A language school is not just exercises and textbooks, it’s mostly experienced and qualified teachers who have already opened the door for many of our students to the world of English. And they are not only professionals in their field, but also interesting people, world travelers and unique personalities. Let´s get to know them better.
Lucia, a valued member of The Bridge team, is based in Liptovský Mikuláš, and primarily teaches online lessons. Her prior teaching experience in Italy adds valuable experience to our team. In an interview, Lucia reveals an intriguing hobby she has been pursuing in her spare time. Don’t miss the chance to get to know Lucia and her distinctive interests by reading the interview.
Tell us more about your home town, why not moving to Bratislava?
I come from Liptovský Mikuláš and I live here at the moment. I don’t think this town needs much introduction, after all, good things speak for themselves! I am very happy to live here, surrounded by such beautiful nature. Many people leave region and move to Bratislava for work. I was lucky enough to find a teaching job at The Bridge with the possibility to work from home. I’m very grateful for that.
How did you get into teaching English?
It just kind of came gradually and naturally. English was my favourite subject in primary school and I was lucky to have the best teachers who inspired me a lot. So much so that I wanted to spend my free time with them and be like them. Some of them later became my colleagues and friends, because I first went back to teach at my high school, an evangelical bilingual grammar school. And I guess I always had the “teacher” in me, too – even as a child, for example, I invented various worksheets with secrets for my cousin, or later on, improvements for learning.
How many years have you been teaching English?
I started teaching in 2015 and this is my second school year at The Bridge.
How did you get into The Bridge?
I found out about The Bridge through a former colleague of mine who once sent me a link to a quiz on their website. Then I noticed that they were running a workshop for the public about language apps, so I signed up. I was very interested, and from there it was just a step to sending them my CV.
Where have you worked before and why did you decide to move on?
Apart from the high school I mentioned, I also taught at a language school in Italy and for a while at another high school in Liptovský Mikuláš. I chose The Bridge mainly because it allowed me to work from home during the pandemic, but also because of their emphasis on quality, which has always been my priority.
What do you think makes The Bridge different from other schools?
As I mentioned before, quality is at the top of the list along with the needs of both teachers and students. The school strives to implement a humanistic approach to education and also has ecology at its heart. And there is an amazing cultural diversity of teachers, which creates a wonderful intercultural space.
Which part of your job do you like best?
I like to think of new ways to introduce people to English and get them interested. And I love it when I see that I’ve succeeded. When people get over their communication block and just start talking, and when they enjoy using English outside the classroom
What gets on your nerves the most with your students?
Tardiness, lack of interest in developing themselves and when they mistake me for Google translator.
What are you best and worst features?
Probably the best is patience and the worst is that sometimes I take things to heart too much.
What do you do in your spare time?
There are many things I like to do, such as reading books, watching movies, learning Italian, cooking. I also love music, dancing, walks in the countryside or sports. Apart from teaching English, a few years ago I also started caring for people with disabilities.
Fancy improving your English? Email us at kurzy@thebridge.sk or call +421 948 104 916 and maybe lessons with witty gentleman Ben will be just right for you.