In our last blog, we featured women working in STEM who were at the forefront of the fight against COVID.
In this post, we feature some lovely women a little closer to home: some of our fabulous STEM tutors!
We’re proud of every one of our Red Bird tutors. They work incredibly hard every day helping learners to improve their knowledge and skills, to set goals, and to build their confidence.
We’re often asked by parents if we have female tutors available, particularly for Maths and Science. In fact, the vast majority of our tutors are women! This hasn’t been a conscious decision, but perhaps being a business owned and run by women means that we attract more females?
So let’s take a look at what inspired some of our female tutors to make a career in these subjects and how they’re helping to empower the next generation.
Ray
Tutors: Science
Which STEM subjects did you study at A-Level?
Chemistry and biology.
Why were you drawn to STEM subjects at school? Were you inspired by anyone?
I was interested in the mechanics of the human body, which drew me to Biology. For Chemistry it was the fact that everything interconnected once you knew enough about the topic: it’s fascinating!
What are the best bits about teaching STEM in schools?
When students suddenly realise that what they’re learning links directly to their real-world experiences. It brings the subject to life for them.
Do you see boys and girls engaging equally in STEM subjects in your teaching?
No, there’s still work to do.
What message would you give girls to inspire them to pursue work in STEM areas?
Persue it! You are capable and will experience so many opportunities and grants. Additionally…you will be privileged enough to inspire other young women which is a rewarding feeling!
Colette
Tutors: Maths & Science
Which STEM subjects did you study at A-Level?
Maths, Biology, Chemistry
Why were you drawn to STEM subjects at school? Were you inspired by anyone?
I’ve always had a passion for science and maths, I loved the problem-solving of it all.
What are the best bits about teaching STEM in schools?
When you hear children say, ‘“Wow- so that’s why that happens!”
Do you see boys and girls engaging equally in STEM subjects in your teaching?
Yes, but fewer girls seem to want to study them post-16.
What message would you give girls to inspire them to pursue work in STEM areas?
Scientists are not just old men in lab coats – there are soooo many opportunities out there!
Hayley
Tutors: Maths
Which STEM subjects did you study at A-Level?
Maths, Economics
Why were you drawn to STEM subjects at school? Were you inspired by anyone?
I had a love of maths from a young age. I was inspired by my dad who used to give me maths problems from a young age.
What are the best bits about teaching STEM in schools?
Seeing students engage with maths and understand it when they were previously scared of it. It’s great to see them change their minds when they thought success wasn’t attainable for them.
Do you see boys and girls engaging equally in STEM subjects in your teaching?
No. I have a lot of ESOL students who engage with maths a lot more. UK girls tend to be more scared of it, which is a shame.
What message would you give girls to inspire them to pursue work in STEM areas?
Explore all areas even if it seems out of your comfort zone. You never know, it may become your passion.
Want to know more or fancy getting involved? Check out this incredible charity focussed on supporting women and girls to excel in STEM careers: The Stemettes!
Sally
Owner of Red Bird Tutoring
Sally joined Sue full-time at Red Bird in 2021 after a 15-year career as a Primary Teacher, SENCO and school leader.
She built Red Bird’s website and runs the computer systems that make everything run smoothly.
Since its launch, Red Bird has helped hundreds of learners achieve success!
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