Allen P.IB English A: Language and Literature & English Literature Tutor
Exceptional teaching is akin to exceptional house building. The success of the project depends on the solidness of its foundations. (Allen Prosser)
About Allen
Hello. My name is Allen, and I bring 24 years of high school classroom teaching to the tuition experience with me. I spent nine years teaching grades 8-12 in Canada before embarking on an international teaching experience that took me to Honduras (Central America), Seoul (South Korea), and Muscat (Oman). Though now retired from the classroom, I remain active as an online English tutor. I’ve taught IB Diploma English courses since 1991 and have been an IB examiner since 2002. In 2005 I received my Master of English (drama) degree; as for my online work, I’ve been busy assisting students with the IO (Individual Oral), the HL essay, and Paper 1 and 2 preparation this year. I specialize in teaching good writing (thesis formation, close analysis, and essay structure).
Video Introduction
Watch this video to learn more about Allen's teaching approach and experience.
Teaching Experience
Online English Tutor
- I am tutoring English for IB and IGCSE for all levels.
English Teacher
- Grades 8-11 (including IGCSE Literature and Language and IB Diploma Literature SL and HL).
English Teacher
- Grades 9 and 11), General Literature, and AP Language and Literature.
History Teacher
- Grade 12. IB Diploma History SL.
English Teacher
- Grades 8-12 (including IB Diploma Literature SL and HL)
Education
Academic qualifications and achievements
Bachelor of General Studies
Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC
Master of Arts
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia
Teaching Skills & Expertise
Subjects, levels, and qualifications
Subject | Programme | Level | Assignments | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English A: Language and Literature | IB DP | – | Extended EssayIndividual Oral | IB Examiner |
| English A: Literature | IB DP | – | Extended EssayIndividual Oral | IB Examiner |
| English Literature | IGCSE | ExtendedCore | Core Tier ExaminationExtended Tier Examination | Qualified Tutor |
English A: Language and Literature
English A: Literature
English Literature
Teaching Style
My methodology and approach to tutoring
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching is about building relationships. Developing relationships with students demands honesty, integrity, and a deep, deep commitment to caring. A teacher's door and a teacher's heart must always remain open. Teaching is also about knowing your stuff and being passionate about it - good teaching showcases love for the subject. Moreover, in my estimation, education demands a sense of humor. Laughter allows us to come down to earth, greet and celebrate our humanness together. It lubricates the learning gears and oils the academic machinery. It makes the whole darn thing work efficiently. Good hearty laughter yields good hardy learning. Finally, teaching must reveal to students how learning is a joint enterprise requiring reciprocity, perseverance, and courage.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Ask questions that reveal the short-term and long-term needs of the student. The approach needs from a holistic perspective. What might the student need emotionally? What does the student need academically? How does the student feel about tuition, and what are their expectations? Ask what role they anticipate playing in the process. Student as a respected person first, everything else to follow.
What to Expect
Personalized Approach
Tailored to your learning style
Practical Strategies
Easy-to-remember techniques
Exam Preparation
Focused on IB assessments
Student Reviews
What students say about their experience (1 review)
Carlo P.
October 2025
Allen has been extremely helpful in our sessions. He assists with making concepts easier to grasp and apply to upcoming assignments. I appreciate his responsiveness to requests and flexibility. He’s been a joy to work with!