpass their potential. She has a very kind manner, understands differing students needs and has an amazing way of making learning fun. I couldn't recommend anyone better suited to tutoring yourself or your child.
- By Lainey Karlich on
19th October 2021
Character references
Tanya is a fantastic tutor and a kind, patient and thoughtful person. Tanya has been my 14 year old sons English teacher for the past 12 months. As my son is homeschooled she wrote him a fabulous year 9 curriculum that kept him up to date with his peers and incorporated books and activities according to my sons preferences and abilities. Being neurodiverse, and experiencing handwriting challenges makes English hard for my son, Tanya was able to work around this and help him to succeed in a kind, calm and positive way. I often catch them in deep meaningful conversations around literature and life in general!. He has learnt so much from Tanya this year and and looks forward to their tutoring sessions continuing. I highly recommend Tanya.
- By Kristy Seear on
23rd December 2022
Tanya is an excellent, very experienced tutor. She is responsive, flexible, sensitive and takes a problem solving approach with my daughter. Having such a skilled tutor work with our girl has been live saving. Highly recommend.
- By Anna Darcey on
20th October 2022
Tanya is an exceptional teacher. She combines a rich knowledge of her subjects with an ability to bring out the best in her students. Tanya models a love of learning through her thirst for knowledge and constant drive to engage with current research. She is a caring teacher who puts her students' needs at the centre of all that she does in an educational setting. She produces engaging materials to support her lessons and shares these resources with her colleagues. Her dedication and drive to provide a rich educational experience for the young people in her charge make her a highly regarded teacher.
- By Jan Egan on
19th October 2021
I have known Tanya for over 15 years and have worked along side her in the same English department. She is very thorough and student centered in her approach. She is up to date with the latest developments in education and applies pedagogy in fun and creative ways that engage the students' interest and love of learning. Students feel they have an ally and mentor and there is an easy relationship between student and teacher. Her ability to zoom in on students' specific needs and where the loopholes are in understanding is her gift.
- By Marise Dieguez on
19th October 2021
